How to Make a Perfect Pinwheel Quilt Block
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Inside: How to Make a Perfect Pinwheel Quilt Block
The Pinwheel Quilt Block is an ideal project to welcome summer! I love the pinwheel shape because it is a reminder of warm and breezy summer days.
This Pinwheel Quilt Block is shown in patriotic colors, just in time for Memorial Day and the 4th of July! The quilt block is super easy and looks great in a variety of fabrics as long as there is sharp color contrast.
There are many ways to make a Pinwheel Quilt Block but this technique is no-fail and all of the points will match!
Pinwheel Quilt Block – Materials List
- Red Fabric (I used Kona Red #1308)
- Blue Fabric (I used Kona Windsor #1389)
Pinwheel Quilt Block – Supply List
- Sewing Machine
- Cotton Thread (I recommend Aurifil 50 wt.)
- Sewing Pins
- Fabric Marking Tool
- Rotary Cutter with sharp blade
- Acrylic Ruler
- Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
- Iron & Ironing Board
Pinwheel Quilt Block – Cutting & Marking
- Qty (2) 6 7/8″ x 6 7/8″ (Kona Red #1308)
- Qty (2) 6 7/8″ x 6 7/8″ (Kona Windsor #1389)
One frustration that many quilters have with pinwheel blocks is getting all of those points to match in the middle. Have no fear, there is an easy way to achieve this.
The secret to accurate piecing is marking your sewing lines on your cut fabric pieces. Marking sewing lines helps you maintain your scant quarter inch seam allowance, which leads to excellent quilt blocks.
- Draw a diagonal line on both Blue blocks.
- Measure 1/4″ from your middle diagonal line and draw two more lines, 1/4″ on either side of your original diagonal line.
- Place your Blue blocks directly on top of your Red blocks while ensuring that your marking is facing out. You will use the two outer lines as your sewing guide.
- Cut both block units in half on the middle diagonal line. This will give you half square triangle units.
- Press your seams to the Blue side and arrange your blocks for assembly.
Pinwheel Quilt Block – Assembly
One thing to remember, a Pinwheel Quilt Block is really only four half square triangles. Here’s a quick refresher on HST’s.
- Step One: Using a quarter inch seam allowance, sew the bottom blocks together. Set your seam with a hot iron and then press the seam towards the blue fabric.
- Step Two: Sew the top blocks together, using a quarter inch seam allowance. Set your seam with a hot iron and then press the seam towards the blue fabric.
- Step Three: Align the block sets so that the middle seams nest together. Sew the top unit to the bottom unit, using a quarter inch seam allowance. Set your seam with a hot iron and press the joining seam open.
- Step Four: If necessary, trim your block to 12 1/2 inches square.
If you prefer a diagram, these also explain the steps:
Don’t you just love this block? I especially love these colors together. This color combination looks great all summer! You could decorate for Memorial Day and leave this up through Independence Day!
The options for this simple quilt blocks are endless! You could make several more for a festive Quilt or a few more for a nice Table Runner.
You could even turn this single quilt block into a Patriotic Throw Pillow!
The Pinwheel Quilt Block is a really fun and simple quilt block. I hope you make lots and lots of them!
Did you like this post? Check out a few of the other Quilt Blocks in this Series.