easy pinwheel quilt block

This tutorial will show you how to make one easy pinwheel quilt block.   I used a charm pack ( which measures 5"x5") for my printed fabric and some cotton solid that I cut into 5" squares.  You can make any size pinwheel by following the same directions below, just use a larger or smaller square! Each photograph in the tutorial includes two steps that are typed beneath the photograph.

You will need your fabric squares, a straightedge and rotary cutter/mat (or scissors), an iron and your sewing machine

important :: ALL seams are 1/4"

start with your two squares.  lay right sides together.

sew completely around your square sandwich then cut diagonally as shown above using your straightedge to get a crisp cut.

this is what it will look like.  now take your 4 sections and iron seam towards the print (as shown by arrow).

arrange as shown above.  next, take the top tight piece and flip it towards the left piece so that their right sides are facing.  repeat for bottom right piece as well. 

sew along the right edges of the two sandwiches you just made.  then iron the seams to the left as indicated by the red arrow. 

you should have two pieces now that look like the above picture when layed out.  next, flip the top piece down onto the bottom piece creating a sandwich - the right sides should be together. 

sew along the top sandwich seam that has the little 'ear' in the center (see above picture).  next, clip 'ear'.

Open up middle seam and iron flat.  turn over and gently press top.  clip little 'ears' and you are finished!

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Please, do not copy my words and/or images from this project in ANY way, shape or form.  They are my own words and work - I hope that you enjoy the process of creating!  If you liked this project leave me a comment!  Thanks so much~ Susannah

I saw this technique in a YouTube video awhile back and cannot remember the name of the video.  I am just sharing this technique with you - please note I am not taking credit for the design.  If you know of the YouTube video, please feel free to contact me via 'contact' form to let me know so I can give proper credits - thanks!

Comments

[Sarah]

This is fantastic! I've always been apprehensive about doing a pinwheel pattern, but this is great!

[Ali]

How clever! I've just learnt to make pinwheel blocks but had never thought to cut across both diagonals to make all the 'wheels' at once. Thank you for sharing this tutorial.

[Bon]

The video tutorial is from Missouri Star Quilt Company. They have great video tutorials on their web site or on youtube. But you have filled in the details with a great tutorial. Thanks

[Lisa]

Hope this isn't too stupid of a question, but what size are the finished blocks?

[LizA.]

Might I suggest that you starch your squares well before doing this method since this method for half square triangles leaves bias edges on all your straight sides. Bias edges will easily stretch out of shape. Liberal use of starch will help avoid this problem. I've helped many novice quilter's who end up with wavy squares due to bias stretch. I use liquid Niagra starch found at most Target or Walmart stores for less than $2.00/bottle.

[Jenny]

this is amazing...

[Jackie]

What a great idea. I will have to try this!
Thanks

[barbara]

I discovered this method a few months ago. I found a tutorial on Youtube.....anyway, I wanted to show you a quilt I made using this method of making pinwheels.
I enjoy reading your blog
You can see my pinwheel quilt here
http://beebeesquiltsandmore.blogspot.com/2012/02/my-wee-folks-pin-quilt.html

[Susan]

You did a great job showing this block. I have used a different method in a baby quilt and may need to know how to make a pinwheel again someday (since I usually move on to my next quilting challenge). I will be grateful for your tutorial that day, and I will try your clever way. :)

[Lisa]

I wanted you to know I've linked back to you in a post written today. http://pieceworktreasures.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-first-for-me-pinwheel-quilt-block.html
Thank you so much for taking the time to photograph and write this pinwheel tutorial. It was very helpful to me, a newcomer to the world of quilting.