Today’s tutorial is how to make a pinwheel quilt block. Beginner friendly instructions along with a free pinwheel quilt pattern below.
Today we are continuing on our journey making different quilt patterns with half square triangles or HSTs. The last pattern was a Chevron Throw Quilt using 12 Fat Quarters or Five Yards of Fabric which has a stunning secondary design.
This week I’m sharing my pinwheel quilt pattern using left over half square triangles from the Chevron quilt. Just trying to bust through some of my stash and make room for new fabrics. So, if you’ve been searching for the perfect pinwheel quilt pattern, you’re in the right place. This tutorial and free quilt pattern is beginner friendly and is fun to make.
Finished quilt top measures 49″ by 57″.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the steps to create perfect pinwheel quilt blocks, simple blocks for beginners. Plus, I’m offering a free throw size pinwheel quilt block pattern with instructions below featuring this fun design. So, grab your fabric and sewing machine, and let’s move onto fabric options for this project!
Fabric Options for Pinwheel Quilt Pattern
You can use any fabric for this pattern except jelly rolls. Here are fabric options you can use: fabric yardage, fat quarters, fabric stash or layer cake squares. All make great options but will need to be cut and sub cut prior to sewing. The easy way is to use precut charm packs. Charm packs consist of around 40 – 5″. You will need 5″ charm squares to get a 4.5″ finished half square triangle. This quilt block tutorial sample quilt is made with Lori Holt Prim by Riley Blake Designs, cut into 5″ x WOF strips, then sub cut into 5″ squares. I used white blocks for the background squares, also cut into 5″ squares.
You will need the following quilting skills to complete this pattern successfully: half square triangles, nesting seams, free motion quilting OR can straight line stitch on a domestic sewing machine. So basically quilters of all skill levels should be able to complete this beautiful pattern with ease.
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THIS OUT!
After you read this post, make sure you also check out How To Learn How To Quilt: Beginner Quilting Guide. It’s jam packed with even more information, links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. It also has a section with free quilt patterns that are great for beginners. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!
Grab a copy of my Quilt Planning Journal, filled with graph paper and some note pages to help you design at least 4 quilts or sewing projects! I have been using mine for a little while and already I am jotting down ideas as I see them and reminders about websites where I have seen some ‘must have’ fabric, so I think this can be so much more than just a design book. Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished quilts and enjoy your creative process! Click the bar below.
Materials Needed – Pinwheel Quilt Pattern
Materials You’ll Need
- Print and Background fabric: Choose a variety of colors and patterns that complement each other. Fat quarters are a great option for a diverse selection without buying large cuts. Precut charm packs or layer cakes are another excellent choice. Great stash buster for 5″ squares. See fabric requirements below for 5″ square quantities.
- Cutting mat, rotary cutter, and quilting ruler: These tools will help you cut your fabric pieces accurately.
- Sewing machine and coordinating thread: A basic sewing machine will do wonders for your quilting journey.
- Iron and ironing board: Essential for achieving crisp, polished seams.
- Pins and safety pins: These will help keep your fabric pieces in place during sewing and quilting.
Cutting Measurements – Pinwheel Quilt Pattern
Finished quilt top measures 49″ by 57″.
Fabric Measurements:
84 – 5″ background squares
84 – 5″ print squares
Backing and binding fabric
Make Half Square Triangles (HSTs)
First thing you need to do is cut your fabric to the measurements above. Now it’s time to make the half square triangles. Take 1 – 5″ print square and 1 – 5″ background square, place right sides together. Next, draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner using a pencil, pen or fabric marker. Sew a quarter inch seam line down both sides of the diagonal line. Cut the square in half, cutting directly on the diagonal line to create two half square triangles (HSTs). Square up with square quilting ruler to 4.5″.
If you are brand new to quilting and don’t know how to make half square triangles (HSTs), check out my tutorial How to Make Half Square Triangles (HSTs) – Easy Formula Chart.
How to Make a Classic Pinwheel Block
The pinwheel block is an easy block to make using four half square triangles. Use the half square triangles you made in the step above to form blocks.
Arrange and Sew Pinwheel Blocks
Arrange your half-square triangles into a pinwheel pattern (as shown below), with the contrasting fabrics forming a pinwheel design in the center. Sew the top half square triangles together by placing the square on the right facing down on the square on the left. Nest the seams and pin in place then sew together using a quarter inch seam allowance. Now repeat this step for the squares on the bottom.
Pro Tip: Nesting your seams before you sew is the key to sewing these blocks.
Finally, take the two rows and sew together using a quarter inch seam allowance to form the block. Press the seams open for a flat and neat finish.
Chain sewing the rows together to complete the classic pinwheel block. That’s all there is to making these easy blocks. Also, I didn’t trim any of these blocks before forming the quilt top. You shouldn’t have to either.
Written Instructions – Pinwheel Quilt Pattern (Free)
Simple Pinwheel Quilt Pattern:
Now that you’ve mastered the pinwheel quilt block, let’s incorporate it into a lovely throw size quilt pattern. For a throw quilt measuring approximately 49″ by 57″ here’s what you’ll need:
- 42 pinwheel blocks (created following the steps above)
Arranging Pinwheel Pattern
- Arrange the pinwheel blocks into six rows of seven blocks each (refer to the picture above).
- Sew the blocks together to form rows, then sew the rows together to form quilt top. Using a quarter inch seam allowance.
Sashing and Border (Optional)
Border fabric (4 inches wide) for the outer edge of the quilt (optional). For a more modern quilt, omit the border. Add the border fabric to the quilt top, sewing the border strips to the top and bottom first, then the sides. For more information on sashing, check out How to Make Quilt With Sashing and Cornerstones.
Basting Quilt
Time to make a quilt sandwich with your quilt top, batting and backing fabric. Baste the layers together with 505 Adhesive Spray Baste or curved quilting safety pins. For more info, check out How to Sandwich a Quilt Step-By-Step Tutorial.
Quilting On Domestic Sewing Machine
You can opt for straight line quilting, free motion quilting, or any other quilting design that inspires you. For more info, check out How to Machine Quilt With Walking Foot for Beginners.
Attaching Binding
Once quilting is complete, bind the edges of your quilt to give it a polished look. Make double fold binding using 2.5″ x WOF strips until it’s long enough to fit around entire quilt. Sew strips together to form one long continuous strip. For more info, check out How Wide to Cut Quilt Binding and Make Easy Strips and How to Join Quilt Binding Ends, Beginner Series
Pinwheel Quilt Pattern – BEGINNER QUILTING SUPPLIES
Here are some quilting tools and supplies I recommend. I make a small commission if you purchase through the links, this helps to support this free content. For more info, check out Supplies for Beginners (Best Tools To Start).
Rotary Mat Cutting Mat (Self-Healing Mat)
28 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades
45 mm Rotary Cutter with Sharp Blade (start with this one)
45 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades (start with this one)
60 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades
4.5″ Square Ruler for half square triangles
12.5″ Square Ruler for blocks
Sewing Machine Beginner (see my about me page for more info on sewing machines for beginners to the one I use today).
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Sew Nikki Free Resources
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Pinwheel Table Topper Pattern – Jolly
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Chevron Placemat Quilt Pattern
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ABOUT SEW NIKKI
If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! My name is Nikki. I’m a weekend quilter, have a super small sewing space and taught myself how to sew and quilt by watching YouTube videos! My blog has How-To’s, Free Patterns and Pattern Reviews. Read more about me here.
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Want to learn how to crochet? Then check out this post, How to Learn How to Crochet – Guide for Beginners.
Jeanie-Marie
So helpful! Awesome information.
Mariah
I’ve always wanted to make a pinwheel quilt. Thanks for the post!