- Background (muslin)
- Dark (indigo)
Block No. 09 · Four-patch
Pinwheel Quilt Block
Also known as Windmill, Old Windmill, Whirligig
Part of: Four Patch Quilt BlocksPinwheel Quilt BlocksHalf Square Triangle Quilt BlocksEasy Quilt BlocksQuilt Blocks For Beginners
The Pinwheel quilt block pattern arranges four triangle units into a rotating motif. Named for the spinning toy it resembles, this traditional block is an approachable way to practice preserving triangle points.
- Level
- Beginner
- Grid
- 2 × 2
- Pieces
- 8
Chart
Cutting for a 12" block
2 × 2 grid. All cuts fall on 1/8" ruler marks. Unfinished block: 12 1/2".
| Fabric | Shape | Cut | Size | Then | Pieces used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Background | Half-square triangle | 2 | 6 7/8" square | Cut once diagonally (2 triangles each) | 4 |
| Dark | Half-square triangle | 2 | 6 7/8" square | Cut once diagonally (2 triangles each) | 4 |
Method
Piecing steps
Step 1: Cut 2 dark and 2 background half-square triangle parents. Cut each once on the diagonal and sew dark to background. Make 4 units and trim to 6 1/2".
Step 2: Arrange the units so the dark halves rotate around the center, each turned a quarter turn from its neighbor.
Step 3: Sew the top two units and the bottom two units, pressing in opposite directions.
Step 4: Join the rows, matching the center point. Spin the center seam allowance open so it lies flat. The block should measure 12 1/2".