- Background (muslin)
- Dark (indigo)
Block No. 39 · five-patch
Propeller Quilt Block
Also known as Broken Arrows
Part of: Five Patch Quilt BlocksPinwheel Quilt BlocksHalf Square Triangle Quilt Blocks
Propeller uses four broad diagonal blades and small connector squares. The five-grid block is also called Broken Arrows; it is distinct from a four-HST Pinwheel.
- Level
- Intermediate
- Grid
- 5 × 5
- Pieces
- 17
Chart
Cutting for a 10" block
5 × 5 grid. All cuts fall on 1/8" ruler marks. Unfinished block: 10 1/2".
| Fabric | Shape | Cut | Size | Then | Pieces used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Background | Square | 5 | 2 1/2" square | Use as cut | 5 |
| Background | Half-square triangle | 2 | 4 7/8" square | Cut once diagonally (2 triangles each) | 4 |
| Dark | Square | 4 | 2 1/2" square | Use as cut | 4 |
| Dark | Half-square triangle | 2 | 4 7/8" square | Cut once diagonally (2 triangles each) | 4 |
Method
Piecing steps
Step 1: Cut the large HST parent squares, then subcut once diagonally.
Step 2: Sew the large dark and background triangles into four HST units measuring 4 1/2".
Step 3: Pair one background square with one dark square for each side bar. Rotate the large HSTs and bars around the small background center, keeping the dark connector ends inward.
Step 4: Assemble the top, center and bottom rows as shown and press toward the plain patches.
Step 5: Join the sections with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, matching the marked intersections. Press and check the unfinished block measures 10 1/2" square.