Double Pinwheel Block Easy Scrappy Style – Tutorial
For some time I’ve been thinking about a Double Pinwheel and how to make this in an easier fashion. I think I’ve come up with something here. I’m excited! Hope you will be too!
Do you remember when Jenny Doan showed us how to make pinwheel blocks using two squares? I do realise, before we go any further that some will find this method technically incorrect, because it means it has bias seams on the outside of the block. As I have mentioned previously this can actually be a great advantage when making these blocks as it does create the ability to “ease” the seams slightly if necessary. This means it’s very easy to create perfect points. If you would like the blocks to be very scrappy, then make two blocks at a time commencing with 8 x3 1/2″ squares and 2 x 6 1/2″ matching background squares.
This method below makes an 8″ X 8” block.
All seams based on 1/4″.
Incidentally, I’m sewing this block today on my 1902 Singer 15 treadle. If you would like to learn to treadle click on the link below.
Ingredients for the Double Scrappy Pinwheel Block
4 of 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ scrap squares medium to dark
1 of 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ square light-colored fabric
Method of Construction
Take the 4 x 3 1/2″ squares arrange in a pleasing manner sew together to make a four patch block. Ensure that seams are nested for a sharp centre. Press.
Take the four patch and the 6 1/2″ light square put right sides together aligning the edges. Put a pin in the centre . Pin the edges if desired. Sew a 1/4″ seam all around the outside of the square.
Take this square to the cutting mat. With the wrong side of the four patch side facing you, use a ruler and rotary cutter to slice through the block. Slice once on each diagonal, using the centre of the four patch as a guide. Now it should look like this.
Open the units. Finger press the centre seams. Arrange the four units so that each unit is next to a differing quadrant and that all the pinwheels are going in the same direction.
Now sew these four units together once again making a four patch.
Now the block should look like this. This block has a lot of possibilities. I’m thinking this will make a very cute baby quilt!
If you would like to see how I used these blocks, here is the link to the quilt pattern and accompanying blocks.
Framing Pinwheels Quilt and Pattern
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like this one.
Endless Scrappy Pinwheels Block
Happy piecing!
All the best,
Susie
Oh my this is the design I have been looking for!! Thank you so much for sharing!!
I love this!!
What is the final size of the pinwheel square?
Dear Julie, it makes an 8” x 8” block.
Can you make this a 10” square
Hi Katherine,
I think Use one of 8 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ square and four of 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ squares. Follow the same method and trim if necessary.
I love Pinwheels and this takes them to another level! Thank you!
belle technique et jolis patch ! merci beaucoup
Merci Beaucoup!
I have a question. When sewing the 4 squares together do you press the seams open, to one side or not at all?
Hi Jane, I don‘t press my seams open. Just to the side, as much as possible towards the darker fabric.
This is so easy and well, I’ve got scraps! Thank you much. This will be a fast charity quilt.
I don’t see the step that attaches the other orange triangle to the pin wheel side.
Ahh that is the beauty of it. It is already there when you cut your units apart!
so pretty, looks like it would be easier!
I just love that, and will be trying it. Great job.
Love your plans. You are correct in that I need a refresher….
I love pinwheels and can hardly wait to make one of these!
Is there a typo on this? I tried this and it did not work. Should the one 6 1/2 inch square be 6 1/2 by 6 1/2 instead of 6 1/2 by 3 1/2? Thank you.
Dear Lisa, yes! Thank you so much for your comment. Now corrected. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Thanks for replying and correcting. I belong to a quilt guild and we do 2 blocks a month for each other and at the end of the year, each lady has enough blocks for a friendship quilt. I made this block for that purpose and it was very easy and really pretty. I can’t wait to share this method with my quilting sisters. I think I need my own quilt made out of these!!
Love this block and so easy to make, thank you. I also have a Singer treadle sewing machine, I don’t use it very often but it sews so well, I am getting the treadle motion down pretty good.
I will make this pinwheel over and over Thankyou.
So cute
Just fantastic and sure I`ll use it many times.Thanks for sharing!
Love this… thanks for the great tutorial! Quilts are such pieces of art, and this is beautiful and simple! Pat