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in Sewing & Quilting· Tutorials & Tips

How to Make a Pinwheel Quilt Block

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The pinwheel quilt block is a true classic! Updated in bright colors, it makes any quilt instantly modern.  Learning how to make this traditional quilt block is easy and is a perfect skill builder for any beginner quilter!

Let’s Get Started!

One of my favorite quilt blocks is the classic pinwheel quilt block.

At it’s core, it’s just a four-patch quilt block made from 4 half-square triangles (HSTs) but when used with fresh colors and fabrics, it is a very modern quilt!

The history of this quilt block goes as far back as the 1800s. The pinwheel represented windmills, with the darker fabric representing the blades.

This is a block where your color choices really do matter! You will want to create high contrast to make your “blades” stand out.

For this tutorial we are making a pinwheel quilt block that measures 6 inches when it is finished (which means it is 6.5″ unfinished). You need four half-square triangles (HSTs) that measure 3.5″ x 3.5″ to make this block.

You can find downloadable instructions to make this easy wall hanging made entirely of pinwheels in The Lucy Bird freebie library! The library is open to all but is password protected. Sign up for my email list and the password will be delivered to you!

Pinwheel Quilt Block | Fabric Requirements:

  • Light Fabric (Fabric A) = two 4-inch squares
  • Dark Fabric (Fabric B) = two 4-inch squares (note: in the photo above, I used I used 2 different fabrics that were the same color but had different tones to them. In some of the process photos below, you’ll see that sometimes I totally mixed up my darker colors! Just be creative!)

Pinwheel Quilt Block | Process

  • pinwheel quilt block
  • pinwheel quilt block
  1. Layer one square A with square B, right sides together.  It will be helpful if your lighter square is on top.  Draw a diagonal line on top square from corner to corner.
  2. Sew a ¼” seam along each side of the drawn line.
  3. Cut along the drawn line.  This yields 2 half-square triangle (HST) units.
  4. Square up each unit to 3.5” square. VERY IMPORTANT!
  5. Press seams to darker side.
  • pinwheel quilt block
  • pinwheel quilt block

Each set of 4-inch squares yields 2 half square triangles.You like have noticed that HSTs are used EVERYWHERE in quilting.

  • pinwheel quilt pattern

Half-square triangles are THE PERFECT foundation block and in this case, you use four of them together to build a pinwheel quilt block!

Build your Pinwheel

Since a pinwheel quilt block is just a fancy four-patch quilt block, it comes together easily from here!

Take four half-square triangle and arrange them like a pinwheel (meaning the dark fabric keeps turning in a clock-wise pattern.)

Sew the top row together. Press to one side. Then sew the bottom row together, keeping in mind to press to the opposite side.

Now nest the seam together and build your perfect four-patch (AKA PINWHEEL!)

Repeat these steps to make a perfect quilt block!

If you loved the pinwheel, put your skills to the test and make this entire wall hanging! I promise it’s not too complicated and comes together quickly!

Grab your download here!

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The Lucy Bird Connection

the.lucy.bird

Hello I’m Steph!
I ❤️ to tell stories, sew, scrapbook, paint, woodwork, DIY, and collect junk...
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The Lucy Bird
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Hop on over (link in profile).
They have all had their official portraits taken a They have all had their official portraits taken and were safely stowed in a safe place (or at least I think it was safe).
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I have decided my two rascally pups will not be responsible for stopping Easter and spring gnomes from getting into your homes!
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Etsy restock will be done by noon central time!
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And dare I say, these are the cutest ones yet! 
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But I know I say that every time!
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UPDATE: The crime scene is taped off and the crimi UPDATE: The crime scene is taped off and the criminals have been booked.
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At approximately 9:45 am the call came in 🚨. 
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Two criminals remained at large after looting The Lucy Bird headquarters (aka basement).
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Inside job. 
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Authorities have no reason to believe it could happen to you!
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After questioning, it turns out the loveys that the gnomes are holding were mistaken for “squeaker toys”. 
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In what has been recorded as the “squeaker toy heist of 2021” multiple gnomes were damaged and carelessly strewn about. 
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The carnage was real.
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Some may never use their legs or feet again 😔.
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The perps? 
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They were proud and “showboated” the their loot around the house, tossing it into the air with reckless abandon.
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It was this evidence that led authorities to the scene.
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They will be thrown the book. 
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For further updates please check back. This is an ongoing investigation and details will be made public when available.
I know I’m ready for spring because I want to mo I know I’m ready for spring because I want to monkey around with bunnies and rainbows! 🌈 
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Have you ever wondered what I keep in these lockers and how I sort and store my quilting and crafting supplies?
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Any interest in a blog post on it?
Once the temperatures hit “melting” I was so r Once the temperatures hit “melting” I was so ready for spring!
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This first batch would be perfect for Easter or could just be “neutral” for spring!
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I’ve been getting some requests for gnomes that could be used year round (ie not so seasonal looking) and these guys are it!
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Ps: the lovey I put on them is just attached with a pin, so could be easily swapped out and your gnome could hold something new.
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These be hitting the shop soon!
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I am struggling with the size of balls. . Pom poms I am struggling with the size of balls.
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Pom poms.
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I’m talking about pom pom balls.
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Trying out a new pom pom maker where supposedly you can make 4 at a time, but so far I have just wasted yarn in quad-like speed.
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Tell me, if you were making balls for bunny butts (swipe, and you’ll know), then what is you go to pom pom maker?
It’s available today! 🌈 Go grab your FREE p It’s available today! 
🌈 
Go grab your FREE pattern for this perfect little pinwheel wall hanging!
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This will come together quickly and is a great skill builder for new quilters! 

Looking forward to seeing your color combinations! You can turn this tradition block into something modern with fun and fresh fabric!
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Full YouTube video is available and a pdf download is on my website!
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Tag your creations and let’s connect!
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 #tula #tulapink #tulapinkfabric #tulatroops #freespiritfabrics #tulapinktruecolors #tulapinkhomemade #quilting #quiltingismytherapy #quiltsofinstagram #quiltersofinstagram #ilovesewing #sewing #sewityourself  #sewingproject #handmade #makerlife #pinwheelquilt #freequiltpattern #freequiltblockpatterns #freequiltpatterns #pinwheelquiltblock #patchwork #patchworkquilt #patchworkquilts #patchworkquilting #quiltingtutorial #quiltingtutorials #beginnerquilter #beginnerquilting
A few years ago my husband and I were in Ireland 🇮🇪 cruising the countryside.
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We took a carriage ride through the Gap of Dunloe and our driver kept calling me “Hey Lady”.
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“Hey Lady! You want a picture?”
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“Hey Lady! You look scared” (fact: horses scare the 💩 out of me because they are large, fast and unpredictable)
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“Hey lady! Are you Irish!?”
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I told him I was not and then he said something like, “I knew that!” And he proceeded to puff out his cheeks like a chipmunk and he said, “your cheeks are too big to be Irish”
☘️ 
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I don’t know what that clown totally meant by that, but I will say his gratuity suffered.
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These tall gangly Irish gnomes are in my #etsyshop and I swear they will NOT give you grief about the size of your cheeks!”
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They have manners!
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Link ☝🏼in profile ☘️
I spent the weekend double checking the measuremen I spent the weekend double checking the measurements and she is ready!
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Full blog post and video on how to make a perfect pinwheel will drop on Tuesday. 
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There will also be a pattern on how to make a wall hanging that is cute, fun and can be pieced together in less than a weekend.
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Make sure you check back for ALL the details! 
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#tula #tulapink #tulapinkfabric #tulatroops #freespiritfabrics #tulapinktruecolors #tulapinkhomemade #quilting #quiltingismytherapy #quiltsofinstagram #quiltersofinstagram #ilovesewing #sewing #sewityourself  #sewingproject #handmade #makerlife #pinwheelquilt #freequiltpattern #freequiltblockpatterns #freequiltpatterns #pinwheelquiltblock #patchwork #patchworkquilt #patchworkquilts #patchworkquilting #quiltingtutorial #quiltingtutorials #beginnerquilter #beginnerquilting
Today my husband and I celebrated double-digit tem Today my husband and I celebrated double-digit temperatures ☀️ by getting out. of. the. house!
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We ate cheeseburgers and drank beer. 
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We scoured 2 antique shops and emerged with an arm load of goodies.
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We hit up a quilt shop and while he was encouraging as he followed me around, it quickly became annoying to have a husband trailing me.
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So I bought 5 fat quarters and made a mental note to return without him under foot! 
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He’s a good sport though! This vintage lunch box was one of my finds! 
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Hope you have double digits ☀️ wherever you are at!!
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#thriftstorefinds #thrifting #vintagestyle #secondhand #thriftedfinds #thriftedstyle #thriftedhome #fatquarters #quilting #quiltingismytherapy #quiltsofinstagram #quiltersofinstagram #ilovesewing #sewing #sewityourself  #sewingproject #handmade #makerlife
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