Stitchtale

Pinwheel quilt block

Four triangle squares turn around the middle and the block looks like it's spinning.

4 steps, start to finishWatch the Pinwheel sew up, cut to press.
Sew a Pinwheel quilt

Try it in your colours · Design your own quilt with it

Try it in your colours

Tap a colourway, or pick each fabric. The film at the top changes too.

Colourways

Or pick each fabric

Love it? Find real fabric in these colours at the fabric shop.

Quilts made with the Pinwheel

Cut sizes for one Pinwheel block

Pick the finished size. Every cut includes the ¼″ seam allowance.

Cutting for one 6″ finished Pinwheel block
PieceCutQty
Half-square trianglemain fabric3⅞″ × 3⅞″2
Half-square trianglebackground fabric3⅞″ × 3⅞″2
Cutting for one 9″ finished Pinwheel block
PieceCutQty
Half-square trianglemain fabric5⅜″ × 5⅜″2
Half-square trianglebackground fabric5⅜″ × 5⅜″2
Cutting for one 12″ finished Pinwheel block
PieceCutQty
Half-square trianglemain fabric6⅞″ × 6⅞″2
Half-square trianglebackground fabric6⅞″ × 6⅞″2

In the film the triangle squares start a little big and get trimmed to size, which is the easy way to sharp points. The chart gives the exact cut if you’d rather skip the trim.

Good to know

What size should I make a Pinwheel block?

Any size that suits your quilt. 12″ is the easiest to sew, and 9″ or 6″ look lovely in a busy, scrappy quilt. It sits on a 2 by 2 grid, so a finished size that divides by 2 gives you friendly cutting numbers. The cut sizes for all three are on this page.

How many Pinwheel blocks do I need for a quilt?

At 12″ you need 9 blocks for a wall quilt, 12 for a baby quilt, 30 for a throw, 48 for a twin quilt and 72 for a queen quilt. Sashing or a border between them means fewer blocks for the same size.

Is the Pinwheel good for a beginner?

Yes, if you take it slowly. The one new skill is the half-square triangles, and the film at the top shows every cut, seam and press.

What's the trick to a neat Pinwheel?

Press the last seam open. Eight points meet in the middle and open seams keep that spot flat.

Coffee and a few seams?

Start a quilt with the Pinwheel and we’ll walk you through every cut and seam.

Sew a Pinwheel quilt