pinwheel blockThis week's block is a Pinwheel block. This block works well in both the 8" and 12" size. The patch quantities are for one block, so depending upon your final quilt size you can easily figure out the total patches needed. Included is an example quilt layout, using this block, so you can see the additional patterns that present themselves when the blocks are put together. AccuQuilt GO! Dies and rotary cutting instructions are provided.

Fabric

Fabric A - Light Tan fabric
Fabric B - Orange fabric

 

AccuQuilt GO! Dies

8" Block

Cut 4 Fabric A Squares - GO! Square 2 1/2" 55059 or Value Die 55018 or use 55014 or 55017 2 1/2" Strip Cutter, then rotate 90° and sub cut into 2 1/2" squares

Cut 12 Fabric A Triangles - Go! Half Square 2" Finished Triangles: Die 55063 or Value Die 55018

Cut 12 Fabric B Triangles - Go! Half Square 2" Finished Triangles: Die 55063 or Value Die 55018

12" Block

pinwheel-exCut 4 Fabric A Squares - GO! Square 3 1/2" 55006

Cut 12 Fabric A Triangles - Go! Half Square 3" Finished Triangles: Die 55009

Cut 12 Fabric B Triangles - Go! Half Square 3" Finished Triangles: Die 55009

 

Rotary Cutting

8" Block

Cut 4 - 2 1/2" squares from Fabric A

Cut 6 - 2 7/8" squares for half square triangles from Fabric A

Cut 6 - 2 7/8" squares for half square triangles from Fabric B

12" Block

pinwheel-quiltCut 4 - 3 1/2" Squares from Fabric A

Cut 6 - 3 7/8" squares for half square triangles from Fabric A

Cut 6 - 3 7/8" squares for half square triangles from Fabric B

 

Block Assembly Instructions

1. Assemble twelve Fabric A and Fabric B half square triangles. Refer to the Half Square Triangles from Squares diagram if using rotary cut pieces or visit the Half Square Triangles Quilting Basic Section for more information.

2. Finger press the seam allowances toward the darker fabric. Double check measurements of the half squares. If doing the 8" block, your half squares should measure 2 1/2" unfinished. If doing the 12" block, your half squares should measure 3 1/2" unfinished. If the square ended up too small, check your seam allowance is a scant 1/4" or if it was too big, trim down.

Half square triangles made from squares3. Arrange the four squares from Fabric A and twelve half square triangles cut from Fabric A and Fabric B as shown in the exploded view.

4. Starting with the first row, align, pin and sew the squares and half square triangles together to form the first row unit. Sew the remaining three rows in the same manner.

5. Press the seam allowances of each unit in opposite directions to make it easier to nest the seams.

6. Match the seam lines in the first and second row, nesting the seams then pin. Sew the first and second units together. Continue to add the third and fourth row units in this manner. Press the block on the back then the front.