How to Make a 6 1/2″ Pinwheel Quilt Block
Originally part of my 2020 Sparkling Sampler Mystery Quilt Along, this tutorial shows you how to make the fun and easy Pinwheel quilt block. For the mystery quilt, we made two blocks, so the information listed in this article is for 2 of them. Adjust accordingly, depending on how many blocks you want to make.
As summer starts winding down, there are still plenty of hot days left. When I was a child I would play outside for as long as I could to make those days last before school started. The August mystery quilt along block reminds me of those carefree summer days. It’s the easy and popular Pinwheel block.
Using the half square triangle technique that we have used in previous months, the block comes together quickly. The trickiest part is getting that center point as sharp as possible. It helps to press well and maintain that 1/4 inch seam allowance.
This months’ design really shows off the fabric because there are not as many pieces in it. We are making two blocks that measure 6 1/2 inches by 6 1/2 inches.
Pick your favorite fabrics and let’s get started on this months’ block!
*Download the Free PDF Pattern for the August Mystery Quilt Along Block Here*
Requirements for Fabric
- Fabric A – Fat Eighth
- Fabric B – Fat Eighth
The fabrics I used for this were all from Moda and include Kelly Green on White from the Essential Dots collection. The blue fabric is called Thimble Dot Blue and is from the Sweet Harmony collection by American Jane Fabrics.
The block in the video tutorial is made up of various fabrics from my stash.
Items That May Help Make This Block
You can find many of the items that I used to make this project in my Amazon Store.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Video Tutorial
Cutting (For both blocks)
- Four squares of Fabric A cut 4 ¼ inch by 4 ¼ inch squares
- Four squares of Fabric B cut 4 ¼ inch by 4 ¼ inch squares
Block Assembly (For one block)
For each block, you will need four half square triangle units.
Follow these easy steps to make those units.
Draw a diagonal line on the back (wrong) side of the square of fabric A (or the lighter of the two fabrics). This will be your sewing guide.
Line up the squares with the front (right) sides facing each other.
Using a scant ¼ inch seam allowance, sew along both sides of the diagonal line drawn earlier.
Cut down the center, along the line that was drawn earlier. You will have two blocks that now need to be pressed open.
Trim the blocks down so they measure 3 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches.
Repeat until you have 4 half square triangles.
Sew the Block Together
Lay out the half square triangles as shown above.
First, sew the individual rows together.
Finally, sew the two rows together.
Repeat the steps to make a second August mystery quilt along block. The blocks should measure 6 ½ inches by 6 ½ inches.
See you next month!
September’s Clue: In old days, people didn’t have to run fast to make butter.
Feel free to join in the quilt along. You can find all of the details here.
I also have this FB group for people who are participating. It’s a fun place to see what other people are doing for their blocks.
Check out what fun blocks we’ve done so far!
Show off your progress on social media! Make sure to use the hashtag #createwithclaudiaqal if you post any pictures!
*This mystery quilt along is for entertainment purposes only. There are no prizes or giveaways.* Best efforts have been made to ensure that the instructions are correct, however sometime errors occur. If you have any questions, please contact us at claudia{at}createwithclaudia{dot}com*
