Is it just me, or do pinwheels remind you of summer? In my case, pinwheels take me back to those days when I would play with the shiny toy in the summer sun. The spinning colors would fascinate me during those long, hot days. That is why I thought I would show you how to make a large flying a pinwheel quilt block this month.

While I’m writing this pattern because it is the sixth block in my 2021 Stars of the Prairie Mystery Quilt, it is a nice design all on its own. Great for scrap busting, it is an easy block to make. It is also nice and big, measuring a whopping 18 1/2″.

I’m loving these larger blocks. They are perfect for highlighting your favorite new fabrics. Because of the size, you can easily make one and have a great little wall hanging or table topper.

If you are participating in my 2021 mystery quilt, the instructions for the month can be found at the end of this tutorial. It’s a free mystery quilt with a new block introduced each month. The big reveal and top assembly gets done in December.

If you are here for the quilt block tutorial, but not for the mystery quilt, then scroll down a little bit for the instructions.

*Download the Free Flying Pinwheel Quilt Block Pattern Here*

Please read all instructions carefully before starting

These instructions are for one block. Use a scant 1/4″ seam allowance throughout.

Supplies Needed

Along with the fabric, you will need some general quilting supplies.

• Cutting mat
• 12 1/2″ square Quilter’s Ruler
• Rotary Cutter
• Sewing Supplies

How to Make a Large Flying Pinwheel Quilt Block (18 1/2″)

Fabric Needed:

Background Fabric: 1/3 yard, Fabric A: Fat quarter, Fabric B: Fat quarter

Cutting Instructions:

Background Fabric:

• 8 squares cut 5 inches by 5 inches
• 2 squares cut 5 ¾ inches by 5 ¾ inches

Fabric A:

• 2 squares cut 5 ¾ inches by 5 ¾ inches

Fabric B:

• 4 squares cut 5 ¾ inches by 5 ¾ inches

Video Tutorial

Block Assembly:

Making the Half Square Triangles

To make the half square triangles you will need the 5 ¾ inch squares. Match the squares up as follows:

• Background Fabric with Fabric B: 2 pairs
• Fabric A with Fabric B: 2 pairs

On each of the pairs, draw a diagonal line on the back (wrong) side of the lighter fabric. This will be your sewing guide.

Line up each pair of squares with front (right) sides facing each other.

Using a ¼ inch seam allowance, sew along both sides of the drawn diagonal line.

Cut down the center, along the drawn line. You will end up with two blocks that need to be pressed open.

Trim them down to 5 inches square. Repeat with the other pairs. You will end up with 8 half square triangles.

Lay out your blocks as shown. Sew together the individual rows first and then sew the rows together.

The block should measure 18 ½ inches square.

If You Are Participating in the 2021 Stars of the Prairie Mystery Quilt:

You need to make 1 of these blocks this month.

Feel free to join in the mystery quilt fun. You can find all of the details in this article.

In addition, I have this FB group for people who are participating. It’s a fun place to see what other people are doing for their blocks.

What we’ve done so far:

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May

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. Therefore, 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 *