Block Library
Pinwheel
A classic quilt block made from four half-square triangle units arranged to create spinning motion. A favorite for beginner quilts, baby quilts, and traditional patchwork.
Why quilters love the Pinwheel
- Strong movement and visual energy
- Great use of contrast fabrics
- Excellent introduction to HST piecing
- Looks traditional or modern depending on fabric
- Repeats beautifully across an entire quilt
Construction at a glance
What you'll work with
- Half-square triangles (HSTs)
- Straight seams
- Bias edges inside units
- No templates required
- Best when trimmed accurately
Common finished sizes
- 6"
- 8"
- 12"
- 16"
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Cutting guide
For a 6" Finished Block
- 2 light squares at 3.875"
- 2 dark squares at 3.875"
These create 4 HST units that trim to 3.5" unfinished.
Tip: Cut squares slightly oversized at 4", then trim HSTs to 3.5" for better accuracy.
Sizing formula: Finished block size ÷ 2 = unfinished unit size
Then use HST sizing method.
- 6" block = 3.5" unfinished HSTs
- 8" block = 4.5" unfinished HSTs
- 12" block = 6.5" unfinished HSTs
How to sew the Pinwheel
- 1
Pair one light square with one dark square, right sides together.
- 2
Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the lighter fabric.
- 3
Sew 1/4" from each side of the line.
- 4
Cut on the drawn line.
- 5
Press units open.
- 6
Trim each HST to the correct unfinished size.
- 7
Arrange four HSTs so the triangles rotate in one direction.
- 8
Sew into two rows.
- 9
Join rows and press flat.
Accuracy tips
- Make HSTs slightly oversized and trim down
- Use a scant 1/4" seam
- Press, don't stretch the bias edge
- Match center seam carefully
- Rotate all units before sewing to confirm spin direction
Common mistakes
- Pinwheel Spins Wrong Way
- One HST is rotated incorrectly.
- Center Doesn't Match
- Units may be trimmed unevenly or seams not aligned.
- Block Too Small
- Seam allowance is too wide.
- Wavy Edges
- Bias edges stretched during pressing.
Fabric ideas
- High contrast solids
- Navy + cream classics
- Scrappy prints
- Seasonal colors
- Two-tone modern palettes
Variations
- Double Pinwheel
- Broken Pinwheel
- Pinwheel Star
- Mini Pinwheel border blocks
Related blocks
- Sawtooth StarConfident Beginner · Traditional
- Friendship StarBeginner · Traditional
- Churn DashConfident Beginner · Traditional
- Nine Patch
Browse all 9 classic quilt blocks with cutting guides and assembly instructions.
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