Spinning triangles make for a summery look with this sweet block
PINWHEEL BLOCK
A Pinwheel block is made up of four
Half-square Triangle (HST) units, which
are sewn together to form a pretty
spinning effect. Quilts made with these
blocks give a wonderful sunny feel (think
beach days and retro sweets) that’s hard
to resist. But before you jump in, you’ll
need to know how to sew the basic
Half-square Triangle units that join
together to make a Pinwheel block –
see page 83 for our step-by-step guide.
The example below makes a Pinwheel
block that’s 8in square unfinished (7½in
once pieced into a quilt). See specific
project instructions for notes on what size
block is required for a particular quilt.STEP ONE
Make four Half-square Triangle units
using the two-in-one method illustrated
on page 8 3. Trim each unit down to
measure 4/in square.STEP THREE
Sew the two halves of the block together,
so that each of the triangles lie next to
a contrasting colour, as shown here.STEP TWO
Arrange the four HST units as shown above
and sew the HSTs together in pairs. Press
the seam of one unit in the opposite
direction to the other unit.STEP FOUR
Press the seams open or to one side
and you will have completed your very
first Pinwheel block!