Here is a spin on the traditional pinwheel block that may be fun for a try! Using just two solid colors white and Kona in Cheddar I worked out a great block with a bit of a nautical flair!
I began with 2 inch strips of Kona in Cheddar and white. Cut the strips from the width of the fabric - selvage to selvage. Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, sew the strips together. I pieced mine Cheddar, White, Cheddar, White. Press seams in the direction of the darker fabric.
I began with 2 inch strips of Kona in Cheddar and white. Cut the strips from the width of the fabric - selvage to selvage. Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, sew the strips together. I pieced mine Cheddar, White, Cheddar, White. Press seams in the direction of the darker fabric.
Sub-cut this fabric strip into 6 inch squares....I used a 6 inch square up ruler for perfect squares.
For a pinwheel we need another fabric to go in between and make our pinwheels spin!
So I cut White 6 inch squares....
Pinwheels are simply half square triangles arranged in a pinwheel pattern. Now, we are ready to make our half square triangles an easy way! On the White square draw a diagonal line from corner to corner...
Place a White square- right sides facing- on top of a pieced Cheddar square and pin parallel to the diagonal line {at least 1/4 inch away from the line}.
Now stitch 1/4 inch from the drawn diagonal line....on both sides of the diagonal line. Do not stitch on the diagonal line because this will be your cutting line.
Once you have stitched on both sides of the line, you can cut the two sides apart on the drawn diagonal line.
Open and press the seams toward the pieced fabric. Cut off the dog ears from your block after it is pressed.
It will take two sets of squares to make one complete pinwheel block. Arrange your half square triangles in a pinwheel pattern.
Now you will sew the top half together and the bottom half together {again, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance}. Press the seams toward the pieced fabric. Then sew the top and bottom half together.
If you arrange your pinwheel halves just so...you will end up with another mini-pinwheel in the center!
And you also get this fabulous secondary pattern where the two pinwheel blocks meet! LOVE a good secondary pattern!
This would make a fabulous quilt for you or for a new little one :) Or what about making enough of this 'fabric' to use in a tote pattern? You would be such a hit at your next picnic with a cute pinwheel tote!
Have fun!
Mary
