“Spinning Pinwheels” Block of the Month

Block 12: Diamond Pinwheel Star

Cutting Instructions:

From light fabric (this will be the background) cut twelve squares 2 ¾ x 2 ¾inches

and two squares 3 ¼ x 3 ¼ inches

From dark fabric cut two squares 3 ¼ x 3 ¼ inches and four rectangle 2 ¾ x 5 inches

  • Mark ¼ inch on each side of center diagonal on wrong side of the two dark 3 ¼ inch squares. .
  • Place the two marked dark squares right sides together (RST) with background fabric squares. Sew along the marked lines, just a needle width to the inside of the lines (see photo 1).
  • Cut apart on the center diagonal of each square. Press seams toward the dark fabric. Trim each half square triangle unit to 2 ¾ inches. Be sure to line up the 45 degree angle ruler on the center diagonal when trimming.
  • You should have four half square triangle units that measure 2 ¾ x 2 ¾ inches (photo 2).
  • Mark the center diagonal on the wrong side of eight light 2 ¾ x 2 ¾ inch squares (set the other four squares aside until we lay out the block).
  • Place a marked light square RST with a dark rectangle lining up the square with a short side of the rectangle. Make sure the marked diagonal is positioned like the one in photo 3. Sew a needle width toward the triangle side of the marked line.
  • Trim off triangle leaving ¼ inch seam allowance (photo 4). Press seam toward triangle (photo5).
  • Place a second light triangle on other side of each rectangle keeping marked lines parallel (see photo 6). Sew a needle width toward the triangle side of the marked line. Trim off triangle leaving ¼ inch seam allowance (photo7). Press seam toward triangle. You should have four units like the one in photo 8 that measure 2 ¾ x 5 inches.
  • Use a ¼ inch seam allowance to sew each half square triangle to a light square as seen in photo 9. Press seam toward square.
  • Lay out the half square triangle units you just made with a diamond unit below each as seen in photo 10. To line up points, mark a line ¼ inch from edge on wrong side of diamond unit. Use a pin to line up the seam of the diamond unit on your marked line with the seam between the half square triangle and the square (see photo 11). Sew then press seam toward the diamond unit. You will have four identical sections that measure 5 x 5 inches.
  • Rotate these sections to layout final block as seen in photo 12. Use a pin to line up points of half square triangle with the edge of the diamond as you did in the previous step. Sew top row together. Press seam toward diamond unit (right). Sew bottom row together. Press seam toward diamond unit (left).
  • Use pins to match points where half square triangle points meet diamond edges and the center of the block. Careful pinning is essential for this block. Sew two halves together. Press seam toward top.
  • Block should measure 9 ½ by 9 ½
Don’t forget to bring your finished block to the shop by February 28 to receive an entry for our gift card raffle to be held after the 12 blocks are complete.
You now have 12 blocks.Time to plan the layout of your blocks. If you want a larger quilt, put the blocks on point. Will you layout the blocks 4 rows of 3 blocks with sashing and cornerstones? Maybe your cornerstones can be little pinwheels? I am available to meet with anyone who wants help or ideas for finishing the quilt top. Call or stop in the shop to make arrangements.
We will have a Spinning Pinwheels social in late spring when everyone can show off their completed quilt tops. Please be sure to sign up so we can let you know when the event will be held.
photo 14 / Photo 1
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Photo 12
Photo 13