Basic Blocks PLUS.....

Basic Blocks PLUS... is a series of instructions to make traditional 12" block patterns PLUS instructions for making the same block in 6", 8" or 10" dimensions.

This set of instructions is for the Pinwheel block. According to Red Dawn’s Timeline of History of Quilting in America, the Pinwheel block was first expressed in 1795. This makes the Pinwheel block very old indeed.

Here is a picture of the Pinwheel block:

Here is a black and white labelled map of the Pinwheel block:

The Pinwheel is a very simple block to make, and is a pleasing pattern when used with two colors only. For Example:

Cutting Instructions

Cutting Instructions for making a 6” block
Template A: 2 x 3 7/8" Blue Fabric
Template B: 2 x 3 7/8" Red Fabric

Cutting Instructions for making a 8" block
Template A: 2 x 4 7/8" Blue Fabric
Template B: 2 x 4 7/8" Red Fabric

Cutting Instructions for making a 10" block
Template A: 2 x 5 7/8” Blue Fabric
Template B: 2 x 5 7/8” Red Fabric

Cutting Instructions for making a 12" block
Template A: 2 x 6 7/8" Blue Fabric
Template B: 2 x 6 7/8" Red Fabric

Sewing Instructions

Step 1: Using the instructions for the Half Square Triangle Units, make 4 HSTU from the blue and red fabric.

Step 2: Place the four blocks according to the picture following.

Step 3: Sew the two Units on the top row together, using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Step 4: Sew the two Units on the bottom row together, using a 1/4" seam allowance

Step 5: Sew the top row to the bottom row.

Congratulations! This block is complete.