Dancing Pinwheel block

myQuiltGenie
Dancing Pinwheel block

1 - 12 inch block from 44 inch fabric bolt width

Half square triangle units are all that's used to make this block. A secondary pinwheel is revealed with the third fabric when at least four blocks are put together.

[top]Settings

Block size Here is Jeanne's
Number of blocks
Fabric bolt width

[top]Fabrics

Fabric 1: 
Cut 8 - 37/8 inch squares.
Fabric 2: 
Cut 4 - 37/8 inch squares.
Fabric 3: 
Cut 4 - 37/8 inch squares.

[top]Half square triangle units

Figure 1
  1. Match 1 square of each fabric right sides together.
  2. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on wrong side of lighter fabric.
  3. Sew 1/4 inch seam on both side of diagonal line.
  4. Cut units apart on drawn diagonal line.
  5. Press seam to one side.
  6. Makes 2 units.

Unit A - fabrics 1 & 2; make 8.
Unit B - fabrics 1 & 3; make 8.

[top]Block instructions

Dancing Pinwheel layout

Using 8 each of unit A & B, sew block together as shown in layout with 1/4 inch seam allowance. Press seams to one side.

[top]Tip: Put desired fabrics right sides together and then cut squares. This way, square pairs will already be matched.