Are you looking to add a touch of whimsy, texture and visual interest to your quilting projects? Look no further than the fascinating 3D pinwheel quilt pattern. This eye-catching design creates an illusion of depth and movement, with its clever arrangement of triangles that appear to rotate when pieced together. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting out, we’ll show you how to create your very own stunning 3D pinwheel quilt.
This is a perfect pattern for quilters of all skill levels. It is a basic four-patch quilt block with twisted triangles added in the seams.
How to Make the 3D Pinwheel Quilt Block
Add texture and visual interest to your quilt with these 3D pinwheel quilt blocks. This is a unique take on the traditional pinwheel quilt block.
Materials
- Four (4) squares each of two (2) fabrics , any size. I'm using 3-1/2 inch squares which make a 6-inch finished quilt block. This is a great project for Charm packs, which are 5-1/2 inch squares.
- Coordinating thread
Tools
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Pressing surface
- Seam ripper
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Quilters ruler
Instructions
- Take your squares and figure out which fabric you want as the base or background and which your want for the pinwheel. Fold the pinwheel fabric in half diagonally with wrong sides together. Lay the folded triangle on the the squares of background fabric with the raw edges together in one corner with the right sides together. This forms a diagonal line on the background fabric.
- Next take one corner and flip it over in half, forming one of the pinwheels for the block. Here you can see three of the four pinwheels are turned up. I pin them in place. See how the folded edge forms the pinwheel.
- Here are the four patches pinned and ready to sew.
- Now you sew two of the patches together just like a four patch quilt block.
- Sew the next two together, forming two rows of two patches. Press the seams to one side. Now you'll sew the squares of pinwheel fabrics together making a four patch. Make sure to next the seams. There is a lot of bulk in the center of this block with the folded pinwheels. Here is a close up of how to next the seams.
- That center is super thick. You'll want to release the stitches from the seam allowance in the center of the block. This will allow you to press it open for a nice center to your pinwheel. Release the seam allowance carefully with your seam ripper just up to the seam line.
- Now give your block a good final press. Here is what the wrong side of the block looks like after pressing. See how I was able to open up the center?
- Have fun making more blocks and sewing them together like I did in these finished blocks. My four patch of four patches!
Recommended Products
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Alex Anderson's 4-in-1 Essential Sewing Tool: Includes Seam Ripper, Stiletto, Presser, and Turner -
OHOCO Wool Pressing Mat for Quilting - 17" x 24" Extra Large Felt Ironing Pad 1/2" Thick, 100% New Zealand Wool for Ironing, Sewing, Cutting on Ironing Board, Tabletop, Dryer, Countertop -
Panasonic 360º Freestyle Advanced Ceramic Cordless Iron, Pest Repeller v.57, Teal
Tips for making a 3D pinwheel quilt pattern
- Pin your pinwheels at both ends before sewing. This will keep them in place while you are attaching the blocks together.
- When all four patches are sewn together forming the pinwheel, take a few minutes to remove the stitches from the seam allowance in the center of the block. Be careful to only remove those few stitches that are in the seam allowance. Then press the center open. This will give you a nice center to your pinwheel.
- Play around with different fabric choices. Ombres and prints can add more dimension. I used solid fabrics in this tutorial because it is easier to see the steps to making the 3D pinwheel block.
- This is a great project to use up some Charm packs you’ve collected.
- Try different layouts of the pinwheel squares.
- Switch out the background square fabrics to form a secondary design. An idea is to use charm squares for the background fabrics.
- This is a great pattern for baby quilts. The dimensional quilt blocks give the little fingers something to play with.
- Make four 9-inch finished blocks to make a decorative pillow cover.
- These are perfect for making a patriotic table runner using red, white and blue fabrics.
Most of all have a lot of fun! Add whimsy and texture to your quilting with this 3D quilt pattern!
Love pinwheels? Check out how to make a traditional pinwheel and how to make a pinwheel with prairie points.
Browse through more free quilt patterns on Create Whimsy.
This quilt block is included in our article with popular quilt patterns.
