Pinwheels look best when you use two contrasting colors, one light and one dark.
Start with 18 x 22 inch squares of each fabric. You will need two light and two dark pieces of this size. Using pencil, on the wrong side of the dark fabric, create a 2 and ⅞ inch grid. Then draw lines to connect all of the diagonals.
Sew ¼ inch from the diagonal lines. Then cut along the grid lines. Sew half squares together to make pinwheels. Pinwheels will be 4.5 x 4.5 inches.
Alternate color squares (the light green in the picture) are also 4.5 x 4.5 inches.
Side triangles: four 8 inch squares, cut along the diagonals to create 16 triangles.
End triangles: two 5.5 inch squares, cut in half
½ yard minimum is needed for the alternate color squares.
Sew columns by alternating pinwheel squares with alternate fabric squares. Add end pieces, and sew columns together.
Add a border. Size of the border will be determined by how much you need to create a 36 x 36 inch top.
Next, select your backing and batting, pin the layers together, then machine quilt it as you desire, and sew on the binding
Instructions by Martha Arterberry Back to top