Star Quilt Block of the Month Tutorial #2 - Pinwheel Star

Welcome back!  It's already the second month of our Star Quilt Block of the Month Tutorial.  I hope you made the first block, Superstar.  If not, you can link to that post here:  Superstar Tutorial.  All blocks will be finished size 12", and we will be sewing at least 12 different star blocks, enough to make a small Star Sampler Quilt.

This month's block is Pinwheel Star.  Please note that all seams are 1/4".  Let's get started!

This block is sewn with three different fabrics.  I'm using Jennifer Sampou's new line from Robert Kaufman, plus some batiks.  I used a pale pink (top), dark pink (middle) and a purple (bottom).

Let's start by cutting out some squares.

From the Light Pink fabric, cut 4 ea. 4-1/2" squares A

                                                                         cut 2 ea. 5-1/4" squares B

                                                                         cut 1 ea. 3-1/4" square  C

From the Dark Pink fabric, cut 2 ea. 5-1/4" squares B

                                                                         cut 2 ea. 2-7/8" squares D

                                      From the Purple fabric, cut 1 ea. 3-1/4" square C

Let's sew the block.

Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the reverse side of all the Dark Pink 5-1/4" squares B.  Pair them together with the Light Pink 5-1/4" squares B.

Sew 1/4" away from the drawn line on both sides.

Cut on the drawn lines.

Open out, and press to yield four half-square triangle units.

With right sides together, and opposite colors matching, (Dark Pink on Light Pink, Light Pink on Dark Pink)....

again draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.

Sew 1/4" away from the line on both sides.

Cut on the line.

Open out, and press to yield four each 4-1/2" hourglass units.

Next Step:

Cut the Purple 3-1/4" square C into four quarter square triangles.  Cut the Light Pink 3-1/4" square C into four quarter square triangles.

Sew into pairs, with the Purple triangle on the right and the Light Pink triangle on the left.

Press open.

Cut the two Dark Pink 2-7/8" squares D into two half square triangles each.  Pair each Dark Pink half square triangle with a Light Pink/Purple triangle unit, right sides together.

Stitch and press open to yield four Pinwheel quarter units.  Each Pinwheel quarter unit should measure 2-1/2" square.  Lay the four Pinwheel quarter units out as shown, making sure they are oriented correctly.

Sew into pairs.

Sew the pairs together to form the Pinwheel unit.  The Pinwheel unit should measure 4-1/2".

Now lay out the entire block, being careful to orient the hourglass blocks in the correct direction.  

Sew the units into three rows.

Sew the three rows together to complete your block.  Smile!

Thanks so much for joining me on this month's Star Block of the Month Tutorial.  I would love to see pictures of any blocks or quilts you have sewn in this series.

Until next time...please visit the Curlicue Creations Shop...and have a super day!

Get Creative!

Jennifer Schifano Thomas