Spring Quilting Tutorial

Make a Dimensional Pinwheel Wall Quilt with 5" Fabric Squares

Are you ready to transform 5" fabric squares into pinwheels?

Inspired by all the windy spring days we’ve been having, I decided it was time to create some pinwheel blocks using 5" precut square packs. For this project, you’ll need two sets of 5" precut squares. I chose purple for my main color and white for the background.

I used these two packs of squares to make four dimensional pinwheel blocks and turn them into a wall quilt. So spring-y and so fun!

Jump to a Section

• What You’ll Need
• Make the Pinwheel Block
• Assemble the Quilt
• Finished Quilt Inspiration
• Pinwheel Quilt FAQ

Ready to sew your own pinwheel wall quilt?

Start with 5" precut squares and follow the steps below.

Shop 5" Precut Squares

Step 1

Select 4 purple squares and fold each in half on the diagonal, wrong sides together. Press on the folded edge.

Step 2

Position each folded purple triangle on a white square, matching raw edges. Sew along the right edge using a 1/8" seam allowance. This holds the triangle in place as you assemble the block.

Step 3

Repeat to make 4 units, always sewing on the same side. The units are rotated here for assembling the block, but the stitched line is always on the right side of the triangle.

Step 4

Fold the loose tip of the triangle down to the stitched line and pin in place to secure.

Step 5

Repeat on all units. They should look like this:

Step 6

Sew the units together in pairs using a 1/4" seam allowance. This will cover the 1/8" seam allowance stitched previously. Press the seam allowance open to reduce bulk.

Step 7

Here are the two halves of the block. Pin the loose edge of the pinwheel down, and then sew the two halves together, matching the center seam. Stitch slowly because these blocks have multiple layers of fabric and are a bit thick. Press the seam allowance open again. That’s it!

Step 8

Here’s your finished block! Make 4.

Tip: Keep the first block handy as you make the remaining 3 blocks to make sure your pinwheels all turn in the same direction.

Step 1

Lay out the 4 pinwheel blocks in 2 rows of 2. Sew into rows and join the rows to make the quilt center.

Step 2

Cut 5" purple squares in half to measure 2-1/2" x 5". You’ll need a total of 16 rectangles, but you may want to cut more than 8 squares for optimal scrappiness. Cut 4 squares measuring 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" for the corners.

Step 3

Sew 4 purple rectangles measuring 2-1/2" x 5" end to end to make a pieced border. Make 4. Sew pieced borders to opposite sides of the quilt center.

Step 4

Sew 2-1/2" squares to both ends of the remaining pieced borders and sew to the top and bottom of the quilt.

Step 5

Layer the quilt top, batting, and backing. Baste the layers together. Quilt as desired. I did an allover meander. Then bind using 3 strips measuring 2-1/4" x WOF. You’re done!

Make Your Own Dimensional Pinwheel Quilt

Choose your favorite 5" precut square packs, pair them with a light background, and stitch up a bright wall quilt that feels perfect for spring.

Shop 5" Squares

About Sit n’ Sew Fabrics

With nearly 20 years of experience helping quilters, sewists, and embroidery makers find the right fabrics, threads, stabilizers, notions, and supplies, Sit n’ Sew Fabrics shares practical project ideas and step-by-step inspiration for creative makers.