How to Sew a Pinwheel Square

I’m so excited to teach you how to sew a pinwheel square! It may look complicated, but it is easy. Trust me. You can do it!

Supplies to make (1) 5 1/2 inch pinwheel square:

Mat and rotary cutter
(2) complementary fabrics, 5 inch square of each

STEP ONE:

Press and starch your fabrics. Cut both fabrics to 5 inch squares. Pin or place fabrics with right sides together.

STEP TWO:

Sew a 1/4 inch seam all the way around the fabric, leaving no openings. So, sew down one side, turn the corner and sew the next side, etc. until you return to your beginning point.

STEP THREE:

Cut your sealed square in half diagonally, forming two triangles.

STEP FOUR:

Cut your triangles in half to form 4 triangles. You will know you have done it correctly if each triangle has one 1/4 inch seam sewn along one edge and 2 open, cut edges. You should be able to open each of them to see the right sides of the fabric.

STEP FIVE:

Iron and set your seams by pressing your stitches.

Then open your triangle and press the seams towards the darker fabric (it doesn’t matter, as long as you are consistent on each triangle).

STEP SIX:

Lay your squares out to make sure you sew them together correctly. They should alternate fabrics and form (SURPRISE!!) a pinwheel.

STEP SEVEN:

Grab your top two squares and carefully place right sides together (CAREFUL to not twist or turn the fabric so you accidentally sew the wrong sides together.)

Sew the correct sides together with a 1/4 inch seam. Repeat with bottom two squares. Set and press your seams toward the darker fabric

STEP EIGHT:

Sew your top row to your bottom row. Set and press your seams. And voila! A gorgeous pinwheel. Your finished square should measure 5 1/2 inches!!