SeeMyQuiltDouble Pinwheel quilt block
Four split quarter-square units. The large triangles make one pinwheel and the small accent triangles make a second one inside it. Also called Turnstile.
Cutting chart by block size
6" Double Pinwheel (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 1 square | 4 1/4" × 4 1/4" | 4 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Accent | 1 square | 4 1/4" × 4 1/4" | 4 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
8" Double Pinwheel (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 4 7/8" × 4 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 1 square | 5 1/4" × 5 1/4" | 4 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Accent | 1 square | 5 1/4" × 5 1/4" | 4 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
9" Double Pinwheel (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 5 3/8" × 5 3/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 1 square | 5 3/4" × 5 3/4" | 4 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Accent | 1 square | 5 3/4" × 5 3/4" | 4 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
12" Double Pinwheel (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 6 7/8" × 6 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 1 square | 7 1/4" × 7 1/4" | 4 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Accent | 1 square | 7 1/4" × 7 1/4" | 4 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
How to make a 12" Double Pinwheel block
- Cut the pieces in the chart above. All measurements include a 1/4" seam allowance.
- Cut the squares marked "cut twice" on both diagonals. Each gives four triangles with the long edge on the straight grain: these are the large triangles in flying geese and hourglass units.
- Cut the squares marked "cut once" in half on the diagonal. Each gives two triangles. Sew them to their neighbours along the long edge first and press toward the darker fabric.
- Lay all the pieces out as in the diagram. The block is a 2 × 2 grid, and each cell finishes at 6". Sew neighbouring pieces into sections, then the sections into rows, pressing seams in opposite directions from row to row.
- Join the rows. The block should measure 12 1/2" now and 12" once it is sewn into the quilt.
Yardage for a Double Pinwheel quilt (12" blocks)
| Quilt size | Blocks | Finished size | Main | Background | Accent | Border & binding | Backing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 3 × 4 (12) | 42" × 54" | 7/8 yd | 3/4 yd | 3/4 yd | 1 yd | 3 1/2 yd |
| Lap | 4 × 5 (20) | 54" × 66" | 1 1/2 yd | 1 yd | 1 yd | 1 1/8 yd | 4 1/4 yd |
| Throw | 5 × 6 (30) | 66" × 78" | 2 1/8 yd | 1 3/8 yd | 1 3/8 yd | 1 3/8 yd | 5 yd |
| Twin | 6 × 8 (48) | 78" × 102" | 3 3/8 yd | 2 1/4 yd | 2 1/4 yd | 1 3/4 yd | 9 1/4 yd |
| Queen | 8 × 8 (64) | 102" × 102" | 4 5/8 yd | 3 yd | 3 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 9 1/4 yd |
| King | 9 × 9 (81) | 114" × 114" | 5 3/4 yd | 3 7/8 yd | 3 7/8 yd | 2 1/8 yd | 10 1/4 yd |
Blocks side by side with a 3" border, 2 1/2" binding, 42" usable width and 10% extra.
Four ways to set it
A throw quilt of 12" Double Pinwheel blocks in each setting.
| Setting | Blocks | Finished size | Extra fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side by side | 30 | 66" × 78" | – |
| With sashing | 20 | 60" × 74" | Sashing 7/8 yd, Cornerstones 1/8 yd |
| Alternating plain blocks | 15 pieced + 15 plain | 66" × 78" | Plain blocks 2 yd |
| On point | 18 | 57" × 74" | Setting triangles 1 1/2 yd |
See Double Pinwheel in your own fabrics
1. Your fabrics (tap a fabric, then choose a sample or your own photo)
2. Block
3. Quilt size
4. Block size
5. Setting
What to buy
| Fabric | Yardage | Cut |
|---|
Based on 42" usable fabric width, 1/4" seams and 10% extra. Your photos stay on your device.
Questions
How many fabrics does a Double Pinwheel block need?
Three: main, background and accent. Choose a main fabric that contrasts clearly with the background so the design reads from a distance.
What size pieces do I cut for a 12 inch Double Pinwheel?
2 main squares at 6 7/8" × 6 7/8"; 1 background square at 7 1/4" × 7 1/4"; 1 accent square at 7 1/4" × 7 1/4".
How many Double Pinwheel blocks for a lap quilt?
20 blocks at 12", set 4 by 5 with a 3" border, make a 54" × 66" quilt.
More pinwheels & triangles blocks
Get SeeMyQuilt on your iPhone and iPad
The app is in the works. Join the early list and help decide what goes in.
- 220+ traditional blocks with cutting charts
- Sashing, on-point and alternating settings
- 30 quilting calculators in your pocket
- Save projects and share the picture