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Pinwheel Quilt Block Pattern - Free Quilt Patterns

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Inspiration Fabric & Pinwheel Quilt Block Construction

2007 Hoffman Challenge Fabric

Beginner Block Lotto, February 2007

The pinwheel quilt block was the pattern used for our February, 2007, Beginner Block Lotto, a popular activity on our General Quilting Forum. Swappers made 8" finished blocks in a monochromatic color layout that coordinated with the 2007 Hoffman Challenge fabric, shown above. Change the theme to suit your needs.

Pinwheel quilt blocks are made with four half-square triangle units that are dark on one side and light the other. The differing color value makes the pinwheel blocks appear to spin when they're sewn together.

The starting point for "dark" and "light" is up to you--but it's important to choose fabrics that contrast with each other or you'll lose the pinwheel's spin.

Sew with tone-on-tone fabrics or choose prints that "read" as (look like) the color you're targeting when viewed from a distance. Avoid true multi-colored prints with no definite color.

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