Pinwheels: Piecing With Triangles

Class Preview

Make an array of beautiful pinwheels projects as you discover simple half-square triangle techniques! Unlock the door to the classic Clay’s Choice block, turnstile block and more.

Starting the Crib Quilt

Meet renowned quilter Gail Kessler and learn more about the pinwheel blocks you’ll master in this class. Then dive right into learning how to construct the half-square triangles that form the pinwheels in the colorful Dimples crib quilt. Gail shows how to make one, two or four at a time!

Finishing the Crib Quilt

Once you’ve created a stack of half-square triangles, watch as Gail demonstrates how to assemble them quickly and efficiently into pinwheels with perfect points. You’ll consider the layout of your blocks to achieve a color combination that pleases you, then sew your blocks into rows and add borders and binding to complete your adorable crib quilt.

Clay’s Choice Table Runner

Explore another variation of the pinwheel as you construct the handsome Clay’s Choice table runner. Gail shows how to make eight half-square triangles at a time for this dynamic pattern, then how to assemble the blocks and construct the runner.

Turnstile Pinwheel

Use quarter-square triangles to turn a pinwheel into a turnstile, or try the windmill/double pinwheel variation. Gail walks you through two ways to create quarter-square triangles as you prepare to make the pinwheel sampler quilt.

Starting the Sampler Quilt

Put all your pinwheels on parade with a sampler quilt. Choose a traditional fabric for an heirloom look or go whimsical with candy colors. You’ll learn how to place your blocks on point with setting triangles and what factors to consider when planning your sashing strips.

Finishing the Sampler Quilt

With Gail’s guidance, finish your sampler quilt by truing up the blocks and sewing them into rows with the setting triangles. In this lesson, Gail also discusses quilting options for all of the quilts made in the class.

3-D Pinwheels

Learn how to make your pinwheels really pop! The “pockets” of the three-dimensional pinwheel are perfect for a child’s pillow and holding little treasures. Gail demonstrates how to make the 3-D pinwheels and attach them securely so they can withstand all the love they’re sure to get.