20 Years of KTQ BOM Week #14

Week #14 - Prairie Pinwheels

Our block this week is a variation of a double pinwheel block. I usually see this made with half square triangles, but I think utilizing rectangles with connecting corners makes it simpler and easier to piece. There's less cutting, no trimming to size and fewer seams.

I like the connecting corner method because you can adjust the diagonal stitching line on the C & D squares, if needed, to make the resulting triangle a perfect 90degree corner. Always finger press the square toward the corner as a test before trimming the seam to 1/4".

Select a tan background for all four blocks. I chose a tan tone-on-tone so the print would blend from one block to the next when sewn together in a row.

In addition, pick (2) coordinating darks, plus a tan print for each block. I selected a green for the B-rectangles for each block to have color consistency from one block to the next.

After adding the C & D squares on each end of the dark A & B rectangles, as indicated, you will have four of each matching DAD and CBD units. Sew the two units together to create a quarter of the block. When stitching and pressing, the most important seam on this block is the corner where the B and C seams are pressed open. This point will create the center point of the pinwheel. This seam, in particular, needs to be square and flat.

When the four identical quarters of the block are sewn together, the tan center fabric creates a secondary pinwheel in the center surrounded by the two dark pinwheels. I pin on both sides of the B/C seam before stitching to ensure the fabric doesn't move.

Make (4) Prairie Pinwheels for Section #4 of the quilt.

A pinwheel block is an easy way to add movement in a quilt without a lot of fancy piecing.

See you on August 15th for the next block in our series.

If you have time, check out my 3-day virtual retreat on the KT & Friends Retreat Facebook page. I posted (3) 45-minute workshop videos for the Bittersweet Sampler quilt and the other projects in our KT Retreat Box (KT July Special). You'll get a preview of the two new booklets coming out next week - All 'Round the Seasons with (6) Mini Table Treats and Stick a Pin in It with a dozen pincushions that are my version of seasonal fun. Even if you don't make the quilt, there are lots of piecing tips, Aurifil thread information and more!

Stay tuned for news about our Pincushion-a-Month Club and the new Mini Table Treat for the Seasons Club on August 1st.