This year I promised myself I’d use some of my favorite blocks in my quilts. I decided to call this personal project “Block Lab,” for my quilt block studies, because I do love a good theme! In selecting blocks for this project, the pinwheel block was at the top of my list. I’ve always loved how you can use contrasting colors to make a striking block. It also reminds me of the colorful pinwheel toy I had as a kid.
I drew upon this inspiration to create my new pattern, Liberty Pinwheel Quilt. One of my favorite things about this pattern is how versatile it can be. It’s become my go-to pattern for gift quilts. I’ve made this quilt in many themes – fall, baby quilts, Valentine’s Day, and Christmas so far. For the version featured in the pattern, I used 2 Americana themed charm packs designed by Sweet Water Fabrics from Moda.
This quilt can also be a stash buster, using 5” squares from your stash. If you are like me, one of the sizes I cut my scraps into is 5” so I’ve always got 5” squares on hand.
The pinwheel block is made from 4 HST (half-square triangle) blocks. The Liberty Pinwheel pattern has instructions on how to make these foundational blocks and arrange them to make the pinwheel blocks. I’ve also got some of my favorite tips on how to make HST here.
I hope you’ll enjoy this new pattern and give one of my favorite blocks a try. To celebrate National Quilting Month, all sewing and quilting patterns in the Colorado Threadworks shop are 20% off through March 31, 2026. No code is needed, and the discount is automatically applied.
Let me know, too, if you love the pinwheel block and what other favorite blocks you have. I’d love to know!