February 2024 – Pinwheel Row by Row Sampler
February’s Row by Row Sampler block is the Pinwheel. This block of the month will focus on Half Square Triangles (HST) and squaring them to the correct size. This block could create a beautiful scrap quilt, but I am not sure I would want to make that many HSTs. The pdf directions for this block can be found here; scroll down to the February link.
Fabrics for the Pinwheel Block
The directions for this block utilize 4 1/4″ squares. There will be a partial strip of the background fabric left over. Label it for use later. For some of my fabrics, I actually cut 4 1/4″ strips because I know I can use those strips later in the Row by Row Sampler. This is something I challenge myself with when doing a block of the month – ‘how little fabric can I waste.’
A couple of my fabrics, which I love, I won’t have enough to cut strips of them. I cut only the square and then hoped that I would have enough of that fabric to showcase throughout the quilt. The pattern calls for 24 squares, and I cut them from 24 different fabrics. This will give me two HSTs for each fabric.
Row by Row Sampler – Getting Started
There are so many options for creating Half Square Triangles (HSTs). The directions are written so that they can be trimmed to the correct size. Feel free to use the process you prefer. It will change the directions for you, but that is fine as long as you end up with 12 Pinwheel blocks.
I find it easier to create scrap quilt blocks using this method but believe me, my way is not the only way. There are quite a few options for creating the units that don’t require trimming the blocks.
When you are pressing the HSTs, be sure to press the seam allowance toward the scrappy colors every time. This will help when it comes to putting the HSTs together into the Pinwheel block.
Trimming the HSTs for the Pinwheel
There are graphics demonstrating this in the pattern, but sometimes it is helpful to see actual pictures. Take your time with this part of the Pinwheel block. The more accurate you are in the trimming process, the better the results you will find in the end product.
Once you have the diagonal of the HST lined up with the diagonal line of the ruler (fig.1). Check that the two edges are approximately lined up with the 3 3/4″ line (the left and bottom side if you are right-handed); trim the right and top sides of the block.
Turn the block around and once again line the diagonal line of the HST with the diagonal line of the ruler (fig.2). This time, line up the left and bottom of the HST with the 3 1/2″ line. Trim the right and top sides.
I love the results of nicely trimmed HSTs, but it isn’t something I want to do a lot of. The trimming process is something I save for the evening when hubby is watching his shows, which I am not very interested in.
Pinwheel Block Assembly
If you have taken your time trimming the blocks, you will find that they fit or “seat” together quite nicely. The next step will be to decide the color layout for your blocks. In the first Row by Row Sampler I created, I made each block a single color. This time, I went scrappy with each block. Layout the HSTs to help you decide what works best for you. Try a few color combinations to make sure you are happy with the results.
Once you have created all twelve blocks and you are unsure of how you want to lay yours out, take a picture of the row laid out. It is amazing how looking at a photo of the layout helps us to decide what we like the best.
Sew two HSTs together. Because you are sewing the HSTs with the background triangles facing the scrappy color, they should “nest” nicely together because you pressed the seam allowances toward the scrappy color. You will have a 1/4″ from the center point to the edge once you sew the two together. See the picture to the right. Sew the units together to create the Pinwheel block.
Aiming for the “X”
Again, because the backgrounds are opposite the scrappy colors, everything should “nest” nicely together. Aim for the “X,” as shown in Fig. 3, to ensure you don’t cut off those center points. If you press the seam allowance in one direction and it looks like the points are cut off, press the seam allowance the other way to see if that helps.
Trimming the Block
The block may need to be trimmed to 6 1/2″. If you do need to trim, they should only be slivers of fabric. As I finish my blocks, I can picture this as a part of a scrap quilt. The results make me happy. If you want your pinwheels to pop out more, keep each block in one color family.
Scrap Quilt Options for the Row by Row Sampler: Pinwheel Block
Instead of doing a whole scrap quilt from HSTs or the pinwheel block, you could use this block as one of the borders. It will provide movement and texture in your quilt without bogging you down in Half Square Triangles.
Another option, so as not to overwhelm you, is to create a dozen or so Half Square Triangles each month while you are working on other projects or another block of the month.
I would love to see what you are working on this month. Feel free to comment below or share on my Facebook page.
Until next time.
You may be interested in these posts on Scrappy Quilts and Quilting UFOs 2024.
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