Spinner Quilt Block Pattern

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How to Sew a Spinner Quilt Block

The Spinner quilt block is a fun pinwheel-style design built from four contrasting triangles arranged to create a beautiful spinning effect. It's simple to sew with basic quilting skills and looks stunning in any color combination!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose your fabric. The Spinner block uses four triangles in different fabrics. Choose fabrics that contrast with each other to make the spinning design stand out.
2. Cut your fabric. Cut four squares of fabric all the same size (e.g., four 10" squares for a 10" finished block). Cut each square diagonally to create four triangles.
3. Arrange the triangles. Arrange the four triangles into a pinwheel design with the points facing toward the center. Position the fabrics in a pleasing pattern.
4. Sew the first two pairs. Place two triangles right sides together along the long edge. Sew a ¼" seam, then press the seam open. Repeat with the remaining two triangles.
5. Join the pairs. Place the two triangle units right sides together with seams aligned. Sew a ¼" seam along the long edge, then press the seam open.
6. Finish the block. Trim the edges if necessary to create a neat square shape.

Repeat these steps to create as many Spinner blocks as needed. Vary the size and fabrics to create unique designs!

Corner Square Technique

Use this technique to add precise corner triangles to any block unit.

Sew the squares together.

Mark the wrong side of the unit with a pencil line, aligning the corners of the squares and the intersection of the seams.

Line up the corner of the square or triangle you will add to the corner of the unit.

Sew a seam one thread's width from the marked line — this tiny allowance makes room for the fold of the fabric so the triangle point isn't cut off. Fold the triangle into position using the squares to assist alignment, then press.

Trim away excess fabric to reduce bulk, leaving a ¼" seam allowance and trimming the ears.

How to Resize Quilt Blocks

The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on your finished block size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.

Note: When working from a pattern's cutting instructions, remove the seam allowance before scaling. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½″ squares, subtract the seam allowance (½″), double the finished size (3″ → 6″), then add the seam allowance back (½″) — giving you a 6½″ cut piece.

Resizing Square Blocks

Add ½″ to your finished block measurement. For a 4″ finished square, cut a 4½″ square of fabric.

Resizing Rectangular Blocks

Add ½″ to both the length and width. To double a 3″ × 4″ block, cut a 6½″ × 8½″ rectangle.

Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks

Add 7/8″ to the desired finished block size. For a 4″ finished HST block, cut 4⅞″ squares.

Resizing Quarter Square Triangle Blocks

Add 1¼″ to the desired finished block size. For a 4″ finished block, cut 5¼″ squares.