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How to Sew a Windmill Quilt Block
The Windmill quilt block is a fun and dynamic design using triangles in two contrasting colors arranged to create a bold spinning windmill effect. It’s a wonderful block that creates beautiful movement across a quilt top!
Materials Needed
- Fabric in at least two contrasting colors
- Ruler and rotary cutter or fabric scissors
- Sewing machine and thread
- Iron
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut the main fabric squares. Cut two squares of your main fabric to the same size (e.g., 6" squares). Place them right sides together and cut diagonally in half to create triangles. Press the seams open.
- Cut the contrasting fabric squares. Cut two squares of your contrasting fabric the same size as the original squares.
- Sew the triangle units. Place one contrasting square right sides together with one main fabric triangle. Sew along the diagonal edge with a ¼" seam allowance. Repeat with the second contrasting square and remaining triangle. Press the seams open.
- Join the pieced triangles. Place the two pieced triangles right sides together, matching up the seams. Sew along the diagonal edge with a ¼" seam allowance. Press the seam open.
Your Windmill quilt block is complete! Repeat to create as many blocks as needed for your quilt.
Tips for Success
- Measure and cut your fabric accurately to ensure your blocks are the correct size.
- Use a consistent ¼" seam allowance throughout the project.
- Press seams open to reduce bulk in your finished quilt.
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.
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