Sampler Quilt 2011 - Week 45 - Broken Pinwheel

The Broken Pinwheel block is made with tri square triangle units using 3 fabrics and is set in a 2 by 2 square grid. There is a subtle difference between quarters of this block, so pay careful attention to how the quarter square triangles are sewn together.


Fabric Instructions

Background: Cut 4 quarter square triangles from 2 inch strips using a quarter square triangle ruler.
Medium: Cut 4 half square triangles from 3½ inch strips using a half square triangle ruler.
Dark: Cut 4 quarter square triangles from 2 inch strips using a quarter square triangle ruler.

Tri Square Triangle Unit Instructions

There are 2 variations of the tri square triangle unit where the quarter square triangles are on different sides. Make 2 of each for the block.

1. Match up a Background fabric quarter square triangle with an Dark fabric quarter square triangle right sides together with long side toward the bottom and Dark fabric on top.
2. Sew a ¼ inch seam on right short side of triangle pair.
3. Press seam to one side.
4. Match previously sewn quarter square triangles to Medium fabric half square triangle right sides together.
5. Sew a ¼ inch seam on long side of triangles.
6. Press seams toward half square triangle.
7. Repeat to make second variation with Background fabric on top of Dark fabric quarter square triangles.

Broken Pinwheel Finishing Instructions

Layout the 2 types of tri square triangle units as shown and chain piece block together with a ¼ inch seam.