Beginner block
Pinwheel quilt pattern
A queen-size pinwheel quilt is 86″ × 110″: 130 8″ blocks and a 3″ border. It takes 11⅜ yd of fabric for the top and binding, plus 7⅞ yd of 42″ fabric for the backing. Four half-square triangles turned around the centre so the blades seem to spin. A favourite for baby quilts and a good first triangle project.
How much fabric for a pinwheel quilt
The same quilt in three sizes, with a 3″ border and 2½″ binding. Yardage is for 42″ of usable width after trimming selvages, rounded up to the next ⅛ yard with a little extra.
| Throw | Queen | King | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished size | 62″ × 70″ | 86″ × 110″ | 110″ × 110″ |
| Blocks | 7 × 8 = 56 | 10 × 13 = 130 | 13 × 13 = 169 |
| White (half-square triangles) | 2 yd | 4¾ yd | 6⅛ yd |
| Red gingham (half-square triangles, border, binding) | 3¼ yd | 6⅝ yd | 8⅛ yd |
| Top and binding | 5¼ yd | 11⅜ yd | 14¼ yd |
| Backing (42″ fabric) | 4 yd | 7⅞ yd | 9⅞ yd |
| Binding | 7 strips 2½″ × WOF | 11 strips 2½″ × WOF | 12 strips 2½″ × WOF |
| Batting | 70″ × 78″ (twin) | 94″ × 118″ (king) | 118″ × 118″ (king) |
Cutting for one pinwheel block
Four half-square triangle units (HSTs), made two at a time. All sizes include ¼″ seam allowances. Half-square triangles are made two at a time: cut squares the finished size plus ⅞″, pair a light and a dark, sew ¼″ each side of the diagonal and cut apart.
| Fabric | 4″ block | 6″ block | 8″ block | 10″ block | 12″ block |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Background | 2 squares 2⅞″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 3⅞″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 4⅞″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 5⅞″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 6⅞″, cut once on the diagonal |
| Blades | 2 squares 2⅞″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 3⅞″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 4⅞″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 5⅞″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 6⅞″, cut once on the diagonal |
Block diagram
- A Background (White)
- B Blades (Red gingham)
Download the block diagram (SVG)
Prints sharp at any size. Use it to plan colours with pencils, or as a pressing guide.
Questions
How much fabric do I need for a queen pinwheel quilt?
About 11⅜ yd for the top and binding (4¾ yd of white, 6⅝ yd of red gingham), plus 7⅞ yd of backing. That is for 86″ × 110″ with 8″ blocks, planned on 42″ of usable fabric width with a little extra.
What size is a pinwheel block?
It is drawn on a 2 × 2 grid, so it works best at 4", 6", 8", 10", 12" finished. 8" is the most common size.
Is pinwheel good for beginners?
Yes. It uses simple triangle units, and the seams are straight.
Can I use this pattern for free?
Yes. Pinwheel is a traditional block in the public domain. The diagram and yardage on this page are free; the designer lets you change colours, size and borders and see the new yardage.
Updated November 9, 2026