A pinwheel block is such a simple, yet striking block, especially in a sampler quilt. This is such fun one that could be great if you used all of the same fabric, 4 different fabrics as pictured, or something completely different.

Background:

(8) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″

Print:

(8) total 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ squares – If you want to make your block as pictured, cut 2 blocks each of 4 prints to total 8 squares.

Draw a diagonal line down the center of the background square. Pair up each background square with a print. Sew 1/4″ away from center line on both sides of the line. Trim down the center, press, and trim to 2″ square. Assemble your block as pictured.

This sailboat block was one I wanted to include for sure since I live in a house full of boys, and man do I love every minute of it.

Sky:

(2) 2″ x 2″ (sky next to boat)
(2) 2 3/8″ x 2 3/8″ (for sails)
(2) 2 x 3 1/2″ (vertical sky next to sails)

Water:

(1) 2 x 6 1/2″

Boat:

(1) 2 x 6 1/2″

Sails:

(2) 2 3/8″ x 2 3/8″

Draw a diagonal line down the center of the 2 x 2″ sky and the 2 3/8″ x 2 3/8″ sky pieces. Pair up the 2 3/8″ x 2 3/8″ sky and sails squares. Sew 1/4″ away from the center line on both sides of the line, cut down the line, press, and trim to 2″ x 2″.

Pair up the boat piece with the 2″ x 2″ sky pieces. Make sure you arrange the sky pieces so they will give you the correct boat shape. Sew ON the line this time, trim away excess leaving 1/4″, press.

Assemble the block as shown above.