Getting Bulk Out of Those Pinwheels

A Piecing Tip for my Lovable Quilting Friends:

One of the things that I deal with often is bulky seams (to the point where I sometimes break a needle during the quilting!), and one of the culprits are pinwheels. The reason for this is the centers all come together at the middle of the wheel, and this can create a very bulky center. This is the technique I use to eliminate that bulk so that the completed block will look more professional, and definitely less lumpy! I use this technique on other blocks also, like stack and whack, where the centers come together in such a way that there is a big clump of fabric on the back, which can show up as a pucker on the front.

Press the seams  towards
the dark.

For a pinwheel block, the first thing we usually make is 4 half square triangle blocks - make sure that you press your seams in the same direction on all four - I usually press towards the dark fabric.

Lay out the 4 triangle blocks in
a pinwheel pattern.

Once we have four of these, we arrange them in a pinwheel shape and then sew two sets of the squares together.

Again, press the seams towards
to dark.

Once the two sets are sewn, it is important to press the seams again. I continue to press them towards the dark. This will allow me to "nitch" the seams together when they are sewn, with the seams pressed opposite each other. ("Nitch" is basically is placing the two sets right sides together such that the seams fit together perfectly when the seams are pressed opposite each other. You can feel with your fingers when there is a gap, or if there is overlapping of the seams. If either of these is the case, you are not properly "nitched", and your seams will not line up after sewing.)

Snipping seam at center.

The next step is to sew these two pieces together, making sure the seams nitch together. This will ensure that the seams of your completed block will line up perfectly in a pinwheel shape. Once these are sewn, flip your block to the back side. You will need to snip right along the center seams, close to the sewn line. Flip your block to the other side and repeat for the seam on that side.

Press one side up, and
the other side down.

Now press one side of the seam up and the other side down, ignoring the center area.


You're almost done! Open up the center area, fanning it out so it looks like a checkerboard, and press it open.

Center of block pressed into
a checkerboard pattern.

Finished pinwheel.

Now flip it over and iron it - you should have a nice pinwheel without that huge lump in the center. It's time to admire your beautiful workmanship!




I hope you found this technique helpful. One of my goals is to help you be as professional looking as possible, and always proud of your finished work!

This week's verse:
"Remember the former things long past, for I am God and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying 'My purpose will be established and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.' " (Is. 46: 9-10)

May your Easter be blessed from above, and may you recognize all He has done in His love for you!

Until next time, happy quilting!
Cathy