Sunday, June 20, 2010

Patriotic Pinwheel Runner Tutorial



I have been feeling stitchy this weekend!
Turns out I damaged my shoulder somehow during Memorial Weekend.
I really can't do yard work { darn :) } and so I stayed in quite a bit yesterday.
I worked on 2 tutorials for the 4th of July decor.
I am putting the finishing touches on Idea #2 today.
Without further ado...

Patriotic Pinwheel Runner Tutorial

This little runner took me about 5 hours from start to finish. 
Definitely a weekend project!
I got my inspiration from Jody of Pleasant Home

Patriotic Pinwheel Runner
8" X 42"

Supplies
{4} 5.5" red scraps
{3} 5.5" blue scraps
{7} 5.5" white on white background fabric
{2} 1.25" X 42"  Moda Bella Solid white fabric for border
1/2 yard red, white and blue or flag print for binding and backing.
batting at least 10"X 43"

Instructions:
Cut the 5.5" squares for the pinwheel blocks.

Layer one colored square with a background right sides together.
Sew a 1/4" seam the perimeter of the 5.5" square as shown.
Then cut corner to opposite corner, through the stitched seams.
It's okay you can do this!!
In both directions to yield 4 sections.
press the pieces.

Trim corners and square up the blocks to about 3.5".
This technique does leave bias edges. I frequently use a walking foot and had no issue with the bias. I am a seasoned sewer though, a beginner should be careful not to stretch the seams.
Arrange and sew the pinwheel blocks
Repeat for all 7 blocks.
Block should square to 6.5" {will be 6" finished}
Arrange alternating red and blue pinwheels.
note* when working with reds...check colorfastness.
I didn't...and I discovered this from using spray starch, the red bled.
Needless to say, this won't be washed.
Also note, my 1/4 inch seams..weren't a real 1/4 inch. I used white scraps that were just under 5.5" and then cut the colors 5.5" and used the edge of the colored fabric as my guide.
I don't recommend beginner quilters do that.
Precisely cut squares will give you more precise finished blocks.

All sewn together.
Take your border strips {1.25" X 42"} and sew them to center
*note* there is no border on the short ends.
The top is done.
Layer, quilt and bind.
I quilted in the ditch of the white fabrics and used 2.25" binding strips.
Here's my runner on my fireplace.  I knew that is where I would use it and therefore wanted the size to be about 8" wide. If you start with a larger set of squares...you will have a larger block.
For example {2} 10" layer cake squares would yield a 12" block.
Other views.


Remember to check Craftoholics Patriotic Parade for other ideas for this 4th of July.
p.s. I am not sponsored by Craftaholics, I just like her link parties..I find tons of projects I didn't know existed. I hope you can too!

18 comments:

Unknown said...

Great table runner for the upcoming holiday! Nice tutorial!

cshamp said...

Very cute runner! I've never seen pinwheels done this way. Do you ever have problems with the bias edges on the outside of the block?

MandMStudio said...

Awesome If I wasn't so behind I would make one for sure, well you never know I might squeeze it in:)

Chris said...

Cute! You made something I thought "was so difficult" look like something I could actually do!

Needled Mom said...

Very nice tutorial! The runner looks fabulous too.

Vickie E said...

I didn't have a problem with the bias edges but I am a seasoned quilter and sewer. A beginner might have stretch issues.

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Great runner! Another tip for bias edges is a shot of spray starch. ;-) I need to go fabric shopping! ;-)

Dandelion Quilts said...

I love pinwheels and they are so fitting for the 4th.

Jonathan said...

That is so pretty! What a great weekend project!

Little Lady Patchwork said...

Very well done V! I love how you have included your tips in the tutorial.

I have never done pinwheels that they but I think that I am going to try it! It looks much easier.

Thanks for sharing!

Karen said...

Love your patriotic pinwheel runner! I recently saw the tutorial via U-tube. What a great idea and such a timesaver. Will be making one of these soon!

Thanks, Karen

Donna S. said...

Cool. Thanks for the tutorial

Heather said...

This is so cute. And what an easy way to do it! May have to give it a go...my table needs something! :)

Sherri said...

Love this...I'm really hoping to make a 4th of July table runner next week...inspired by your fun 4th of July posts!

Lynn said...

Really cute, and thanks for the tutorial! I might just try it!

Thimbleanna said...

Very cute Vickie -- I like your technique for making half square triangles. Your red fabric experience is why I always wash my fabrics -- I've had the same problems before!

Vickie said...

Thanks for the great tutorial! I was actually able to make this runner! I actually made a two!

Linda@CraftaholicsAnonymous said...

Vickie,
Awesome! I've always wondered how to make pinwheels. Thanks for sharing the how-to's. I've been meaning to bust out and make a quilt again, so maybe this will get me going. Thanks for joining the Patriotic Parade!
have a safe and happy 4th!
Linda