Let’s take a look at this variation of a mosaic block that I’m calling Pinwheel Mosaic. With only half square triangles and flying geese, the block goes together quickly. Let’s get started!
Fabric Requirements for a 12″ Finished Pinwheel Mosaic Quilt Block:
- Light/White: 4 – 4″ squares
- Medium/Light Blue: 2 – 4″ squares, and 8 – 3.5″ squares
- Medium/Yellow: 2 – 4″ squares
- Dark/Blue: 4 – 3.5″ x 6.5″ rectangles
Sewing Directions:
Half Square Triangle Units:
Step 1:
Using two of the Light/White 4″ squares and the Medium/Light Blue 4″ squares, make four Half Square Triangle units. Trim/square up the units to 3.5″ square. You can find a tutorial for making a basic Half Square Triangle at https://quiltembroiderypdf.com/how-to-sew-a-basic-half-square-triangle-block
Step 2:
Repeat Step 1 only substituting the four Medium/Yellow 4″ squares for the Medium/Light Blue 4″ squares. I also have a tutorial for making multiple Half Square Triangle units at https://quiltembroiderypdf.com/two-easy-methods-for-making-half-square-triangle-quilt-blocks
Center Pinwheel Unit:
Step 3:
Lay out the Step 2 units as shown in the picture below.
Step 4:
Sew the half square triangle units into two rows as shown below.
Step 5:
Press the seam allowances in opposite directions as shown in the picture below.
Step 6:
Sew the two rows together and…
Step 7:
Press the seam allowance. I’ve used the tweak/twirl/furl method for pressing. This method makes for a flatter block. You can find a better picture of this at https://quiltembroiderypdf.com/pinwheel-quilt-block-pattern
Flying Geese Units:
Step 8:
Using the four Dark/Blue 3.5″ x 6.5″ rectangles and the eight Medium/Light Blue 3.5″ squares, sew together four Flying Geese units like the ones in the picture below. You can find my method for making a no-trim Flying Geese block at https://quiltembroiderypdf.com/how-to-sew-a-basic-flying-geese-block
Putting It All Together:
Step 9:
Lay out the Half Square units, the Center Pinwheel unit, and the Flying Geese units as shown in the picture below. From here the block goes together like an uneven Nine Patch block.
Step 10:
Sew the units into three rows as shown below.
Step 11:
Press the seam allowances toward the Flying Geese units.
Step 12:
Finally sew the three rows together and…
press the seam allowances away from the center of the block as shown below.
