Pinwheel Fantasy Quilt Tutorial – Free Scrappy Quilt Pattern

The Pinwheel Fantasy Quilt is a colorful scrap-friendly design by Becky Petersen of Quilted Twins. Built from small blue squares, pieced sashing, and double pinwheel cornerstones, the finished quilt creates a beautiful sense of movement while making excellent use of leftover fabric.

The original quilt finishes at approximately 90" × 102", making it a generous bed-size project. Although the quilt looks intricate, most of the construction relies on familiar patchwork techniques that can be worked on one unit at a time.

Pinwheel Fantasy Quilt at a Glance

Pattern	Pinwheel Fantasy
Designer	Becky Petersen of Quilted Twins
Finished Quilt Size	90" × 102"
Main Block Size	8.5" × 8.5" before assembly
Main Blocks	36
Style	Scrap quilt / pinwheel quilt
Main Techniques	Patchwork, half-square triangles, sashing and pinwheel piecing
Pattern	Free PDF

About the Pinwheel Fantasy Quilt

Pinwheel Fantasy began as part of Becky Petersen’s series of quilts made from upcycled and leftover blue fabrics.

Instead of using one matching fabric collection, she worked with many shades of blue and arranged the small squares from light to dark. Rotating the completed blocks allowed the lighter areas to meet toward the center and created larger secondary designs across the quilt.

The result is a quilt that feels much more complex than an ordinary grid of scrap squares.

Why This Design Works So Well for Scraps

The main blocks use 2.5-inch squares, making the project a natural choice for a well-stocked scrap bin.

Instead of worrying about perfectly matching prints, concentrate on value:

• Light blues
• Medium blues
• Dark blues
• Cream or off-white background fabrics

Sorting scraps by value before sewing makes it much easier to reproduce the light-to-dark movement seen in the original quilt.

Fabric Requirements for the Original Quilt

For the approximately 90" × 102" version, the official pattern calls for a substantial collection of blue and cream fabrics.

• Approximately 5 3/8 yards of assorted blues for blocks, sashing and border units
• Approximately 2 5/8 yards of cream
• Approximately 2 1/2 yards of medium or dark blue
• About 1 yard for one of the wider borders
• About 1 yard of light blue for half-square-triangle units
• Approximately 3/4 yard for binding

Because the original design was intended to use scraps and upcycled fabrics, these amounts do not need to come from single continuous cuts. That makes Pinwheel Fantasy particularly useful for working through a large collection of blue remnants.

The Main 8.5-Inch Scrap Blocks

The quilt contains 36 main blocks. Each block measures approximately 8.5" × 8.5" before being sewn into the quilt.

Each block is assembled from 2.5-inch squares arranged so that the color value gradually changes across the block.

This value transition is one of the secrets behind the finished design. When several blocks are rotated and joined together, larger areas of light and dark begin to appear across the quilt top.

Sort Before You Sew

Before assembling the blocks, divide your blue scraps into rough groups:

• Very light
• Light-medium
• Medium
• Medium-dark
• Dark

The groups do not have to be perfect. The goal is simply to make enough difference between neighboring sections for the gradient to be visible.

Do Not Judge the Design from One Block

A single Pinwheel Fantasy block may look like an ordinary patchwork square. The interesting effect appears when several blocks are rotated and placed together.

Before sewing your quilt top permanently, lay the blocks out on a design wall, floor, or large table.

Try rotating individual blocks until the lighter sections begin to interact with neighboring blocks.

Take a Photograph

Once you like the arrangement, take a quick photograph with your phone. It gives you an easy reference if blocks become mixed up while the rows are being sewn.

Pieced Sashing Adds Another Layer of Patchwork

Pinwheel Fantasy does not use plain strips of fabric between the main blocks. Instead, the official design includes pieced sashing units made from small blue rectangles and cream fabric.

These units connect the scrappy blocks without visually stopping the movement of the quilt.

The original pattern uses 84 sashing units, each measuring approximately 4.5" × 8.5".

The Double Pinwheel Cornerstone Blocks

One of the details that gives Pinwheel Fantasy its name is the collection of small pinwheel units positioned between the larger blocks and sashing.

The original quilt uses 49 double pinwheel cornerstone blocks, each measuring approximately 4.5" square.

These blocks introduce diagonal movement into an otherwise strongly gridded layout.

Handle Triangle Edges Gently

The small pinwheel pieces contain bias edges, which can stretch easily. Use a light touch while sewing and pressing.

If your fabric feels unstable, a small amount of quilting starch can help keep the units under control.

Tips for Accurate Small Pinwheel Blocks

Press Carefully

Press rather than aggressively sliding the iron across your pieces. This is especially important when working with small triangles.

Trim Dog Ears

Removing the small triangular tips that extend beyond finished units reduces bulk where several seams meet.

Match the Center First

When joining the two halves of a pinwheel, align and pin the center intersection before worrying about the outside edges.

Check Unit Size as You Go

Small errors can multiply across a large quilt. Check a few units before batch-piecing dozens of them.

How the Quilt Top Comes Together

The finished design alternates three important elements:

• The 8.5-inch scrap blocks
• The pieced sashing units
• The small double pinwheel cornerstone blocks

These elements are first assembled into rows and then the rows are joined to form the center of the quilt.

The official pattern includes diagrams showing the exact orientation of every unit. Keep the PDF open while assembling the rows because rotation is especially important in this design.

Border Design

Pinwheel Fantasy uses several borders rather than one simple outer strip. The changing widths and colors frame the busy patchwork center while extending the blue-and-cream theme.

One particularly interesting element is an additional border made with half-square triangles.

If you already save bonus triangles from other quilting projects, this can be a useful place to incorporate them.

Tips for Making a Large Scrap Quilt

1. Work in Batches

Instead of trying to complete one block from beginning to end, cut and sew similar units together. Chain piecing can save significant time when making dozens of repeated pieces.

2. Keep Value Groups Separate

Use labeled containers or small piles for light, medium and dark scraps. This prevents the gradient from becoming accidentally unbalanced.

3. Measure Your First Block

Before making all 36 blocks, complete one test block and make sure it finishes at the expected size.

4. Use a Design Wall

The final block rotation affects the appearance of the entire quilt. Seeing several blocks together makes layout decisions much easier.

5. Photograph Every Final Layout

A photo is especially valuable when assembling a large quilt in several rows. You can quickly confirm block orientation before joining each section.

Can You Make Pinwheel Fantasy in Other Colors?

Absolutely. Blue creates a calm and cohesive effect, but the same concept can work with almost any color family.

• Red, burgundy and pink
• Green from sage to forest
• Purple from lavender to plum
• Brown, tan and cream
• A complete rainbow arranged by value
• Black, gray and white for a modern version

The most important feature is not the exact hue—it is maintaining enough contrast between the light and dark areas.

Is Pinwheel Fantasy Beginner Friendly?

The individual patchwork techniques are approachable, but this is a large quilt with many repeated units and some small triangle piecing.

A confident beginner who already understands a consistent quarter-inch seam, basic patchwork, and half-square triangles can certainly tackle it, but the project is better approached gradually rather than as a first-ever quilt.

Download the Free Pinwheel Fantasy Quilt Pattern

The official pattern contains the complete cutting requirements, diagrams, block construction, borders, and final quilt assembly.

Download the Free Pinwheel Fantasy Quilt Pattern

You can also read Becky Petersen’s original Pinwheel Fantasy project story to see how she developed the scrappy blue layout.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring fabric value: separate light, medium and dark scraps before piecing.
• Sewing every block in the same orientation: experiment with rotations before assembling the quilt top.
• Stretching the pinwheel triangles: handle bias edges gently.
• Skipping unit measurements: check your first few blocks before chain-piecing the rest.
• Removing blocks from the layout without a reference: photograph the final arrangement first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pinwheel Fantasy quilt pattern free?

Yes. The original Pinwheel Fantasy pattern by Becky Petersen is currently available as a free PDF.

How large is the finished Pinwheel Fantasy quilt?

The original quilt finishes at approximately 90" × 102".

How many main blocks are required?

The original layout uses 36 main patchwork blocks measuring approximately 8.5" square before they are sewn into the quilt top.

What size scraps are used?

The main blocks are based primarily on 2.5-inch squares, making the design particularly useful for leftover fabric and precut-size scraps.

Do I have to use blue fabric?

No. Blue was used for the original quilt, but the design can be adapted to other colors. Maintaining a clear transition from light to dark is more important than using a particular color.

Can I make a smaller version?

Yes. You can make fewer main blocks for a smaller project, although you will need to redesign the sashing and border quantities to suit your new layout. The official PDF measurements apply to the original 90" × 102" version.

More Quilt Tutorials

If you enjoy experimenting with classic patchwork blocks and free quilt patterns, continue with these Quilting Time projects:

• The Proposal Quilt Block
• Easy Bow Tie Quilt Block Tutorial
• 7 Free Heart Quilt Patterns and Blocks

Final Thoughts

Pinwheel Fantasy is a wonderful example of what can happen when simple scraps are organized thoughtfully. Small squares, value changes, block rotation and pinwheel details combine to create a large quilt with much more visual movement than its individual pieces suggest.

If you have been saving blue scraps—or simply want a project that can make a serious dent in your stash—this free pattern offers plenty of opportunities to experiment with color, value and traditional patchwork.

The Proposal Quilt Block – Free Jen Kingwell Pattern

The Proposal quilt block is a striking diamond-inspired design by Jen Kingwell, originally released as Block 27 in the Moda Block Heads 3 series.

Made with foundation paper piecing, the block combines sharp angles, contrasting fabrics, and a strong geometric center. The official free pattern includes four finished sizes, so you can use The Proposal in everything from a small sampler to a larger quilt.

The Proposal Quilt Block at a Glance

Pattern	The Proposal
Designer	Jen Kingwell
Series	Moda Block Heads 3 – Block 27
Technique	Foundation Paper Piecing
Finished Sizes	4", 6", 8" and 12"
Fabric Style	Scrappy or coordinated
Pattern Format	Free PDF with foundation templates

About The Proposal Quilt Block

The Proposal immediately stands out because of its diamond-shaped center and repeating angular sections. Although the finished block looks intricate, foundation paper piecing helps create the crisp points and accurate seams that give the design its distinctive appearance.

Jen Kingwell designed the block for Moda Block Heads 3. Its name plays on the diamond motif, making “The Proposal” a particularly fitting title.

The design can look dramatically different depending on your fabric choices. Use just a few coordinated fabrics for a controlled geometric appearance, or combine many small scraps for the colorful look associated with Jen Kingwell’s style.

Four Sizes to Choose From

The official pattern provides foundation templates for four finished block sizes:

• 4" finished – ideal for mini quilts and detailed samplers
• 6" finished – a useful size for smaller patchwork projects
• 8" finished – a versatile choice for sampler quilts
• 12" finished – easier to handle and excellent for larger quilts

If you are fairly new to foundation paper piecing, starting with the larger 12-inch version can make the individual fabric sections easier to position and manage.

What Is Foundation Paper Piecing?

Foundation paper piecing, often shortened to FPP, is a quilting technique in which fabric is sewn directly onto a printed paper foundation.

Instead of relying only on accurately cut fabric shapes, the printed sewing lines guide each seam. This is especially helpful for blocks like The Proposal, where several narrow angles and sharp points need to meet accurately.

After all sections have been pieced and joined, the paper foundation is removed.

Before You Print the Pattern

Correct printing is one of the most important parts of foundation paper piecing. The official pattern includes a test square so you can verify that the templates have printed at the correct scale.

• Print at 100% or Actual Size.
• Do not select “Fit to Page.”
• Measure the printed test square before cutting your templates.
• Check that the entire template and outer seam allowance are visible.

A small printing error can change the finished dimensions of the block, so it is worth checking before you begin sewing.

Choosing Fabrics for The Proposal

The geometric structure of this block makes value and contrast especially important.

For a Scrappy Version

Choose a collection of small and medium-scale prints with a mixture of light, medium, and dark values. Repeating a few colors throughout the block helps keep a highly scrappy version visually balanced.

For a Controlled Version

Use three coordinated fabrics: a light, a medium, and a darker fabric. This makes the diamond structure more obvious and gives the block a clean, contemporary appearance.

For a Low-Volume Background

Instead of plain white, try cream or a subtle low-volume print. The small amount of texture can soften the design while still giving the colored diamond pieces enough contrast.

Helpful Foundation Paper Piecing Tips

1. Start with Fabric Pieces That Are Generous

One of the most common foundation paper piecing problems is using a fabric piece that is just slightly too small.

Give yourself extra fabric around each section. It can always be trimmed later, and the extra margin makes positioning much easier.

2. Shorten Your Stitch Length

A shorter stitch perforates the paper more frequently, which makes the foundation easier to remove after the block is finished.

3. Check Before Sewing

Before stitching each new fabric piece, fold it into its finished position and make sure it will completely cover the required template area plus the seam allowance.

4. Trim Between Sections

Keeping seam allowances tidy as you work reduces bulk and makes the finished paper-pieced units easier to assemble.

5. Keep the Paper in Place Until Assembly

The foundation stabilizes the pieces and helps preserve the precise outer edges. Removing it too early can allow narrow or bias sections to distort.

How The Proposal Block Is Constructed

The official design is divided into foundation-pieced sections. Each section is built in numerical order according to the markings on the template.

Once the individual paper-pieced units are finished and trimmed along their outer seam allowances, they are joined to form the complete diamond design.

Because the exact fabric positions, numbered template sequence, and foundation pieces are part of the designer’s official pattern, keep the PDF beside you while sewing and follow Jen Kingwell and Moda’s templates for the exact construction.

Common Foundation Paper Piecing Mistakes

Printing at the Wrong Scale

Always check the test square before beginning. Even a small scaling difference can prevent the finished sections from fitting together correctly.

Fabric Does Not Cover the Section

This usually happens when the new piece is positioned too close to the sewing line. Test-fold the fabric before stitching.

Forgetting the Seam Allowance

Do not trim away the outer seam allowance printed around the completed foundation sections. It is needed when the units are joined.

Using Large Directional Prints

Directional fabric can unexpectedly appear upside down after a piece is flipped into position. Small-scale prints and non-directional designs are easier when you are learning FPP.

Removing the Paper Too Soon

Leaving the foundation attached until the main sections are assembled can help protect those sharp points from stretching.

Ideas for Using The Proposal Block

Although The Proposal was created for the Moda Block Heads 3 sampler, you can use the block independently in many projects.

• Sampler quilts
• Mini quilts
• Quilted pillows
• Wall hangings
• Table toppers
• Repeated diamond quilts
• Scrap quilts

Repeating the same block while changing the fabric placement can create interesting secondary patterns across a larger quilt.

Download The Proposal Free Quilt Block Pattern

The complete pattern, foundation templates, exact fabric placement, and assembly instructions are available in the official free PDF from Moda Fabrics.

Download The Proposal Free Pattern

You can also read the story behind the design on Jen Kingwell’s original The Proposal page .

More Quilt Block Tutorials

If you enjoy experimenting with different patchwork techniques, continue with these Quilting Time projects:

• Easy Bow Tie Quilt Block Tutorial
• Autumn Wonders Block 4
• Bride’s Bouquet Quilt Block

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Proposal quilt block pattern free?

Yes. The official pattern for The Proposal is currently available as a free PDF from Moda Fabrics as part of the Moda Block Heads 3 collection.

Who designed The Proposal quilt block?

The block was designed by Jen Kingwell for Moda Block Heads 3.

What technique does The Proposal use?

The official instructions use foundation paper piecing. Jen Kingwell has also shown that the design can be adapted to hand piecing, but the downloadable pattern is written for foundation paper piecing.

What sizes are included?

The official pattern includes 4", 6", 8", and 12" finished block sizes.

Is The Proposal suitable for beginners?

It is a good project for a confident beginner who wants to learn foundation paper piecing. If this is your first FPP block, choosing the largest size and using non-directional fabrics can make the process easier.

Can I make it with fabric scraps?

Yes. The block is particularly well suited to scraps because the diamond can be built from many different prints. You can also limit the palette to just a few fabrics for a more controlled appearance.

Final Thoughts

The Proposal is a memorable quilt block that combines Jen Kingwell’s love of scrappy fabric with the precision of foundation paper piecing. Its four size options make it flexible enough for small projects, sampler quilts, or a larger repeated-block design.

If you have been wanting to try paper piecing, this block is also a useful project for practicing accurate fabric placement, trimming, and sharp geometric points.

Easy Bow Tie Quilt Block Tutorial for Beginners

The Bow Tie quilt block is one of those classic patchwork designs that looks more complicated than it really is. With just a few squares, a simple stitch-and-flip technique, and a consistent quarter-inch seam, you can create a charming block that works beautifully in both traditional and modern quilts.

This easy version avoids complicated templates and set-in seams, making it a great project for beginners while still offering plenty of possibilities for scrappy quilts, baby quilts, table runners, and sampler projects.

Easy Bow Tie Quilt Block at a Glance

Block	Bow Tie Quilt Block
Skill Level	Beginner
Technique	Traditional piecing with stitch-and-flip corners
Example Finished Size	8" × 8"
Best For	Scraps, charm packs, baby quilts and sampler quilts

Why the Bow Tie Block Is Great for Beginners

A Bow Tie block is built from a simple four-patch arrangement. Two of the large squares become the main bow-tie fabric, while two background squares receive small diagonal corner pieces that create the center “knot.”

Because everything starts with squares, there are no curved seams or difficult templates to manage. The main skill to practice is sewing accurately along a diagonal line.

• Uses simple squares
• Requires only basic rotary cutting
• Teaches stitch-and-flip corners
• Works well with scraps
• Can be chain-pieced when making many blocks
• Creates many different secondary designs when rotated

Fabric Cutting for an 8-Inch Finished Bow Tie Block

For one block measuring approximately 8" × 8" finished, prepare the following pieces.

Bow Tie Fabric

• Two 4½" × 4½" squares
• Two 2" × 2" squares

Background Fabric

• Two 4½" × 4½" squares

The small 2-inch squares create the two diagonal pieces that meet in the center and give the block its recognizable bow-tie shape.

Bow Tie Quilt Block Size Chart

Once you understand the construction, the same method can be adapted to several useful block sizes.

Finished Block	Large Squares	Small Bow Tie Squares
6"	Four 3½" squares	Two 1½" squares
8"	Four 4½" squares	Two 2" squares
12"	Four 6½" squares	Two 3" squares

For every block, two large squares are cut from the Bow Tie fabric and two from the background fabric.

How to Make an Easy Bow Tie Quilt Block

Step 1: Mark the Small Squares

Take the two small Bow Tie squares and draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner on the wrong side of each piece.

A removable fabric marker or fine pencil works well for this step.

Step 2: Position the Corner Squares

Place one small Bow Tie square right sides together on the corner of a large background square.

Make sure the diagonal line runs across the corner in the direction that will create the center of the Bow Tie.

Repeat with the second background square.

Step 3: Sew the Diagonal Lines

Sew directly along each marked diagonal line.

Before trimming anything away, fold the small square toward the corner and check that it completely covers the background fabric beneath it. This quick check can save you from having to remake the unit.

Step 4: Trim and Press

Trim away the excess fabric approximately ¼" beyond the stitched line.

Press the newly created triangle open. You should now have two background squares with small Bow Tie triangles in their corners.

Step 5: Arrange the Four Units

Lay out your four large squares in a 2 × 2 arrangement:

• Two full Bow Tie fabric squares
• Two background squares with diagonal Bow Tie corners

Rotate the pieces until the two small triangles meet in the center and the larger colored squares sit diagonally opposite one another.

At this stage the Bow Tie shape should already be clearly visible.

Step 6: Sew the Rows

Sew the two squares in the top row together using a consistent ¼" seam allowance.

Repeat for the bottom row.

Press the row seams in opposite directions so they can nest neatly when the rows are joined.

Step 7: Join the Rows

Place the two rows right sides together and carefully match the center seam. Pin or clip if necessary.

Sew across using a ¼" seam allowance, then press the final seam.

Your Bow Tie quilt block is complete.

Tips for Neater Bow Tie Blocks

Use a Consistent Quarter-Inch Seam

Even though the block is simple, small seam differences can affect the final size when several blocks are sewn together.

Check Before You Trim

After sewing each diagonal corner, fold the fabric outward before cutting away the excess layers. Confirming the alignment first prevents undersized corners.

Do Not Stretch Diagonal Edges

Diagonal seams can stretch more easily than straight-grain seams. Press with an up-and-down motion instead of aggressively pushing the iron across the block.

Square Up Finished Blocks

If you are making many Bow Tie blocks for one quilt, check each block against a square ruler before joining them together.

Best Fabrics for a Bow Tie Quilt

The Bow Tie pattern is especially attractive in fabrics with strong contrast. A light neutral background helps colorful prints stand out, while a dark background can create a completely different modern look.

Good fabric combinations include:

• Scrappy prints with a white background
• Vintage florals with cream
• Bright solids with low-volume prints
• Blue and white for a classic look
• Black and white for a modern quilt
• Rainbow scraps with one consistent background

Bow Tie Quilt Layout Ideas

One of the most interesting things about this block is how dramatically the quilt changes when the blocks are rotated.

Classic Rows

Keep every Bow Tie facing in the same direction for a simple repeating layout. This is a good option for beginners because the arrangement is easy to plan.

Alternating Bow Ties

Rotate every other block to create more movement across the quilt surface. Secondary geometric shapes begin to appear where neighboring blocks meet.

Scrappy Bow Tie Quilt

Use one consistent background fabric and a different print for almost every Bow Tie. This is one of the easiest ways to turn small leftovers into a cohesive scrap quilt.

Four-Block Groups

Arrange four blocks so their Bow Tie shapes rotate around a central point. Repeating these larger units can create an entirely different secondary pattern.

What Can You Make with Bow Tie Blocks?

You do not need to commit to a large quilt. Bow Tie blocks work well for many small projects too.

• Baby quilts
• Scrap quilts
• Table runners
• Throw pillows
• Mini quilts
• Wall hangings
• Quilted tote bags
• Sampler quilts

Free Bow Tie Quilt Block Tutorial

For additional photographs, construction guidance, alternate sizes, and more Bow Tie quilt layout inspiration, visit the free tutorial from Create Whimsy.

View the Free Bow Tie Quilt Block Tutorial

Common Bow Tie Block Mistakes

• Rotating one unit incorrectly: lay out all four pieces before sewing the rows.
• Trimming before checking: test-fold each diagonal corner before removing fabric.
• Losing the center match: nest the row seams carefully before sewing.
• Using low-contrast fabrics: choose fabrics with enough value difference for the Bow Tie to stand out.
• Inconsistent block sizes: square every block before assembling a larger quilt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bow Tie quilt block beginner friendly?

Yes. The simplified machine-pieced version uses basic squares and stitch-and-flip corners, making it suitable for quilters who are comfortable with rotary cutting and a quarter-inch seam allowance.

What size is a Bow Tie quilt block?

Bow Tie blocks can be made in many sizes. Common finished sizes include 6", 8", and 12". The same basic construction method can be scaled for different projects.

Can I use scraps for Bow Tie blocks?

Yes. This is an excellent scrap-friendly design because each Bow Tie uses only a small amount of feature fabric. Keeping one background fabric consistent can help a very scrappy quilt look unified.

Can I use charm squares?

Yes. Five-inch precut squares can be useful for Bow Tie projects, especially when you want a coordinated scrappy look. Depending on your chosen block size, the squares may need to be trimmed into smaller pieces before sewing.

Do I need a template?

Not for this simplified version. Traditional Bow Tie blocks can be constructed in other ways, but the stitch-and-flip method shown here uses ordinary squares and straightforward machine piecing.

More Quilt Block Inspiration

Continue building your quilt block collection with these Quilting Time guides:

• Autumn Wonders Block 4
• Bride’s Bouquet Quilt Block
• 7 Free Heart Quilt Patterns and Blocks

Final Thoughts

The Bow Tie quilt block proves that a simple pattern can produce a surprising amount of variety. Start with one block to practice the technique, then experiment with colors, scraps, and block rotations to create your own layout.

Once you become comfortable with the stitch-and-flip corners, these blocks are quick to batch-piece and can easily grow into anything from a small table runner to a colorful full-size scrap quilt.