How to Sew a Disappearing Pinwheel Quilt Block - Bow Tie Layout

The disappearing pinwheel is such a clever quilt block to make! Starting with a simple pinwheel, you can cut it into nine sections and rearrange the pieces to create lots of different patchwork designs.

For this version, I've arranged the pieces into a design that looks a little like a wrapped sweet or a bow tie. It's made using just two contrasting fabrics, and although the finished block looks quite detailed, the sewing itself is surprisingly straightforward.

I'll show you how to make the block using 10″ fabric squares, its finished measurements and how many you'll need to make a quilt in different sizes.

What Is a Disappearing Pinwheel Quilt Block?

A disappearing pinwheel starts with four half-square triangles (HSTs) sewn together into a traditional pinwheel.

The completed pinwheel is then cut into nine sections, which can be rotated and rearranged to form a completely new pattern.

It's a great technique for experimenting with different layouts without needing to cut and sew lots of individual shapes.

What You'll Need

Fabric requirements for one block:

• One 10″ square of Fabric A

• One 10″ square of Fabric B

You'll also need a sewing machine, matching thread, rotary cutter, cutting mat, quilting ruler and iron.

This block is ideal for using 10″ precut fabric squares, also known as layer cakes.

Unfinished block size: 11″ square

Finished block size: 10½″ square when sewn into a quilt

Use a ¼″ seam allowance throughout.

How to Make a Disappearing Pinwheel Quilt Block

Step 1: Make Four Half-Square Triangles

Place your two 10″ fabric squares right sides together, matching all four edges.

Sew around all four sides using a ¼″ seam allowance.

Using your rotary cutter and ruler, cut diagonally from corner to corner in both directions to create four triangles.

Open out each triangle and press carefully. You'll now have four half-square triangle units.

Trim each HST to 6.5″ square.

Step 2: Sew the Pinwheel Block

Arrange your four HSTs into a traditional pinwheel shape, with the coloured triangles rotating around the centre.

Sew the top two squares together, followed by the bottom two squares.

Press the seams in opposite directions to help them nest neatly, then sew the two rows together.

Your pinwheel should measure 12.5″ square.

Step 3: Cut the Pinwheel Into Nine Sections

Measure 3¼″ from the vertical centre line of the block in both directions, then cut along each mark.

Repeat horizontally to divide the block into nine sections.

Step 4: Create the Bow Tie Layout

Rearrange and rotate the nine sections to create the bow-tie design, with the contrasting fabrics forming the shape of a wrapped sweet.

You can also watch my disappearing pinwheel reel on Instagram to see how the pieces are arranged.

Try experimenting with the pieces before sewing them together. There are lots of other patterns you can create from exactly the same starting block.

Step 5: Sew the Block Together

Once you're happy with the arrangement, sew the squares together into three rows.

Press the seams in alternating directions so they nest together when joining the rows.

Sew the three rows together, matching the seams carefully, then press your completed block.

Your block should now measure 11″ square, including seam allowances.

Once sewn into a quilt, each block will measure 10½″ square.

How Many Disappearing Pinwheel Blocks Do I Need to Make a Quilt?

Because each block finishes at 10½″ square, you can combine them to make quilts of different sizes.

Here's a guide to how many blocks you'll need, along with the finished quilt measurements.

Quilt layout	Number of blocks	Finished quilt size
3 × 4	12	31½″ × 42″
4 × 5	20	42″ × 52½″
5 × 6	30	52½″ × 63″
6 × 7	42	63″ × 73½″
7 × 8	56	73½″ × 84″

Measurements are approximate finished quilt sizes without sashing or borders, assuming an accurate ¼″ seam allowance.

Fabric Requirements for Different Quilt Sizes

Each block requires two 10″ squares, one from each fabric.

If you're using just two fabrics throughout your quilt, here's a guide to how much you'll need.

Quilt layout	10″ squares per fabric	Fabric needed per fabric
3 × 4	12	1 metre
4 × 5	20	1.5 metres
5 × 6	30	2.25 metres
6 × 7	42	3 metres
7 × 8	56	3.75 metres

Fabric quantities are approximate and based on 110–112cm wide quilting cotton, assuming you can cut four 10″ squares across the usable fabric width. These amounts include a little extra for squaring up and cutting. Backing, wadding, binding and borders are not included.

You can also use a selection of different prints paired with the same background fabric for a scrappier look.

Joining Your Quilt Blocks

Once you've made all 20 blocks, arrange them into five rows of four.

You can position all the blocks in the same direction for a repeated pattern or rotate alternate blocks to see how the design changes across the quilt.

Sew the blocks together in rows, pressing the seams in opposite directions between rows.

Join the five rows together, matching your seams as you go.

You can also add sashing between your blocks or a border around the outside if you'd like to make the quilt larger.

Can You Make This Quilt With a Layer Cake?

Yes! This disappearing pinwheel block is perfect for using a Layer Cake, as each block starts with two 10″ fabric squares.

A standard Layer Cake contains 42 squares, meaning you can make 21 disappearing pinwheel blocks from one pack.

This is enough to make a 4 × 5 quilt layout, using 20 blocks and leaving two squares spare.

Your finished quilt will measure approximately 42″ × 52½″, without borders or sashing.

You can mix and match the prints throughout your quilt, pairing lighter and darker fabrics to create contrast and help the pinwheel designs stand out.

More Ways to Use This Quilt Block

You don't need to make a whole quilt to try this technique. A single block would work beautifully as part of a cushion cover, or you could combine a few blocks to create a table runner or wall hanging.

Try using a patterned fabric with a plain background to make the shapes stand out, or experiment with two contrasting prints for a completely different look.

The fun part of disappearing quilt blocks is discovering just how many designs you can create by changing the arrangement.

If you enjoyed this tutorial, you might also like my original disappearing pinwheel cushion tutorial, where I use the same technique to create another layout.

Happy sewing!

Kimberley x