How Should I Quilt a Pinwheel Quilt?

While most handmade quilts are held together with quilting stitches, there is an enormous number of ways in which to do this. The choice of quilting pattern can be based on the quilt top design, the proposed use for the quilt and even the experience of the quilter. Pinwheel quilts can be elaborate or simple, so almost any quilting design will work. Try different patterns and concepts until you find the one you like for your particular handicraft.

Instructions

1. Try stitch-in-the-ditch quilting. This method follows the inside border of all major pieces in each quilt block. Since every pinwheel block is made of eight triangles, this quilting design is created by quilting 1/4-inch inside the edge of each triangle on the entire quilt top. This emphasizes the pointed triangular shape of each patch and separates patches visually, even those that may be close together in value or hue.

2. Quilt your pinwheel quilt in a grid design. If you're a beginning quilter, this is one of the simplest patterns to follow. Draw a series of lines both across and up and down all over the quilt top. Quilt on top of these lines to hold the quilt together. Follow the natural lines of the quilt pattern by quilting next to the stitching lines or be more creative and place the lines in random widths. Grids are useful for baby and toddler blankets. They're fast to make, can be done on a basic sewing machine and you won't be as upset when the quilt is loved into rags in 18 months.

3. Use motifs for quilting inspiration. Find wooden shapes, circular mugs, old CDs or simple cookie cutters. Trace the outline of the shapes onto the surface of the quilt and use these lines to direct your quilting stitches. Place the outlined motifs into geometric designs or arrange them randomly over the quilt top.

4. Cover your quilt in the tightly stitched pattern known as stipple quilting or McTavishing. These styles are simple wandering lines, almost scribbling, that are close together and cover the entire surface of the quilt without regard to the quilt top pattern. Think of elevation charts of mountains and valleys and you have the basic idea.