MULTIPLE CENTER SEAMS - OPTION 1

We are now going to work on the Pin Wheel unit. Logically you would piece all the HST's (half square triangles) and end up with a seam across the middle but the following is how I approach any block with multiple seams in the center. (NOTE: For those who want to try both ways of piecing this block, the next post gives instructions, if you piece all the HST's first. You might want to make another set of pin wheel templates and try both methods).

Sew piece 14 to piece 15, sewing towards the center and press towards the green.

Trim off that dog ear.

Now add piece 16, but sew away from the center. Press towards the white. As you add each piece alternate between sewing towards and away from the center. You will be doing this to help keep the block from forming a puffy center....what I like to call a "D" cup.

Continue around until you are ready to add the last piece, pressing the seams in the same direction as you go.

Pin the last piece on and sew towards the center.

Take a back stitch in the corner and bring the needle all the way through.

Pass the needle through the seam from right....

To left and pull the needle all the way through.

Pass the needle through the next seam from right....

To left and pull the needle all the way through again.

Pass the needle through the next seam.....

Continue doing this through each seam until you are back to the last seam to be sewn

I'm sure you are asking why I had you do this. If you don't do this, you will more than likely end up with a hole in the center of the block, this is not a good thing.

Line up the last seam and pin it. Before you take the first stitch, pull the thread tight, closing up the gap in the middle.

Now take a stitch in the corner, bring the needle all the way through, pull the thread tight again and then take a back stitch and continue sewing to the end.

Lay the piece down, press the seams setting the iron close to the swirl in the middle but not on top of the swirl.

Gently nudge the swirl open...I usually do this with my finger but was easier to see with the tip of my scissors.

Once you have the swirly swirling, hit it with the iron.

A sweet little Pin Wheel block. Don't be discouraged if it's not perfect the first time, it does take a little practice and mine are certainly not perfect every time, as this picture shows, however, in the scheme of things, the points are pointy and in a large quilt, who's gonna notice? :0)

Lay it down with the other units. Go ahead and sew all the units together.


Crispy