This block reminds me of a flower when it's isolated. When it's in a group, I notice pinwheels and hourglasses. With such happy spring/summer images (flowers, pinwheel toys, and an hourglass to remind us of cooking or not to waste the wonderful weather), I thought it would be perfect for May's free block pattern.

Fabric

Fabric A - Dark Green
Fabric B - Lime Green

 

AccuQuilt GO! Dies

8" Block

Cut 4 - 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles from Fabric A - Cut 2 1/2" strips with the GO! Strip Cutter-2 1/2" (55014 or 55017), then rotate the strips 90° and use the GO! Strip Cutter-4 1/2" (55054) or the GO! Square-4 1/2" (55018 or 55060) to create these rectangles.

Cut 2 - 2 1/2" squares from lime Fabric B - Use GO! Square-2 1/2" Multiples (55059); or GO! Value Die (55018); or create them by cutting 2 1/2" strips with the GO! Strip Cutter-2 1/2" (55014 or 55017), and then rotate the strips 90° and cut them again on the same 2 1/2" strip cutter or use a rotary cutter to sub cut squares.

Cut 6 - 2 1/2" half square triangles from Fabric A - Use GO! Half Square-2" Finished Triangle Multiples (55063); or GO! Value Die (55018).

Cut 6 - 2 1/2" half square triangles from Fabric B- Use GO! Half Square-2" Finished Triangle Multiples (55063); or GO! Value Die (55018).

 

pinwheelsHourglassExplode12" Block

Cut 4 - 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" rectangles from Fabric A - Use GO! Rectangle-3 1/2" x 6 1/2" (55005); or cut 3 1/2" strips with the GO! Strip Cutter-3 1/2" (55032), then rotate the strips 90° and sub cut them with the GO! Strip Cutter-6 1/2" (55086) or the GO! Square-6 1/2" (55000).

Cut 2 - 3 1/2" squares from Fabric B - Use GO! Square-3 1/2" (55006); or cut 3 1/2" strips with the GO! Strip Cutter-3 1/2" (55032), then rotate the strips 90° and sub cut into 3 1/2" squares

Cut 6 - 3 1/2" half square triangles from Fabric A - Use GO! Half Square-3" Finished Triangle (55009); or GO! Bountiful Baskets (55048)

Cut 6 - 3 1/2" half square triangles from Fabric B - Use GO! Half Square-3" Finished Triangle (55009); or GO! Bountiful Baskets (55048)

 

Example quilt for Pinwheels and Hourglass blockRotary Cutting

8" Block

Cut 4 - 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles from Fabric A

Cut 2 - 2 1/2" squares from Fabric B

Cut 3 - 2 7/8" squares for half square triangles from Fabric A

Cut 3 - 2 7/8" squares for half square triangles from Fabric B

12" Block

Cut 4 - 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" rectangles from Fabric A

Cut 2 - 3 1/2" squares from Fabric B

Cut 3 - 3 7/8" squares for half square triangles from Fabric A

Cut 3 - 3 7/8" squares for half square triangles from Fabric B

 

Assembly Instructions

Half square triangles made from squares1. Assemble six Fabric A and Fabric B half square triangles. Refer to the Half Square Triangles from Squares diagram if using rotary cut pieces or visit the Half Square Triangles Quilting Basic Section for more information.

2. Finger press the seam allowances toward the darker fabric and trim dog-eared corners, if needed. Double check measurements of the half squares. If doing the 8" block, your half squares should measure 2 1/2" unfinished. If doing the 12" block, your half squares should measure 3 1/2" unfinished. If the square ended up too small, check your seam allowance is a scant 1/4" or if it was too big, trim down.

3. Arrange the shapes as shown in the Exploded View Diagram.

4. Sew half square triangles onto the ends of two rectangles for row one and row three.

5. Sew two half square triangles and two squares into a four patch for the center.

6. Sew the two remaining rectangles onto the sides of the center four patch. This creates row two.

7. Match the seam lines in the first and second rows, nesting the seams then pin. Sew the first and second rows together. Continue by adding the remaining row in this manner. Press the block on the back then the front.