pinwheel mini quilt process post

I took some pictures while I was making the mini pinwheel quilt, using the Lil' Twister tool.   I began with twenty-four  5 inch squares that I cut using my Go!Baby fabric cutter by Accuquilt.  I sewed them together, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance in a 4 X 6 pattern.

I added a 3 inch border.  When I add a border I measure from the middle instead of the edge.  In a small quilt it doesn't make too much difference, but the larger the quilt, the more likely that the edges will be a little bit larger.  By measuring in the middle, you can keep your quilt top square.  I pin the border at each end and then find the center, and pin again.  Then if you have to, you can ease the two pieces as you sew to make them flat.  I know this may sound weird, but it works : )

Next I cut my pinwheels using the Lil' Twister tool.

I started at the top left and cut them in rows.  It is important to keep the pieces in order.  I found it is easier to cut the squares if you put your cutting mat on a table that you can walk around as you cut.  Once you begin cutting you can't really pick up the fabric or move it around.  

I'm not sure what I will do with the scraps, but I kept them and I may use them with the back of my mini quilt.  Next, I turned each square to make a pinwheel and I am ready to sew each row together.

Now they are sewn together and ready for some hand stitching!

I am glad that I finally used this fun tool, it makes the pinwheels easy and uniform.

I am linking up to Tutorial Tuesday at a darling blog called Lawson and Lotti.  

piece,

elizabeth