Pinwheel block
 

Given what is going on around the world, my question seems so ridiculous! Anyway, I thought I would ask it since I am housebound and working on a quilt for my brand new grand niece. Am I doing something wrong when I piece together the 4 1\4 inch half square triangles to form a 7 1\2 inch pinwheel block? The middle part of the four blocks is so bulky once sewn together! I don't know how to post a photo of my problem. But if you can imagine when I sew together the two half square triangle blocks, and then press the seams in opposite directions, when I sew the two halves together, the middle bit is fairly thick.
Thanks for any help you might offer.



​​​​​



​

​​​​​​

Hi Kay,

The center bulk from the piecing is a common problem. You want to twirl those seams.

Start at about the 33 minute part of the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9BuBROKIrk

A second one for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXSVFY2t8Y8


It does matter how you put the HST through the machine when you put the 4 different ones together to get the twirl. You may have to try it both ways and see which one works for you.

Sounds ridiculous but lay a piece of wood over the center and pound it with a hammer. It does wonders!

I try to swirl my seams, but am not always good at that.... I will soak the bulky seam with water then hold my iron on it, pressing super hard, flip the block over and press again from the other side. it works fairly okay.

I do what BLAP suggested. The hammer trick works like a charm. It’s something that tailors do with bulky seams.

Rob

I press my seams open to reduce the bulk. Have never had an issue doing this.

I keep a small hammer and a 4" block of wood with my sewing supplies. The block of wood against the carpet and then pound. I would think this is NOT something you would want to do on hardwood. So be careful. It works great.

I always press open so don't twirl, but yes, sometimes a hammer is the exactly right tool to use!

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I think I like the hammer one especially. Might help with life's frustrations at the moment😂

I hope it helps. Pinwheels are such wonderful blocks!!