I have a pattern from Connecting Threads (Midnight Shadows Quilt) that looks like it will make pinwheels as part of the pattern. They advise you to cut out squares, then cut along diagonal, then sew to others that you have cut in this way. I then saw a pinwheel pattern for a tablerunner online and that pattern advised the same. (http://modifytradition.blogspot.com/...-tutorial.html).
Isn't this just the same as putting two colors face together, then making the sewing lines and sewing? I haven't worked it out yet but can't imagine why it would be better to cut first and then sew. Anyone have any ideas on this?

It is just two different techniques to get the same end results :D:D:D

It was easier for me to do it the way you have discribed. I made a pinwheel quilt from Moda's Bakeshop and that is how they showed to do it. That quilt is DGS's quilt at Mamaw's house.

So you mean that they said cut first then sew but you sewed them together first and then cut? I think that must be easier and you don't have to try to sew two pieces cut on the diagonal. In the Connecting Threads pattern, I think they said to cut first to save space but am not sure.
Thank you both.

It may also have something to do with how colors are paired up? So far, I've always done the "draw the diagonal, stitch 1/4" from the line, and then cut them apart" method. It has worked out okay so far. I'm afraid I'm not a gentle enough soul to work with the diagonals already cut.

Cathysews posted this awhile back:
I saw this on one of my other groups and I Love it. You layer 2 squares facing. Sew 1/4 inch around all four sides then cut each way from corner to corner cutting into 4 pieces. When you press them open - all seams to the darker side, you just lay them out ready to sew together. All pieces are the same size. The same lady posted a chart of sizes for different squares. Remember that these measurements are for the 4 square you get - NOT the finished pinwheel.
2" squares = 1" HST
2 1/2" = 1 1/2
3 1/2 " = 2"
4" - 2 1/2
5" = 3 1/2
6" = 4
7" = 4 1/2
8" = 5"
8 1/2 = 5 1/2
9" - 6
10" - 7

On the CT pattern they have you sew 8 triangles of one fabric to 8 triangles of another fabric... both colors start out at 2 7/8 and finish as 2 1/2 when sewn together according to the directions.