Quilting is more than just a hobby; it’s an art form that allows us to express creativity, preserve traditions, and weave stories into fabric. For those who seek a project that combines whimsy with tradition, the Candy Apple Pinwheels Quilt Pattern is a delightful choice. Inspired by the sweetness of candy apples at the fairground and the timeless charm of pinwheels, this pattern offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern flair. Let’s delve into the magic of this pattern and explore how you can bring it to life.
The Origin of Candy Apple Pinwheels: The Candy Apple Pinwheels Quilt Pattern draws its inspiration from two sources: the classic candy apple treat and the playful design of pinwheel motifs. Just like biting into a candy apple brings back memories of childhood fairs and festivities, creating a quilt with this pattern evokes a sense of joy and nostalgia.
Design Elements: The key elements of the Candy Apple Pinwheels Quilt Pattern are the pinwheel blocks and the vibrant colors reminiscent of candy apples. The pinwheel blocks are arranged in a way that creates a mesmerizing effect, reminiscent of spinning pinwheels in the breeze. The color palette typically includes rich reds, crisp whites, and deep greens, mirroring the colors of candy-coated apples.
Designed by Gerri Robinson Finished Quilt Size: 82″ x 102″ Number of Blocks and Finished Size: 80 Pinwheel Blocks, each 8″ x 8″
Planning:
The Candy Apple Pinwheels Quilt Pattern, designed by Gerri Robinson, is inspired by the sweet allure of candy apples and the timeless charm of pinwheel motifs. As you snuggle into the quilt, you’ll notice details that aren’t apparent at first glance. Gerri used 2 different yellows for the block backgrounds (1 yellow per block), along with an assortment of like-colored prints that give the illusion of uniformity while adding a delicate hint of contrast. To match the look of Gerri’s quilt, use fabrics that are very similar in background color, yet have a subtle touch of difference in print. This design is very Jelly Roll™ friendly, since all patches are cut from 2½”-wide strips. Planted Seed Designs offers a kit for this quilt which includes color-sorted precut 2½”-wide width of fabric strips. See Ordering Information at the end of the pattern.
Fabric Requirements:
Assorted dark peach prints: 1½-2 yards (pinwheels) total Assorted light peach prints: 3-3½ yards (pinwheels) total Yellow print and yellow/cream dot (block backgrounds): 1½ yards each Peach/cream dot (border): 1 yard Rust floral (border): 1 yard Assorted gold prints (block corners): 1½-2 yards total Cream/rust floral stripe (sashing): 2⅜ yards* Rust/cream dot (sashing posts, binding): 1¾ yards Backing (piece widthwise): 7⅞ yards Batting size king *Yardage and cutting are based on featured fabric.
Cutting Instructions: Follow these cutting instructions precisely to prepare the fabric pieces required for the quilt blocks and borders.
Making the Blocks:
Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of assorted dark peach 2½” squares. Referring to Diagram I-A, place the marked square on assorted light peach 2½” x 4½” rectangles, right sides together, aligning raw edges. Stitch on the drawn line; trim away and discard excess fabric. Press open. Repeat the process on the opposite end of the rectangle using a yellow print square to make a pieced rectangle. Make 160 total. In the same manner, make 160 total pieced rectangles using yellow/cream dot squares.
Using peach/cream dot squares and rust floral 2½” x 8½” strips, make 36 pieced strips using the draw, stitch, trim, and press method from Step 1 (Diagram I-B). Set aside for the border.
Referring to Diagram II, stitch together 1 assorted gold 2½” square, 1 yellow print 2½” square, and pieced rectangle with matching yellow print to make a pieced square. Make up 160 total. In the same manner, make 160 total pieced squares using yellow/cream dot squares.
Stitch together 4 total pieced squares with yellow print patches to make a Pinwheel Block (Diagram III). Make 40 total. In the same manner, make 40 total Pinwheel Blocks using pieced squares with yellow/cream dot patches.
Quilt Top Assembly:
Refer to the Assembly Diagram for the following steps.
- Stitch 10 block rows using 4 blocks with yellow print patches, 7 cream/rust floral stripe sashing strips, and 4 blocks with yellow/cream dot patches.
- Sew together 8 sashing strips and 7 rust/cream dot squares to make a sashing row. Make 9. Watching orientation, stitch together block rows and sashing rows, alternating.
- Sew together 10 pieced strips (set aside in Step 2) and 9 peach/cream dot squares, alternating and watching orientation, to make a side border. Make 2 and stitch to sides of the quilt. Stitch together 9 peach/cream dot squares and 8 pieced strips, alternating, to make top/bottom border. Make 2 and stitch to top and bottom.
Quilting and Finishing: Layer, baste, and quilt the quilt. Finally, bind with rust/cream dot.
The Candy Apple Pinwheels Quilt Pattern offers a delightful journey into the world of quilting, blending nostalgia with modern design elements. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting out, this pattern promises hours of creative enjoyment and a beautiful finished product that captures the sweetness of childhood memories. So gather your fabrics, fire up your sewing machine, and embark on a quilting adventure filled with candy-coated joy!
