No-Sew Fabric Pinwheels

Celebrate summer with a fun project for crafters of all ages! These No-Sew Fabric Pinwheels only take a few supplies and add a fun touch to your home decor. I chose red, white, and blue fabric for mine, but you can use any colors and patterns you like to make your own. Let’s get started!

Image contains two pinwheels made from double sided fabric. One is blue and red, the other is red and white.

Table of Contents + show

How to Make Fabric Pinwheels

This project takes about 10-15 minutes per pinwheel. If you’re anything like me, after you see how cute they turn out, you’ll find yourself wanting to make more than just one.

Materials & Supplies

two pieces of coordinating fabric (7” square each)
double-sided fusible interfacing
button
wooden dowel (1/4” x 12”)
scissors and/or rotary cutter and cutting mat
hot glue gun and glue sticks
pencil or heat erasable pen

Image contains two fabric pinwheels; one red and blue, and one white and red.

Instructions

1. Cut your fabric and interfacing.

You’ll need a 7” square of each of the two fabrics, and a 6 3/4” square of interfacing.

Image contains two fabric squares (one white with colored stars, one blue with white dots), a square of interfacing, a pair of silver scissors, and a wooden dowel on a white table.

2. Iron the interfacing to the wrong side of one fabric square.

Use the manufacturer’s instructions on the interfacing for the best results.

Image contains Amy’s hand peeling the backing paper from a piece of fabric with iron-on fusible interfacing attached.

3. Iron the fabrics together.

Peel the backing paper off. Place the other fabric square on top, and iron to adhere it to the other square and the interfacing. Now you’ll have a double-sided square.

Image contains Amy’s hand holding a double sided fabric square; the top side is navy with white dots, the bottom is white with red and blue stars.

4. Trim your square.

Trim all 4 sides by 1/4” to create a finished square that measures 6 1/2.” The interfacing in between the fabrics will keep the edges smooth.

5. Mark your cut lines.

Use a pencil or a fabric marking pen to draw diagonal lines connecting opposite corners to form an “x.” Then, starting where the lines intersect, make a mark 1/2” from the center in each of the four directions.

5. Cut your fabric.

Cut along the lines, stopping at the marked spot. This will give you four triangle shapes that are still connected in the center.

Image contains Amy’s hand holding a fabric square that has been cut in toward the center from each of the four corners.

6. Fold and glue.

Decide which fabric you want to see more of, and place the square with that side facing up (I chose the white side). Place a dot of hot glue in the center of the square. Fold the right side of each triangle in to the center and press it into the glue.

Use the eraser end of a pencil or a wooden craft stick to push the fabric down into the hot glue (rather than your finger) to prevent burns.

Image contains a fabric square folded into a pinwheel shape.

7. Add a button and a wooden dowel.

Finish your pinwheel by gluing a button in the center to cover the area where the points are glued. Then, glue the dowel to the back, and your pinwheel is ready to display!

Image contains a blue and white fabric pinwheel on a wooden dowel with a red button in the center.

Crafting Tips

I highly recommend using a rotary cutter for cutting fabric! It makes the cutting process so much easier, as well as more precise.
Using a square quilting ruler makes it super-easy to trim your fabric to the perfect size.
My favorite way to mark on fabric projects is with the Pilot Frixion Pen, which is heat erasable! Just draw, cut, then iron your fabric and the ink totally disappears! Coolest pen ever.
Using different combinations of fabric will give you a totally unique look.
Try trimming your square slightly smaller (like 5.5″ or 6”) for a more petite pinwheel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the pinwheel actually spin?

No, it’s just decorative.

How much fabric should I buy?

If you’re purchasing fabric by the yard, you’ll need 1/4 of a yard of each of your two colors. You can also get pre-cut 10” squares in packs called Layer Cakes.

Can I make this with paper?

YES! You can get double-sided scrapbook paper, then start at step 4. The process is exactly the same for steps 4-7!

Image contains two fabric pinwheels: one red and blue and one white and red, attached to wooden dowels.

More Patriotic Holiday Projects

Looking for more patriotic projects to decorate your home? Check out these other tutorials for inspiration and step-by-step instructions.

Patriotic Star Wands

No-Sew Flags (a 5-minute project!)

Hand Lettered Patriotic Decor