Riley Blake Windmills - Downloadable PDF

Riley Blake Windmills Quilt Pattern – Free Downloadable PDF Summary

The Riley Blake Windmills pattern is a free downloadable PDF that guides intermediate quilters through constructing a stunning 52½" x 66½" lap or throw quilt built around a classic windmill block design. Each finished block measures 8" x 8", and the overall layout combines pieced windmill blocks with sashing, posts, setting triangles, and corner triangles to create a polished, on-point quilt center. This is an excellent project for quilters who are comfortable with basic piecing and are ready to explore diagonal set layouts and half-square triangle construction.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a lap-sized quilt measuring 52½" x 66½", composed of multiple Windmill blocks set on point with sashing and posts. The on-point setting gives the quilt a dynamic, rotating visual effect that makes the windmill motif especially striking. Setting triangles and corner triangles fill in the edges and corners to complete the rectangular quilt top before borders and binding are added.

Design and Block Construction

The central design element is the Windmill block, a traditional quilting pattern that uses triangles arranged around a center square to create the illusion of spinning blades. Each block is constructed individually, and every block uses a different combination of fabrics, which adds variety and visual interest across the quilt surface. Quilters are directed to refer to the Quilt Center Diagram included in the PDF for precise fabric placement guidance.

Windmill Block Assembly

Each Windmill block is assembled using the following steps:

• Two assorted print triangles are sewn to opposite sides of a Riley White solid 3⅜" square, then pressed.
• Two different assorted print triangles are then sewn to the remaining opposite sides to create the Center Unit.
• The Center Unit is squared up to 4½" before further assembly continues.
• Additional 2½" x 4½" rectangles and 3" x 3" squares are cut from assorted prints to complete each individual block.

Techniques Used

This pattern is rated intermediate difficulty and requires a foundational knowledge of quilting technique and terminology. Key techniques include:

• Half-square triangle construction – triangles are pieced together around a center square to form the windmill blade effect.
• On-point (diagonal) setting – blocks are rotated 45 degrees and set diagonally, requiring the addition of setting triangles and corner triangles to fill the quilt edges.
• Sashing and posts – horizontal and vertical sashing strips with corner post squares are used between blocks to frame each windmill and add structure to the layout.
• Pressing seams – proper pressing is essential throughout to ensure flat, accurate blocks and intersections.
• Squaring up units – the Center Unit is trimmed to an exact 4½" square, a critical step for maintaining consistent block sizing.
• Cutting setting and corner triangles – 16" squares are cut twice diagonally to yield setting triangles, while 10" squares are cut once diagonally to yield corner triangles, a standard technique for on-point quilt construction.
• Binding – the quilt is finished with a traditional binding applied around the perimeter.

Stitches and Piecing Methods

• All piecing is done with a standard ¼" seam allowance, which is the quilting industry standard.
• All pieces are sewn with right sides together unless the pattern specifically states otherwise.
• Straight-stitch machine sewing is used throughout for all block assembly, sashing attachment, and border construction.

Fabrics and Materials

The pattern is designed around the Riley Blake Designs Dutch Treat fabric collection and coordinates. Specific fabric requirements include:

• 1 Dutch Treat 10-Inch Stacker (10-5280-18) – a pre-cut bundle of 10" squares providing the assorted