I’ve always loved patterns that look difficult or time-consuming but turn out to be so ingeniously simple that you get hooked on making them over and over again. Add to that my fondness for pinwheel patterns (they’re fairly simple and always charming), and you’ll see why I get really excited about Square Dance quilts and the popular Twister quilt. They’re the perfect combination of easy piecing and clever cutting, yielding deceptively intricate-looking pinwheel patterns.
Never followed Square Dance quilt-pattern instructions before? That might be because Martha Thompson’s Square Dance had been out of print for a few years. With the recent popularity of pinwheel quilts brought on by Marsha Bergen’s Twister and Lil’ Twister tools, we’ve been getting lots of requests to bring Square Dance back. It’s one of my favorite quilting books, so I’m happy to tell you—it’s officially available again!
I once took a guild workshop from Martha and learned to make tessellating pinwheel quilts by sewing squares together in a grid, and then cutting them apart at a different angle. Martha is a delightful teacher, and I want to share some of her quirky sense of fun. Here’s an excerpt from Square Dance, where Martha explains the concept behind making her quilts.
I know a man named Pete. To be correct, he is Pete Junior, because his father’s name is also Pete. As you can imagine, the two are often called Pete and Re-Pete. My friend doesn’t mind too much. He knows it’s better to have a corny sense of humor than none at all. When he had a son he named him—you guessed it—Pete, and he calls him Pete Again. The child says the family is replete with Petes, and anyway, the joke has petered out by now and he will definitely be the last Pete, or Pete the Last.
My friend Pete comes to mind when I’m describing the stages that I go through to make the various tessellating shapes in my Square Dance patchwork quilts. I begin by piecing a simple quilt of squares. Then I cut it apart and stitch the pieces back together again into a second quilt. Sometimes I go ever further and cut up the second quilt to make pieces for a third and last quilt. My quilts are pieced, repieced, and often pieced again or pieced at last.
I realize that the concept of a quilt that has been pieced and then repieced will boggle the minds of those who think we quilters are all nuts in the first place. They don’t understand why we buy perfectly good fabric just to cut it up and sew it back together again. Don’t even mention cutting and piecing the quilt for a second and third time. They would have you committed. Just say you’re cutting squares and sewing them together. That sounds simple, and it is all that you need to do to produce any of the quilts in this book. (Left: illustrated example of piecing, cutting, and repiecing squares.)
Martha cracks me up—and her story explains the process perfectly!
When Martingale staffers heard we were bringing back Square Dance, everybody did a happy dance and brought in their Square Dance quilts to show off. So today, I thought I’d share a little Square Dance show and tell. I’ll go first!
I followed Martha’s Square Dance quilt-pattern instructions to make a “Tessellating Blossoms” quilt like the one shown in the book. Martha’s instructions include a bonus pattern for a miniature quilt that uses up the scraps!
Martha’s “Tessellating Blossoms” quilts
Here are my versions. I made the big one (33″ x 33″) for my mom and kept the small one (16″ x 16″) for me, so we have matching quilts!
“Bouquet for Mom” and “Mini Bouquet”
Regina, Martingale’s production manager, has made several Square Dance quilts—at one time it seemed like everyone she knew was having a baby.
Three of Regina’s Square Dance baby quilts
“Malcolm’s Quilt.” Regina made this for Malcolm, the youngest son of Tina, our audience development manager.
Square Dance starts out with a small place mat to get you hooked on introduce you to the technique. Regina modified the place mat instructions, using the leftovers from Malcolm’s quilt to make a little Square Dance quilt for herself. That’s at least five Square Dance quilts she’s made. Warning: these quilts can be addictive!
Left: Martha’s “Tessellating Pinwheels Place Mat.” Right: Regina’s modified version made from baby-quilt leftovers.
Leanne, one of our account managers, loves two things: Hawaii and Kaffe Fassett fabrics. She made two versions of the “Tessellating Pinwheels” pattern. One is as bright and sunny as the beach, the other as cool and dreamy as the ocean.
Martha’s “Tessellating Pinwheels” quilt
Leanne’s versions of the “Tessellating Pinwheels” pattern
Perhaps you’ve made interlocking-pinwheel quilts with a Twister Tool, the Twist ‘N Stitch ruler, or a ruler you’ve marked yourself. Because Martha’s Square Dance quilt-pattern instructions start with units made from 4″ and 6″ squares, they aren’t suitable for premarked tools that use different sizes. But Martha makes it easy by providing a template for each quilt. You simply make a plastic template, place it on your quilt top, and then trace around it—right onto your quilt top with a big black marker (gasp!). Then you cut on the drawn lines with those old-fashioned things called scissors. Either way you choose to make them, our staffers agree: Square Dance quilts are quick to make—and sure to dazzle.
Hope you enjoyed our Square Dance show and tell!
Have you made a tessellating quilt? Did you use the template method or one of the rulers? Tell us your tessellating story in the comments and you could win a copy of the Square Dance eBook! We’ll choose a winner one week from today and let you know by email if you’ve won. Good luck!
Get your own copy of Square Dance right now and instantly download the eBook for free.
Comments are closed for this post.
Thanks to all who entered the drawing! The randomly chosen winner is Jenny, who writes:
“Tessellations take me back to grade 10 maths. Oh how I loved to make different repeating patterns. None in quilts yet. But pinwheels are on my list!”
Jenny, we’ll email you about your free eBook. Congratulations!
I have made a couple of tessellating quilts using one of the rulers. I made charity baby quilts using the larger ruler and donated them to our church quilt ministry that sends quilts to foreign orphanages and to the local pregnancy help center. I would love to win an e-copy of Square Dance! Thanks for the chance!
—Sallie on December 20, 2012I’ve been checking out the Square Dance quilts for a while – would love to give it a try!
—diane on December 20, 2012My guild’s mystery quilt was a tessellated quilt one year, and boy, did I shed the tears. After making the squares for this queen sized quilt, I had to look at a photo to place them correctly. It was a nightmare of trial and error. Each evening, I’d go in the spare bedroom and sit on the floor, trying to figure out what went where. At the half hour mark, I’d start crying, so I’d leave it for another day. It was finally finished and I ended up with red and green tessellated cats on my bed since it was a mystery. But we use the quilt every night on our bed , and we love it. But I’d sure love to learn an easier method than the one I used!
—Melody D. on December 20, 2012I did make a tessellating quilt(still unfinished,did I say that)but not using Martha’s Square Dance book or ruler. I have bought the separate pattern and ruler and still need to get started. Having a book like Square Dance would give me the many options to inspire me to make the quilt.
—Rita Scott on December 20, 2012I’ve made a couple of Square Dance quilts. One of them was for my second grandson who is now 14 years old. I used bright jewel tones. I loved that quilt. Another that I made was a little bigger and have it on my couch to cuddle up with. I loved Martha’s quilt patterns.
—Diana on December 20, 2012Diana
I’ve made a "L’il Twister baby quilt and I love the variety shown in sthe samples above. Thanks for the chance to win!
—Carol Vickers on December 20, 2012Thanks for the chance to win this book!!!!!!!!
I have made 3 tessellating quilts – just because I was a new quilter several years ago and a shop owner would NOT sell me a T. book, because I was a "newbie" Made me so mad that I got a pattern for Falling Leaves and made 3 of them with no problems. Still love this pattern, but would like to make others.
—Janet on December 20, 2012No I have not made such a quilt. I bought the book and the 5″ruler. Went to the free demo. Got home had the book not the ruler….thought it would show up but alas it didn’t . Went tonrw quilt shop year later, found the rulers bought the10″one. Got home and remembered it was fhe 5″one I had gottened the fabric and book for. Went back got 5″ ruler and finally I can make a quilt, after Christmas that is. That’s my story anf I am sticking to it.
—Glenna Williams on December 20, 2012i made one baby twister quilt on the diagonal using the lil twister ruler that work up fast and easily for me. i was quite pleased with the project and am ready to try again. thanx for the chance to win a copy of this facinating book.
—ritainalaska on December 20, 2012I love the different patterns in this book. I made several tessalating quilts using the rulers. I made them for charity. Great way to use up scraps and they look great when they are finished.
—Kim Loar on December 20, 2012Love the pinwheels! When I get a pack of charm squares and wonder what to do they always end up as pinwheels. Making table runners is a real favorite as I am always needing a nice gift for the volunteer moms in my classroom. They really love to get something made by hand.
—Kathy on December 20, 2012I have always thought tessellating quilts were beautiful but never tried one because they looked to complex. I should just do it. The book would be a great help. Thanks.
—Marsha Nelson on December 20, 2012I’ve not made a quilt like this, but find them very fascinating and beautiful. I’m always looking for quilt ideas that look hard, but really are simple. I’d love to have the book.
—Janet on December 20, 2012I made an Apple core quilt a few years ago, but I haven’t tried a tesselating quilt. They do have me intrigued! I have a top pieced in 6 inch blocks that I could add a border to and then go straight to cutting! I’d love to have this book! I really need to see how she gets all if those variations.
—Jean Blythe on December 20, 2012Tessallations take me back to grade 10 maths. Oh how I loved to make different repeating patterns. None in quilts yet. But pin wheels are on my list!
—Jenny C on December 20, 2012I’ve never made a tessellating quilt but have often looked at the square dance quilts. One is on my to do list!
—Christine M on December 20, 2012Silly me. I bought a couple of patterns that use the twister but never bought the tool. And I’m a little template crazy. I have lots and lots of rulers and templates. But no twister. You are saying I don’t need one with this book. That’s great! I love tessellating patterns and have made may in other media but never a quilt. I’d love to try Martha’s method. And I love her Pete and Re-Pete story,
—Diane on December 20, 2012I made a tessellating cat quilt for my SIL, and unfortunately, it sits in the closet because she can’t have weight on her feet. Oh well. Haven’t made one since, but would love to add it to my ‘someday’ list!
—Susan Arnold on December 20, 2012I have not made a tessellating quilt yet the math geek in me has always wanted to make one. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book with directions.
—MarciaW on December 20, 2012I made a tessellating quilt using quick strip paper piecing. It is all pinwheels that interconnect and make new pinwheels. I love tessellating quilts…they have so much depth.
—Laura Brown on December 20, 2012Love the different looks in Martha’s book. I have never made a tessellating pinwheel quilt, too afraid it would be beyond me. After reading the review, I am excited to try it and would love to win the book! Thank you for another of your great giveaways.
—Judy Bowes on December 20, 2012I have the Lil Twister but I haven’t made a quilt yet. It’s on my to-do list.
—LeAnne L on December 20, 2012I started a halloween quilt using the Itty Bitty Twister Ruler. I would love to win a copy of Square Dance quilts! I put it on my wish list a few weeks ago. Thanks for the chance to win!
—Deb G. in VA on December 20, 2012I haven’t tried this yet. I would love to do it following Martha’s pattern. I don’t like to buy a new ruler for every project. I have a friend who has made several with the twister ruler and she loves making them. I guess I’ll have to try it.
—Diane Wright on December 20, 2012Last year I made a Christmas wreath by using the twister tool. I showed off my wall hanging at a retreat I went to in January and everyone wanted to learn how to make the wreath as well. Several ladies went to the nearest quilt shop to purchase the twister ruler. If I win the book I can give the ladies more ideas what to make using the twister method.
—Cathy K. on December 20, 2012LOVE the Square Dance quilts! Thanks for the giveaway.
—pyamada on December 20, 2012I used the Twister ruler for the first time this year for a Christmas gift. It was so fun, I’m ready to make another one for myself. And I can’t wait to make a baby quilt using the Lil Twister. I even have the tiny one but haven’t tried it yet. The Square Dance quilts look really interesting, I’d definitely like to check out that book.
—Cathy in SATX on December 20, 2012I bought the small Twister tool about a year ago & have not used it yet but recently saw a tutorial by Jenny Doan on using this it. Needless to say, I was excited to get this started! Now, upon checking old e mails , I read your message about the Square Dance book & guess what?? I have this buying it maybe 8 years ago & not using it yet until NOW!! These were 2 things I had to have at the moment but put them aside & now I will get started on this new project. Thanks..just had to share my "new" items!!
—Gwen Herbert on December 20, 2012Gwen
This has been on my list for a while now and the pix make me want to move this to the top of the list. The book would be helpful in getting this done.
—candy h on December 20, 2012I confess I’ve never made a tessellating quilt but I would really like to. And since my kids and I used to be active in a square dance 4-H club when they were younger this would be the perfect book to work from!
—PurpleFigment on December 20, 2012I’ve sewn apple cores together by hand, but not any other tessellating quilts. Looks like fun.
—gab on December 20, 2012I haven’t tried this technique before but I love the quilts you’ve shown on the blog. That means – I need to make a quilt!
—lindawwww on December 20, 2012I’ve been admiring some twister quilts being done on different websites, but haven’t taken the plunge yet. Seems to be a lot of waste. I will try one if I win the book!
—Patty Moffitt on December 20, 2012Love tesselations. I have a couple of them that are paper pieced, and I want to try them in asian fabrics.
—Lynne on December 20, 2012I’ve just recently discovered the tessellating quilt pattern. My fist attempt was just to be a sample to see if I could do it. I chose fall colors of oranges, browns, and yellows. It turned out so nice that I finished it as a place mat. I cut 5″ squares and used a template for cutting the twisted squares. The most important thing to remember, I think, is to set aside the twisted blocks (preferably on a design wall) as you cut them. I look forward to trying a Square Dance style.
—Belva Bullard on December 20, 2012I made a tessellating design for my first entry in the Hoffman Challenge contest back around 1998 or so. That might be my only one. I would love to try the designs in this book.
—Julie in GA on December 20, 2012I have never made a tessellating quilt, in fact I’ve never heard of the concept until today. But it looks like a lot of fun. Maybe Santa will bring me the book.
—Ginger on December 20, 2012I haven’t made a tesselated pinwheel, but would love to see how it works! I could almost see it from the posting..but not quite. Thanks for the chance! They look like a blast!
—Karyn Ashley Smith on December 20, 2012I watched a friend of mine make the the twister quilt and it was beautiful. I made a tellsellating star quilt using the Indian Hatchet design as a guide. For my quilt, I used an 8 inch square with 2 five and a half squares, pressed on the diagonal \ and sewed down on the center’s crease on opposite corners. When the "flap" was pressed back to the corners’s edge, the center looked like the old stone hatchets the Indians used for hunting. By drawing my needed colors ahead for placement for the corners, I was able to build my stars. I gave the quilt to friend, and she loves it.
Keep smiling,
—Lynnita Shipman on December 20, 2012My friend made a table runner using the Lil Twister ruler and bright batiks. It turned out quite lovely. I took the leftover bits of fabric from her because they were too beautiful to toss, and she teased me about making a tiny twister with them. So I did! I made up my own teensy tiny template and now have a darling 6″ quilt of bright, tiny, tessellating pinwheels. I love it! (And I got even with her for her teasing by giving her back the fabric bits from MY quilt! heh heh heh)
—Sheryl W on December 20, 2012Oh I’m so happy to see this is available again! I’d heard about it and searched. I was finally able to get it thru inter-library loan and mad a small quilt as a sample. Later my library discontinued inter-library loan when they had to trim their budget, so I’ve continued to look for it since then.
—Cathy on December 20, 2012Thanks for making it available again!
I love the look of tessellating quilts, but I can’t imagine taking a Sharpie to one of my tops. Guess I’d have to read the book to gather up my courage.
—Beth T. on December 21, 2012I have never made one of these before and would love a chance to win this book. The Square Dance quilt book looks so inviting; I’m holding thumbs!
—Carolyn on December 21, 2012I haven’t made one yet, but I have the Twister rulers and am going to make one as soon as I get my sewing room organized. I also have a small kit ordered so that is going to be my first project…love these quilts!
—Wendy on December 21, 2012Yes, I have made a couple twister quilts. Also made a table runner. It is so fun to do and yes it is addicting.
—Pat D on December 21, 2012I made a Christmas Tree Wall Hanging using the small Twister ruler. It was fun and I plan to make more of these quilts. I would love to win the E-book!
—Fran on December 21, 2012I have the Lil’ Twister tool, and I made a table runner with it. If I could pass on one bit of advice it’s this: do not iron your pieces as you go, finger press instead. I used a charm pack and with the iron and the steam all those bias pieces got all wonky!! There was no way to fix it. I’ve been afraid to make another after all the work that went into the first one….maybe this book will give me courage.
—Jacklynn Grimm on December 21, 2012I made a square dance (wall hanging) quilt once. It was fun to make one and I surely want to make another one. The book will be a great inspiration!
—Willeke on December 21, 2012I made a small "twister" table topper. It could become very addicting!. Would love to win this great book. Thanks
—Donna W on December 21, 2012These are iteresting quilts! I planned to make one and also placemats but they are still on the to-do list. I’m intrigued by the variations.
—Mary Ann on December 21, 2012I have never made one. Just want too. Love to win the e-book!
—Linda C on December 21, 2012I made a "square dance" quilt from Martha’s original book which won third prize for miniatures at a guild show. I made my own marking with marker pen as Martha explained. The quilt was called "Tesselations: Swing your partner". On the back was a dancing couple made out of triangles, executing a dance move. I would love to send you a photo. I would love to win the book because I had borrowed mine from our Guild library.
—Susan Seater on December 21, 2012I have seen quilts like this and have wondered how they were made! I haven’t made one yet, but would love to see how it is done!
—Sandy A in St. Louis on December 21, 2012I have never tried one of these quilts, but would love the pattern/instruction book to give one a try! Love the way they look.
—Cheryl Cole on December 22, 2012I’ve made several "Li’l Twister" quilts. For my first, I couldn’t just make a scrappy one. It had sashing twists between each section. Since I was working without a pattern (I saw a picture online), it took forever to figure out the layout. It really turned out nice. Thanks for the chance at this giveaway.
—Michelle W on December 22, 2012I have not made a tessellating quilt. It is on my list of quilts to try. I think I would use a ruler when I do make one.
—Jamie on December 22, 2012I have two templates and after the Holidays are over I am going to dive into them. Your quilt color combos are inspiring.
—Rosalind Gutierrez on December 23, 2012I learned how to make the square dance quilt at a mystery quilt class- it was such fun to see what happened when we cut simple squares and sewed them together in a different way. I gave the wall hanging in jewel tones from that class to my grandson’s school to hang in the library. Later that year I made kits for my quilting friends for Christmas and they all made their own wall hangings.
—Susan Field on December 28, 2012I must have lent my book to someone because I have not been able to find it for a couple of years. I have a placemat-sized piece of Christmas fabrics sewn together and want to make it into a square dance table topper for a late Christmas gift. I could not remember how the cuts were made and I came on-line to find out. Fortunately I found this web-site and am all set now to mark and cut and sew. Thank you.
I love, love, love making tessellating quilts…mostly miniatures. My method of choice would be paper piecing. I’ve even designed my own patterns for tessellated designs.
Hugs,
—Carol Coski on January 5, 2013Carol
I have not made one yet. Just love them and want to learn. I actually have a charm pack that I want to use. Need book now.
—Maurine on January 5, 2013