Windmill quilt patterns, with their dynamic and rotating designs, have captivated quilters for generations. Often confused with pinwheel blocks, windmill patterns are distinct in their representation of a windmill’s broader, sweeping blades compared to the tighter and more angular pinwheel design. Both styles mimic motion and energy but do so in uniquely beautiful ways. Windmill quilts echo the motion and architecture of actual windmills and are versatile in both modern and traditional quilting contexts. Ideal for quilters who enjoy geometric patterns, they offer endless possibilities for color and fabric combinations, making each project distinct. Whether you’re a beginner aiming to sharpen your piecing skills or an expert seeking new challenges, adding windmill quilt patterns to your collection can bring a historical and creative spin to your work. Dive into these timeless designs to get a classic yet contemporary flair to your quilting projects.
Free Windmill Quilt Patterns – Top Picks
1. Free Quilt Block Pattern: Windmill Patch Block
Designer: Generations Quilt Patterns Blog
Practice cutting your half square triangles, squares and rectangles to form this beginner friendly quilt. Use your bright fabric scraps or charm packs to have a lively looking Windmill quilt block.
Here is a step by step tutorial by Generations Quilt Patterns blog on how to quilt a Windmill block.
2. Free Quilt Pattern: Fun Windmill
Designer: Amanda Castor of Material Girl Quilts blog
A gorgeous quilt to remind you of a happy life on the farm. Get your stash ready for this is the right project for the weekend.
Using pre-cut 10 inches squares or layer cakes, cut it into half square triangles to create the Windmill Quilt.
If you are looking for a twin size quilt, then this is the excellent project for you. Here is a Free PDF pattern from Amanda Castor of Material Girl Quilts blog.
3. Free Quilt Block Pattern: Strip Pieced Windmill
Designer: New Quilters
Here is another version of the windmill quilt block from New Quilters blog. In this step by step piecing tutorial, the block looks like four Rail Fence blocks arranged into a larger block to look like a windmill. It only needs two colored fabrics, one darker and lighter. Choose and match fabrics that have contrast between each other to make the windmill stand out.
4. Free Quilt Pattern: Double Windmill
Designer: Frances O’Roark Dowell and Patty Dudek of Quiltfiction
Explore the dynamic Double Windmill Quilt Pattern by Frances O’Roark Dowell and Patty Dudek, sized at 48 x 56 inches. This quilt utilizes squares and half-square triangles to create a mesmerizing windmill design. The pattern provides detailed instructions, from preparation and cutting to piecing and quilt top assembly, guiding you through each step. It’s an engaging project for quilters looking to craft a visually striking piece that combines traditional elements with a modern twist. Perfect for those who appreciate structured designs with a touch of movement.
5. Free Quilt Block Pattern: 8″ Windmill Block
Designer: Elaine Huff of Fabric406
The 8″ Windmill Quilt Block Pattern by Elaine Huff of Fabric406 details two distinct methods for crafting windmill blocks: a traditional technique and an alternative approach that utilizes two blocks for a unique design twist. Accompanied by a tutorial replete with step-by-step photos, this pattern ensures quilters can easily follow along and visualize the construction process. Ideal for those eager to explore new variations in geometric quilting, this pattern offers a practical and enjoyable way to expand your quilting skills and creativity.
6. Free Quilt Pattern: GO! Qube 8″ Spinning Windmills
Designer: AccuQuilt
The GO! Qube 8″ Spinning Windmills Quilt Pattern by AccuQuilt offers a fresh take on traditional elements, finishing at 40″ x 40″. This pattern includes a variety of blocks, such as the Windmill, Diamond, and Signature, laid out in a row to create a dynamic visual flow. Ideal for quilters who enjoy structured designs with a twist, this pattern allows for creative expression in fabric choices and layout while providing clear instructions for assembly. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to make a standout piece for home decor or as a thoughtful gift.
7. Free Quilt Block Pattern: Modern Double Windmill Block
Designer: Quilting Daily
Discover the Modern Double Windmill Block from Quilting Daily, designed for advanced quilters. This block finishes at 10˝ x 10˝ and features a contemporary twist on the classic windmill design. A free template is provided to help you accurately cut your pieces, and detailed assembly diagrams guide you through constructing the block. This pattern is perfect for those who challenge their precision and add an eye-catching geometric design to their quilting projects.
8. Free Quilt Pattern: GO! Flying Windmill Table Runner
Designer: AccuQuilt
The GO! Flying Windmill Table Runner by AccuQuilt is a striking piece that measures 22″ x 64″. This design features the Windmill Variation Block as the main body, complemented by a Flying Geese border that adds an element of movement and interest. It’s perfect for quilters looking to create a functional yet decorative piece that showcases traditional quilt patterns with a modern twist. The pattern provides clear instructions, making it accessible for quilters who wish to add an elegant touch to their home decor.
BONUS Windmill Quilt Patterns For Sale from Online Shops
1. Cheerful Windmill Quilt Pattern (Download Pattern For Sale)
Designer: Cottage Patchwork
A lovely and cheerful pattern from Cottage Patchwork. Choose and play with your bright colored fabrics to create this Windmill quilt. The finished size would fit a single bed. It can also be made smaller that would be a great snuggle blanket or a throw.
Project Finished Size: 37 inches X 45 inches
2. Easy Windmill Quilt Pattern (PDF Download Pattern For Sale)
Designer: Eleanor Burns of Quilt in a Day
The Easy Windmill Quilt Pattern by Eleanor Burns of Quilt in a Day offers a refreshing approach to quilting. This design captures the essence of soft summer breezes and is perfect for quilters looking for a project that blends simplicity with innovation. It caters to experienced quilters by providing options for AccuQuilt die cutting and traditional rotary cutting with rulers. This versatility allows for an enjoyable and efficient quilting experience, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking to add a dynamic windmill design to their collection.
3. Windmill Paper Piece Block Quilt Pattern (PDF Pattern Instant Download For Sale)
Designer: Charise Randell of Charise Creates
Experience the charm of the Windmill Paper Piece Block Quilt Pattern by Charise Randell of Charise Creates. This foundation paper piecing pattern features blocks that measure 12″ finished and 12 1/2″ unfinished. Its versatile design is perfect for creating quilts, placemats, pillows, or tote bags. With playful floral and striped fabrics, this pattern adds a whimsical touch to any crafting project. Ideal for quilters who enjoy intricate designs, this pattern brings a burst of creativity and color to your fabric work.
4. Blooming Windmill Quilt Pattern (Physical Pattern For Sale)
Designer: Sally Manke
Step into a serene landscape with the Blooming Windmill Quilt Pattern by Sally Manke. Ideal for farm and nature lovers, this art quilt pattern measures 36″ x 48″ and is perfect as a wall hanging or as a centerpiece on bed quilts or throws. Featuring an intricate windmill design adorned with delicate floral blocks, this pattern offers a vivid depiction of the countryside, blending artistry with classic quilting to create a stunning visual display that brings the beauty of the outdoors inside.
5. Windmills at Night Quilt Pattern (Download Pattern For Sale)
Designer: Suzy Myers of Suzy’s Sitcom Store
The Windmills at Night Quilt Pattern by Suzy Myers of Suzy’s Sitcom Store offers a charming design with a 40″ x 52″ finished lap quilt size. The pattern also includes instructions and fabric requirements for creating larger sizes, including twin, double, queen, and king sizes. With its versatile options, this pattern allows quilters to showcase the beautiful windmill motif in various quilt sizes, making it suitable for different needs and preferences.
6. Windmills In The Bloom Quilt Pattern (PDF Pattern Instant Download For Sale)
Designer: Camilla Bjerre of UpperFloor
The Windmills In The Bloom Quilt Pattern by Camilla Bjerre of UpperFloor offers an intermediate-level quilting project with a finished size of 62 ½” X 62 ½”. This pattern beautifully captures the essence of blooming flowers, with a windmill block as its centerpiece in a harmonious design. It’s ideal for quilters looking to enhance their skills with a unique and visually striking project. With clear instructions and detailed guidance, this quilt pattern allows for the creation of a stunning and intricate quilt that will add a touch of natural beauty to any space it adorns.
7. Dutch Windmill Quilt Pattern (PDF Download Pattern For Sale)
Designer: Sharon McConnell of Color Girl
The Dutch Windmill Quilt Pattern by Sharon McConnell of Color Girl offers versatility with three size options: Baby, Throw, and Full. This pattern is perfect for scraps or fat quarters, making it a practical and economical choice. With detailed and illustrated instructions from cutting to finishing, quilters can confidently tackle this project and create a beautiful quilt with the iconic Dutch Windmill design. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, this pattern provides a straightforward and enjoyable quilting experience with stunning results in various sizes to suit your needs.
8. Desert Windmills Quilt Pattern (PDF Printable Pattern For Sale)
Designer: Down Grapevine Lane
The Desert Windmills Quilt Pattern by Down Grapevine Lane is tailored for beginners, boasting a finished quilt size of 50″ x 65″. This pattern provides a beautiful opportunity to feature prints from your cherished fabric collection or craft a striking rainbow ombre quilt with a bold design. It’s also Fat Eighth friendly, making it convenient to utilize your fabric scraps and produce a captivating quilt that reflects your unique style and creative flair. Whether new to quilting or seeking an engaging project, this pattern offers accessibility and the chance to create something visually stunning.
9. Dutch Windmills Quilt Pattern (Instant Downloadable Pattern For Sale)
Designer: Tammy Silvers of Tamarinis
Experience the charm of the Dutch Windmills Quilt Pattern by Tammy Silvers of Tamarinis. This innovative design reimagines the traditional drunkard’s path block with faux curved piecing, making it simpler to create than it looks. The versatile pattern accommodates precuts like 5″ squares, 10″ squares, or fat quarters. It offers three size options: Crib (35″ x 41″), Lap (46″ x 57″), and Large Lap (62″ x 75″). This pattern is perfect for quilters looking to add a touch of traditional Dutch aesthetics to their projects with a modern twist.
10. Maddison’s Windmill Quilt Pattern (PDF Download Pattern For Sale)
Designer: Laurie Rose Designs
Explore the intricate Maddison’s Windmill Quilt Pattern by Laurie Rose Designs, suitable for intermediate quilters. This pattern comes in three sizes: 56″ x 72″, 72″ x 88″, and 88″ x 104″. It features small pinwheels nestled within larger windmills and playful ‘X’ blocks. The detailed diagrams and clear step-by-step instructions provide a seamless quilting experience. Perfect for those who enjoy a dynamic project, this pattern is a wonderful challenge that results in a stunningly unique quilt.
11. Twirling Windmills Quilt Pattern (PDF Pattern Instant Download For Sale)
Designer: Connie Campbell of Freemotion by the River
Discover the Twirling Windmills Quilt Pattern by Connie Campbell of Freemotion by the River, perfect for those who enjoy dynamic designs. This pattern, with a finished size of 48″ x 72″, offers the flexibility to use either an AccuQuilt cutter and die or the included template. It features captivating windmill motifs that create a sense of movement throughout the fabric. Ideal for quilters of all skill levels, this pattern allows you to craft a vibrant and eye-catching quilt that adds a lively touch to any room.
Here Are More Windmill Quilt Pattern Ideas For Inspiration
Photo Source: Quilted Mamas
Photo Source: Satoko
Photo Source: Missouri Star Quilt Company
Photo Source: Karen Ruinard
Photo Source: Marla Head Whalen
Photo Source: A Spoonful of Sugar Designs
Photo Source: Quilt Brain
Photo Source: Craft Moore
Photo Source: Third Coast Quilting
Photo Source: Susanne Cole
As you explore the various styles and techniques showcased in this Windmill Quilt Pattern roundup, you’ll find ample inspiration to spin these dynamic designs into your next quilted masterpiece, perfect for gifts, home decor, or personal enjoyment.