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The Paddle Wheel block is your first fun project for The River Heritage Mystery Quilt!
An iconic symbolism itself, the Paddle Wheel block is a fun way to start a quilt depicting life along the river.
pad*dle wheel /‘padl ,(h)wēl/ a large steam-driven wheel with boards around its circumference, situated at the stern or side of a ship so as to propel the ship through the water by its rotation.
Month One – Paddle Wheel Block
See the Month One Instructions link below.
The quilt block is made with dark, medium, and light fabrics. I’ve decided to make this sample quilt as scrappy as possible. However, for this block, I choose to keep consistency in the actual wheel design. Moreover, this particular block has a very central placement in this overall design. Therefore, a bold Paddle Wheel statement will work nicely. Future blocks will accommodate a more scrappy look.
In addition, this is a very balanced block, although not necessary symmetrical, depending on the contrasts in your light and medium valued fabrics.
River Heritage
The Units
Overall, this design is made using half-square triangle units and four-patch units, along with a center square. It is an easy block to make. Oftentimes, it is confused with a similar design called the water wheel.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure the fabrics of your paddle wheel have a stark contrast by using a dark value. To learn more about value, click HERE.
Month One Paddle Wheel Block Printer Friendly Version
Share your block using #mysteryquilt on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
Link to Month Two
Have fun making your Paddle Wheel block! In addition, each month of this mystery will be presented to you with photos, adventures, and more about life along the river. Firstly, above is a photo of a very frozen Mississippi River.
