Pinwheels in Needlepoint

Spinning pinwheels are such a traditional idea to celebrate the Fourth of July and other summer holidays. Seeing them always makes me think of happy summer times when I was little

The picture above, from Scrap Bag Needlepoint is of a project using a great stitch perfect for making pinwheels, MIlanese Pinwheel.

Made from eight Milanese Stitches going in different directions, it’s fun to stitch scattered around a simple background.

I generally stitch this beginning with one of the Vertical Milanese and do all of the straight units first. Then I fit in the Diagonal Milanese. I find it easier to fit in the stitches this way but you can also work around in a circle.

The diagram (click to enlarge) shows the Straight and Diagonal Milanese in separate diagrams on top and then the assembled stitch diagrammed in two colors.

The ones in this pattern use a single thread for each unit, but you could alternate between two threads, use one color for all the smaller stitches, or use a metallic ribbon for the pinwheels. So many ways to change them. Add a line of Tent Stitches to make the sticks.

I used my old favorite T Stitch here for the background. Because of the shape of the stitches, you background needs to be very simple.

Have a Glorious Fourth!