Traditional pattern, public domain. Published in the Ladies Art Company catalog, circa 1895.
A dynamic spinning block made of four flying geese units arranged around a center to create a pinwheel-like rotation. The block produces wonderful secondary patterns when set edge to edge.
Dutchman's Puzzle dates to the mid-to-late 1800s and was cataloged by the Ladies Art Company in their 1895 publication. The 'Dutch' reference likely refers to 'Deutsch' (German) settlers in Pennsylvania, where the block was widely made.
Pennsylvania Dutch (German) communities were prolific quilters, and many traditional block names reference their culture. The 'puzzle' aspect comes from the spinning secondary designs that emerge when blocks are placed side by side — a pleasant surprise for the maker.
Also known as: Dutch Puzzle, Wheel of Fortune, Wild Geese
finished Block Size
12 inches
seam Allowance
1/4 inch
grid Basis
2x2 grid of compound flying-geese quadrants (each 6 inches finished)
units Required
4 compound units, each containing 2 flying geese subunits
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Dark | 3 7/8 x 3 7/8 inches | 4 | Cut once diagonally for large goose triangles |
| B | Medium | 3 7/8 x 3 7/8 inches | 4 | Cut once diagonally for large goose triangles |
| C | Background | 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches | 16 | Connector squares for flying geese corners |
Using the connector-corner method: take a dark triangle unit (sewn from the 3 7/8 inch squares) and pair it with background connector squares. Place a 3 1/2 inch background square on the right end of the triangle, right sides together. Sew diagonally, trim to 1/4 inch, and press. Repeat on the left side. Each goose should measure 3 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches. Make 4 dark geese.
Tip: Draw the diagonal sewing line on the back of the background squares with a fine-point marker for accuracy.
Repeat the process using the medium (orange) triangles with background connector squares. Make 4 medium flying geese units, each measuring 3 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches.
Pair one dark goose with one medium goose, orienting them so both point in the same rotational direction. Sew the two geese together along the long edge. Press the seam open. Each quadrant should measure 6 1/2 inches square. Make 4 quadrants.
Lay out the 4 quadrants in a 2x2 grid, rotating each one 90 degrees from its neighbor so the geese create a spinning pinwheel effect — all flying in the same rotational direction (clockwise or counterclockwise).
Sew the top two quadrants together, then the bottom two. Press seams in opposite directions so they nest. Join the two halves, matching the center. Press the center seam open. The block should measure 12 1/2 inches square.
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Edge-to-edge straight set — 5x6 blocks for a 60 x 72 inch quilt with striking secondary pinwheel patterns
Alternating with plain squares to frame each spinning block
Two-color plus background for a bold graphic quilt