How To Make Pinwheels

A step-by-step tutorial for making a beautiful pinwheel craft using scrapbook paper or foam. This is a simple craft for kids or a spring day!

There is something about super cute pinwheels that just remind me of spring! I have also heard them called paper windmills.

And really, pinwheels are so easy to make too. I am sharing a step-by-step tutorial of how to make pinwheels. I am even going to show how to make them spin!

Materials to Make Pinwheels

• ruler
• scissors
• pencil
• hole punch
• tape
• brads (only for stationary pinwheel)
• assorted papers or craft foam
• sturdy dowel rod – no larger in diameter than 3/16 inch

Materials for spinning pinwheels

• pipe cleaner
• straw
• pony beads (optional, but helps it spin better)

1. Cut out the foam into 6-inch squares. Also, cut a 6-inch square from an extra scratch piece of paper. The scratch paper will be your template.

2. Find the center of the template by folding the template in half each way. Using a punch tool or a hole punch, make a small hole in the center of the template. Now use the template to punch a hole in the center of each of the craft foam. If you are using a regular hole punch, fold the foam in half to reach the center.

 2. Now we make the cuts for the pinwheel. Place a ruler down from one corner to the other (the center hole should also approximately line up). Draw a line from a corner to 1/2 inch out from the center line. Repeat for 3 other corners. Cut your lines.

 3. Using your hole tool, punch holes in one side of each corner as in the picture above. Make sure your holes are always on the same side of each corner.

Directions for Stationary Pinwheel

4. Take one corner and put a brad through the hole you put in it. Work your way around the corners clockwise putting the brad through each hole.

5. Once you have the brad through all four corners, push the center down and push the brad through the hole in the center of the back of your paper and secure.

6. Tape or glue your pinwheel to a dowel rod or bamboo skewer. Arrange as you like and trim the skewers to height. Use styrofoam or floral foam to stand the pinwheels up. I personally liked varying the height of the pinwheels when arranging. I also made sure to have a nice 360 degree view of the centerpiece.

Directions for Pinwheel that Spins

4. (Steps 1-3 above) Fold one corner into the center, lining up with the center hole. Put the straw through the hole. Work your way around the corners clockwise putting the straw through each hole.

5. Cut the straw to about 1/2 inch in size. Thread the pipecleaner through the straw. Wind the front tip around the straw to secure the pinwheel. Thread spacer bead onto the back end of the pipe cleaner, up to the back of the straw.

6. Wrap the back end of the pipecleaner around the dowel rod tightly and overlapping.

Have a great day! 

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