🎄 Christmas
Retro Patriotic Pinwheel Craft with Free Printable Template
A paper patriotic pinwheel is one of those deceptively simple crafts that brings big festive energy with barely any effort.
Just grab a pencil, a push pin, and the free printable template—and you’re basically halfway to party decor greatness.
This fun and easy DIY has a retro flair that makes it perfect for your patriotic party ideas Pinterest list.
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Use the pinwheels as part of cheerful centerpieces at your 4th of July BBQ or hand them out as a kids’ craft that actually keeps them busy (and not just covered in red and blue frosting).
As a bonus they may tire themselves out running around or blowing like mini hurricanes trying to get them to spin faster and faster.
Either way, you’ll love how quick these come together—and how much they add to your Independence Day celebration.
Don’t forget to also check out the full 4th of July printable party bundle with this pinwheel and much more.
Materials you need for this Free Retro Pinwheel
🧾 Free printable pinwheel template – Print it double-sided on regular paper, not cardstock (it’s too stiff to spin well).
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✏️ Pencils with full erasers – New pencils work best since the erasers are nice and firm.
📌 Push pins or thumb tacks – Any kind will do! Even map pins or cut-down rounded sewing pins can work in a pinch.
🔘 Small bead (optional) – Add one between the pinwheel and the eraser to help it spin more smoothly.
🎥 Easy Patriotic Pinwheel Video
Here’s the video tutorial—it’s short, sweet, and gets right to the point so you can start spinning in no time!
👉 Never miss out on the fun! Please subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking here:And here’s the proof that they spin whichever type of pin you choose to use!!
How to Make a Patriotic Paper Pinwheel
Materials
- Paper
- Printable Template
- Pencil
- Push Pin or Thumb Tack
- A small bead (optional)
Instructions
- Print the Template
Print the front and back of the patriotic pinwheel design on opposite sides of a single sheet of cardstock. - Cut the Square
Cut along the solid outline of the square on the front side of the printed sheet. - Cut the Slits
On the front of the pinwheel, you’ll see diagonal gray lines—cut along each one, stopping at the center point marked with a “T.” - Fold the Corners In
One at a time, take the right-hand corner of every other triangle point and gently bend it toward the center (don’t crease it!). As you bring each one in, stick your push pin through that corner to hold it in place. - Insert the Pin into the Center
After you’ve got all four corners on the push pin, poke it through the very center of the square (right at the “X”). This holds the whole thing together and gets it ready to spin. - Attach to a Pencil
Carefully stick the push pin straight into the eraser of your pencil. If you’re using a thumbtack, adding a small bead or button between the paper and the eraser can help it spin more freely. - Spin & Smile
Give it a whirl! If it doesn’t spin easily, try loosening the pin just a smidge or blow from a different angle—bonus points if you look dramatic while doing it.
🇺🇸 More Fun Patriotic Ideas
Crank up the red, white, and blue! These festive ideas are perfect for adding some star-spangled flair to your summer celebrations.
🫐 Red, White & Blue Dip – A sweet and colorful dip that’s as tasty as it is patriotic.
🖍️ American Flag Coloring Pages – Fun and free flag printables to keep little hands busy.
🎆 4th of July Printables – Instant decorations to fire up your Independence Day party.
🍓 Red, White & Blue Snacks – Easy and festive foods that scream USA in every bite.
Don’t forget to pin this retro patriotic pinwheel craft:
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Check out our patriotic printables
Picked for you:
Very cute! Pinned to use next year!