Pineapple quilt block is one of the most remarkable pattern of all the quilts. At first pineapple quilts may look complicated but they are comparatively easy to make. Actually, pineapple quilt blocks are a variation of log cabin quilts. The only difference is that the corners are cut off. When you contrast the colors between the rows, it can be striking. They are perfect to play with colors and you can create amazing pineapple quilts with your own choice of colors.
There are some techniques to make pineapple quilt blocks; but most preferably paper piecing is used to obtain precise and sharp edges. Thanks to paper piecing techniques, we can make that pattern accurately. If you have never made a pineapple quilt block, this is a beginner friendly tutorial for you. The design is so sweet and hard to resist.
Pineapple block paper piecing tutorial
Although this pattern looks complicated, you can easily learn how to make a pineapple paper pieced block with this step-by-step tutorial. If you are new to foundation paper piecing, you should have a look at my FOUNDATION PAPER PIECING TUTORIAL first.
1- Download and print the pattern
First you need to download and print PINEAPPLE QUILT BLOCK PATTERN. Once you have printed out the pattern, you must cut by adding a quarter inch width around the pattern as the dotted lines aren't seen in this paper. Namely,you must add a quarter inch seam allowance to the all sides of the pattern.2- Cutting
The patches that form X are one colour (here I preferred dark colors) and the patches that form + are another color (light color). Or you just can do the opposite.
In this pattern I just used two fabrics; one light and one dark. You can also make it scrappy but to create the right affect, there must be a clear distinction of the colors between dark and light fabrics.
To simplify the cutting process, just cut 1-1/4" wide strips for an 8" pattern. Then you can subcut the strip into segmente as you sew along.
3- Start sewing the pineapple block
Cut the center piece and pin the wrong side of the fabric to the wrong side of the paper within the dashed placement lines.
With right sides together, align the edge of number 2 fabric with the center fabric and pin it from the right side of the pattern. Number 2 should be a little wider than center patch.
From the printed side, start sewing on the line of number two. Start sewing 1/4" before and after the solid line between number 2 and the center. Pay attention to the red arrows below.
Repeat the same for number 3 and press the seams.
Add number 4 and 5, centering each on the previously sewn patches. Press the seams open.
Before continuing, you need to trim the excess fabric with a quarter inch seam allowance. Repeat the process for the three corners.
When you finish the first round of the pineapple(numbers 1-9), it will look like this:
Up till this point, we have added patches to two opposite sides at a time and pressing in between patches. But from now on, you can add the four strips of the same color and pin in place at a time. So it will be more practical to go on sewing.
Finishing the pineapple block
When you come to the final round, pay attention that numbers 38-42 are larger than the other strips. After you have stitched all four corners, trim to size. Trim with your rotary cutter for all four sides and remove the paper. It will look like this:
Perfect with precise sharp edges! I enjoy the process and quite happy about how it comes out. I preferred paper piecing because it gives perfect results.
UPDATE: I have been making a quilt of these pineapple blocks. See the progress HERE
Hatun Çomak
I'm Hatun from Turkiye. I love quilting and patchwork and this is my patchworld. I share my projects, process, patterns and tutorials here in my blog. .
Website: https://www.mypatchworld.com/
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