Pineapple
Welcome to Block 2019! We’re exploring classic quilt blocks all year, and the ninth block is Pineapple. We’ll be making 2 blocks this month: Pineapple this week and Storm at Sea next week. We are making both blocks using Foundation Paper Piecing to celebrate Paper Piecing Month this September!
Click Here for an in-depth photo tutorial on Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP)
https://dev.americanquilter.com/how-to-foundation-paper-piece
Fabric Requirements
Gray (Includes quilt-as-you-go backing) — 3/8 yard
Aqua — 1/4 yard
Dark Blue — 1/8 yard
Coral — 1/8 yard
Batting — 12″ x 12″ (For quilt-as-you-go method only)
Cutting Instructions
From the gray fabric, cut:
(4) 2 1/4″ x 3 1/2″ rectangles
(4) 2 1/4″ x 4 1/2″ rectangles
(4) 2 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ rectangles
(4) 2 1/4″ x 6 1/2″ rectangles
From the aqua fabric, cut:
(4) 2 1/4″ x 4 1/2″ rectangles
(4) 2 1/4″ x 6 1/2″ rectangles
From the dark blue fabric, cut:
(2) 4″ x 4″ squares, cut in half diagonally once
(4) 2 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ rectangles
From the coral fabric, cut:
(1) 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ square
(4) 2 1/4″ x 7 1/2″ rectangles
Pattern Printing
There are two pages in the PDF and two size options.
The first page is 1/4 of the block. Print four copies, overlap on the lighter line, and tape together to create a 12″ square finished FPP pattern. Refer to the second page to write in the order to sew on the fabric pieces.
The second page is a 6″ square finished version of the block with the sewing order printed on it. You can use this as a variation to make 4 smaller Pineapple blocks.
Assembly
Follow the numbering on page 2 of the PDF to sew the pieces on in order. Refer to the Foundation Paper Piecing photo tutorial linked above for step-by-step instructions for sewing an FPP pattern.
Finishing Touches
Finally, trim evenly around the block so it measures 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ unfinished.
To prepare the block for quilt-as-you-go, sandwich the 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ backing square, 12″ x 12″ batting centered on the backing square, and your block. Baste using preferred method. Quilt as desired inside the 12″ finished size of the block. We’ll be sharing ideas for quilting the block later in the month.
Variations
Let’s take a look at some contest quilts from QuiltWeek to learn more about this block and its variations.
12,000 PIECES (PINEAPPLE CRAZY) by Carolyn Bucklin Mullins
The name says it all. The 224 Pineapple blocks feature scrappy darks and mediums with scrappy lights. By varying the placement of the light value, a secondary pattern emerges throughout the quilt.
CLASS OF ’02 by Allen Day
Here we have a really great traditional Pineapple block colored in a way to create a modern interesting look. The blocks in the border feature white sections that match up to the inner blocks. This creates the look that the inside of the quilt spills over into the borders.
GOING ROGUE by Julie Elliott
The block is a traditional Pineapple and once gain color placement brings this quilt to life. The bleeding out effect of the color gradation creates the feeling of organic shape.
NIGHT SHADE by Shirley Stevenson
Each of the Pineapple blocks in this quilt uses three colors, keeping to a tight color palette. Paired with Pinwheels, applique motifs, and bold quilting, the Pineapple blocks help move the eye with their color blocking that points to the next place to look.
PINEAPPLE FLAMBE by Judy Spiers
A finer effect can be created with smaller strips. Playing with shape and values is a fun way to create secondary designs, like the red on point squares created by the corner triangles of the block.
PINEAPPLE PLANTATION by Mariko Tomizawa
Traditional blocks invite playing with meaning as well as form. This quilt does both! It combines pineapple motifs that fit inside a setting block, and larger pineapples that frame the bottom of the quilt, all reinforced with pieced Pineapple blocks that echo the coloration of the fruit.
And you’re all set!
Check back next week for the Storm at Sea block. You can always find links to all the previous Block 2019 blocks and see when the next installment is coming out in the main Block 2019 article, just click here.
As you finish your Pineapple blocks, share them in the AQS Project Parade Facebook group, or use the hashtag #Block2019 and tag us @aqsonline because we can’t wait to see what you do!
