I remember standing over a mound of scrap strips and squares, each piece a leftover from past quilts, waiting for a new purpose. It was then that inspiration struck to craft a quilt that brought all those small pieces together into something harmonious and beautiful. The Pineapple Blossom Quilt was born out of this need to transform orphan blocks and unused fabric scraps into a cohesive design.
What started as a humble stack of fabric strips evolved into a vibrant quilt full of texture and detail—a testament to the creativity that arises when working with limited materials. The Pineapple Blossom Quilt combines the best of both worlds: it’s a variation of the classic log cabin style, infused with the look of pineapple blocks.
A Twist on Tradition: The Pineapple Blossom Block with Sashings
This quilt showcases the pineapple-inspired “geese in the corner” block design that adds a twist to the traditional log cabin style. Rather than building up square layers, this block is composed of triangular corners on opposite sides, giving each block a “blossom” effect.
Essential Techniques: Working with 2” and 3.5” Strips for a Balanced Design
A distinctive feature of the Pineapple Blossom Quilt is its use of pre-cut strips and squares, a smart way to manage scraps. Using 2″ strips for the dark and medium fabric pieces and 3.5″ squares for the light-colored pineapple corners, this quilt showcases how strategically using varied sizes can lend depth to the design.
Materials You’ll Need
To create the Pineapple Blossom Quilt, gather the following materials:
For Each 9″ Block (Using 2” Strips):
- Five 3.5″ Light Squares: Used for the block center and pineapple corners. Choose either a consistent color scheme for all blocks or make them scrappy for a unique look.
- Two 2″ x 3.5″ Dark/Medium Rectangles: These form the initial “logs” surrounding the center square.
- Four 2″ x 6.5″ Dark/Medium Rectangles: For the next layer around the center.
- Two 2″ x 9.5″ Dark/Medium Rectangles: To frame the outer edges of the block.
For Larger Blocks (Optional 12″ Blocks Using 2.5” Strips):
- Five 4.5″ Light Squares
- Two 2.5″ x 4.5″ Dark/Medium Rectangles
- Four 2.5″ x 8.5″ Dark/Medium Rectangles
- Two 2.5″ x 12.5″ Dark/Medium Rectangles
Additional materials:
- Pencil and ruler for marking diagonal stitch lines
- Sashing: Cut from 2″ x 9.5″ scrap strips
- Cornerstones: 2″ light-colored squares
- Thread: Choose a coordinating color for piecing
- Backing and Binding Fabric
- Batting: Select an appropriate batting for the quilt size you’re making
Full Pattern: Click Here
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting the Pineapple Blossom Quilt
Step 1: Assemble the Center of Each Block
- Begin with one 3.5″ light square for the center.
- Take two 2″ x 3.5″ dark/medium rectangles, placing them on either side of the center square.
- Sew using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Press the seams outward toward the dark rectangles.
Step 2: Build the First “Log Cabin” Layer
- Attach two 2″ x 6.5″ dark/medium rectangles to the remaining two sides of the center square.
- Sew with a 1/4″ seam and press outward toward the dark fabric.
Step 3: Add the First Pineapple Corners
- Take two of the 3.5″ light squares and mark a diagonal line on the back of each.
- Place a square in each corner of the block, aligning the diagonal with the corner. Sew directly along the line, then trim the excess fabric to create a 3/8″ seam.
- Press these corner triangles outward, toward the lighter fabric. This reduces bulk and keeps the block flat.
Step 4: Add the Second Layer of “Logs”
- Attach the remaining two 2″ x 6.5″ rectangles on opposite sides of the block.
- Sew with a 1/4″ seam allowance, pressing the seams outward as before.
- Attach the two 2″ x 9.5″ rectangles to the other two sides. Press outward.
Step 5: Add the Final Pineapple Corners
- Repeat Step 3 with the remaining two light squares, adding them to the opposite corners of the block.
- Stitch, trim, and press outward. At this point, each block should have a finished “blossom” look.
Step 6: Chain Stitching Blocks and Sashings
- Lay out your blocks, sashings, and cornerstones. Begin assembling rows by stitching sashing strips and cornerstones to blocks in alternating rows.
- Chain stitch across rows to keep pieces in order and prevent misalignment. This “webbing” method simplifies the layout and keeps everything in the correct sequence.
Step 7: Assemble and Complete the Quilt Top
- Join the rows together, sewing continuously to assemble the top without breaking the chain stitching.
- Press the quilt top as desired, either toward or away from the sashing strips based on preference.
Step 8: Add Borders (Optional)
- For a finished look, add a 2″ inner border followed by a 6″ outer border. The combination of inner and outer borders adds dimension and pulls the design together.
Tips for Success with the Pineapple Blossom Quilt
- Chain Stitching: This technique saves time and keeps pieces aligned. Use it for both block assembly and attaching sashing strips.
- Press Seams Carefully: Pressing toward the dark fabrics initially and later toward the lighter fabrics keeps bulk to a minimum and blocks lying flat.
- Use Leftover Triangles: The trimmed corners make excellent bonus triangles for mini projects, like a pinwheel border or accent blocks.
- Experiment with Color: Don’t shy away from using a mix of lights and darks for the sashing and cornerstones. It adds interest to the finished quilt.
Reflecting on Your Finished Quilt
Completing a Pineapple Blossom Quilt is a truly rewarding experience, one that brings a burst of creativity to even the smallest scraps of fabric. The Pineapple Blossom Quilt design allows you to transform leftover strips and squares into a vibrant, harmonious quilt that warms up any room it’s in.
As you sew each block of the Pineapple Blossom Quilt, you’ll appreciate how this design celebrates both resourcefulness and artistry, embodying the heart of quilting. I hope this guide helps you enjoy the process of creating your Pineapple Blossom Quilt as much as I did, and remember, every Pineapple Blossom Quilt tells its own story through each stitch and fabric scrap.