Any String Goes - Pineapple Improvisational String Quilt Blocks susies-scraps.com

Any String Goes – Pineapple Improvisational String Quilt Blocks

Any String Goes – Pineapple Improvisational String Quilt Blocks

Hello dear friends and readers! If you are new to this blog, you might be curious about what sets susies-scraps.com apart. Well, my passion lies in creating things, but I am not in the business of selling anything, nor do I want to encourage you to make purchases. Instead, I enjoy devising simple, practical solutions for crafting items, particularly quilts. This blog is a labor of love, and you’ll find hundreds of projects to create, all available to you for free.

Today, I would like to share some thoughts on string blocks. I felt inspired to create new string blocks, as I have several buckets of strings that need to be utilized. I genuinely appreciate the fact that these strings are already cut and offer a wide variety of options. Additionally, I have some waste triangles on hand, which I save for projects like this.

To be honest, I never really envisioned myself making Pineapple Blocks. You might ask why. The reason is that I was not particularly drawn to the extensive cutting involved, the numerous sizes required, and the potential waste generated. Furthermore, there is a high likelihood of inaccuracy when creating Pineapple Blocks.

Pineapple Blocks are related to Log Cabin Blocks, with the distinguishing feature being the inclusion of triangles or strips in the corners. For further information on Log Cabin Blocks that may be helpful, please refer to “Lessons in Log Cabin Blocks“.

I understand that using a foundation is often preferred, whether it be paper or fabric, and there are pre-printed papers available for purchase that can facilitate highly accurate piecing.

However, today, we will liberate ourselves from all that and simply focus on using up some scraps. Given that we are working with strings and waste triangles, there won’t be any specific measurements involved—just repurposing strings.

While it’s true that stunning patterns can be created with Pineapple Blocks by strategically placing light and dark shades, today we have no rules—just our strings and sewing machines.

Remember to finger press or roller press as you progress.

The only guideline I am following today is using a consistent element for the center squares. Keep in mind that this is also optional, and you can choose the size. I have opted for 2 ½” x 2 ½” center squares.

So, let’s get started.

Block size: 10″ x 10″ (optional)

Seams are very approximate, at about 1/4″

Requirements for Any String Goes – Pineapple Improvisational String Quilt Blocks

Fabric strings of assorted lengths

Waste triangles from other projects (or strings can be used if preferred across the corners)

Scissors, small for trimming the lengths as you go.

Centre Squares – mine are mine are 2 ½” x 2 ½

TIP

For efficiency make at least two blocks at a time. Keep your containers of strings and triangles next to your machine. By all means use a foundation if you prefer. I have opted to go without.

Any String Goes - Pineapple Improvisational String Quilt Blocks susies-scraps.com
Any String Goes – Pineapple Improvisational String Quilt Blocks susies-scraps.com

Making the Any String Goes – Pineapple, Improvisational String Quilt Blocks

Beginning with the center square, add the first strip strip to one side of the square. Add a string to the opposite side then add two more strings to the other two sides. Trim as you go.

Any String Goes – Pineapple Improvisational String Quilt Blocks susies-scraps.com

Next round, place a waste triangle, right side down across the corner of the block make sure that after stitching and folding back, that the triangle will cover the corner of the block. Continue to add triangles to the other three corners in the same manner.

Any String Goes – Pineapple Improvisational String Quilt Blocks susies-scraps.com

After adding the triangles, turn the triangles back and trim off the waste from behind each triangle corner.

Any String Goes – Pineapple Improvisational String Quilt Blocks susies-scraps.com

Next round, add strips to each side of the block in the same manner. as the first round.

Continue doing the same thing until you reach the size block that you desire. Sliver trim to size. Press.

Any String Goes - Pineapple Improvisational String Quilt Blocks susies-scraps.com
Any String Goes – Pineapple Improvisational String Quilt Blocks susies-scraps.com

Happy strings don’t you think?
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like these posts using strings.

String Feeder QAYG Bib

Pink Strings Table Mat

String Pot Holders or Trivets for Christmas

quilted Christmas scrappy string stockings

Crazy Little Strings – Diamond Charms Quilt Block and Tutorial

Strings n Things

Happy stitching,

Susie

Copyright © 2023 Susan Stuklis

13 thoughts on “Any String Goes – Pineapple Improvisational String Quilt Blocks”

  1. I enjoy your site very much. The lessons, the vintage machines, the quilting, no ads, and the floral fabrics that seem to be the focus of your quilts. I love it all. Thank you so much for providing this for us. Your are an inspiration.

  2. Thanks. Love the inclusion of the triangles. I have scrap triangles just waiting for a chance to shine.

  3. Thank you so much! I love pineapple blocks. Your idea has my creative side jumping up and down. Great idea!

  4. A friend just gave me a bunch of triangles she had cut off of one of her projects, now I know what I am going to do with them, thanks for the odea

  5. I never wanted to make a pineapple block either, until now. You are so clever coming up with these great ideas, thanks so much.

  6. This sounds like a great way to make pineapples! i certainly have plenty of waste triangles from bindings. Thanks for the tutorial, happy stitching!

  7. Thank you. I love the brightness of the blocks and how simple the technique seems – even though it looks complicated. I shall definitely experiment – I have loads of little scraps because I hate to throw anything out that seems usable😂

  8. Thank you Susie, you have made pineapple blocks look so easy to do. What a fabulous way to use up strings. Looking forward to doing this. I also love that we don’t need to use a foundation as in other string blocks. Than’ you for your generous ❤️.
    Chris

  9. Wow, the corner triangles make a great impact, I love it. Thank you for your generous heart to share your love of quilting with us all. I love your tutorials. Gratefully, Kim

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