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.

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.