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| Pineapple Block Paper Piecing Quilt |
Mastering the Pineapple Quilt Block: Amber Johnson’s Paper Piecing Method
Even if you've been inspired by the beautiful geometric design of a classic Pineapple quilt block but were overwhelmed by the angles, foundation paper piecing (FPP) is your secret weapon. Designer Amber Johnson of Gigi's Thimble takes the timeless block and refreshes it with oversized templates, ending at a generous size of 12 3/8 inches (in her popular tutorial).
Even if you've been inspired by the beautiful geometric design of a classic Pineapple quilt block but were overwhelmed by the angles, foundation paper piecing (FPP) is your secret weapon. Designer Amber Johnson of Gigi's Thimble takes the timeless block and refreshes it with oversized templates, ending at a generous size of 12 3/8 inches (in her popular tutorial).
Paper piecing will ensure an absolutely sharp edge and perfectly accurate seams each time. Using the fabric directly over the paper patterns creates a beautiful block with well-defined secondary patterns in the background and accent colors (such as vibrant pinks and greens) in the rounds when assembled in a quilt top.
Here are some of the points to note and tips from the Tutorial:
- Reduce Stitch Length: Reduce the stitch length prior to sewing to approximately 1.5. The tighter stitches will punch through the paper template and allow you to easily remove the paper without disturbing your seam stitches.
- Essential Setup: To make sure that your first round of fabric strips doesn't shift, glue your first center-square with a small blob of washable glue stick.
- The "Fold & Check" Habit: The paper template needs to be folded over the seam line before each stitch so that there is a minimum seam allowance of 1/4" and the fabric strip completely covers the pattern piece.
Final Thought
The most refreshing thing about Amber Johnson's approach is its elimination of frustration in the precision cutting and bias stretching. Oversized blocks and systematic foundation paper piecing allows even beginner piecers to complete these quilt blocks with confidence to showcase with elaborate design. Pick up those favorite pieces of fabric, decrease the stitch size and set to a more rhythmic, stress-free experience to watch these geometric pineapples come to life!
Full Tutorial: Pineapple Block Paper Piecing Quilt Free Tutorial
