Tutorial and A Pineapple Welcome Mini
As soon as this little mini quilt popped in my email from Pinterest ages ago, I knew I wanted to make one for our front door. The happy yellow, the cheerful greens and the adorable striped border just sang out to me. I know pineapple quilts were all over the place a while ago, so we’re a little late to the party. Better late than never though, right?!
Why A Pineapple Welcome
Back in the olden days and as far back as Columbus in 1493, pineapples were very rare and very expensive. They were brought over to the U.S. from Europe on ships, and only the most wealthy could afford to have a pineapple grace their table. Guests were honored by the rarity and knew that no expense was spared to ensure a pleasant experience. This came to symbolize a sense of hospitality. It is as a symbol of friendship and hospitality that I wish to welcome all visitors into our home.
Pineapple Layout
Using Sassafras Lane’s basic layout, we decided to make a few changes to the mini quilt to make it just slightly bigger. The original pattern called for 1.5″ squares, which with the added borders made the entire mini 8.5″ x 11.5″. I wanted it to be big enough to cover the window in our front door, and to be more easily visible from the street. We made the switch to 2.5″ squares. When the borders were added, ours finishes at 12″ x 18″.
Of course, this pattern calls for a few half square triangles. That meant I had to do a bit of trimming but not as much as was needed for the recent Postcard from Sweden quilt. Here’s our finished pineapple before quilting. I knew I wanted to try the triangle hanger method that Karen (Ta-Na Quilts) shared on her blog post, Bind It Up. She suggests sewing 5″ squares, folded into triangles into each corner before attaching the binding. Hmm, I wonder if those would be too big for this? I cut some 3″ squares and folded them in half. Then they were tacked down with the barest of stitching until I added the binding.
Pineapple Goodness
The crisp white background, and the nice straight line quilting (about 1/2″ apart) just make this an all around winner for me! There is nothing I do not like about it! I hope our family and friends feel the love and welcoming wish we have for each of them as they enter our home. What do you think? Isn’t it cute?!
We love this so much that we are going to make a few more mini quilts just for the front door! And as a note to myself – buy some black and white striped fabric since we don’t have any and I love the look of it, especially in a binding!
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Thank you for telling about the pineapple. I had never heard that story before. Your version turned out really nice. You will have to make sure your guests know why the sweet little quilt greets them. 😊
This pineapple has been on my to-do list for awhile now. You have inspired me to “git ‘er done”. I also need to locate and purchase some black and white stripe for binding! Do you like the triangle hanger method? I use it all the time on wall hangings.
Roseanne, that’s a definite winner. I love that binding fabric, too. The enlarged size fits my personality better.
You always give me great ideas. I think these ‘may’ be in my neighbor’s gift baskets this Christmas. Thanks
I’m al mixed up, my pineapple mini hangs inside of the back door! LOL It also is shades of turquoise and blue. Oh well, it looks like a pineapple! Yours is adorable!
Never too late for some happy yellows and greens! This looks amazing on your front door. Have a good weekend!
Great little quilt. I’m a sucker for anything pineapple. I just bought one for dinner tonight. We hope to slice ours and grill it but the clouds outside are threatening a serious rainstorm. We shall see if grilling will be doable. At least your pineapple is ready to show your hospitality at anytime!
I love this and the message you are sending your guests! I have been wondering why pineapple quilts are so popular and now I know!
What a welcoming little quilt! I love your different shades of yellow and green❤️. Thank you for the tutorial!
I love your pineapple. I hang things on my front door also, I think I need a pineapple now. 🙂
Roseanne, I love your pineapple mini! I have that on my “to do” list also :). Last year Amanda from Jedicraftgirl.com did a beautiful patriotic pineapple quilt using strips! I may have to one with squares and one with strips (LOL) I used to make minis for our front door in Maryland, our house in florida the door is beveled glass with a pineapple etched in the glass — so no more minis!
I have seen this pineapple one before, but I really like your enlarged size for the door. Thanks for the history on the pineapple I didn’t know that. When we were in Hawaii to by a fresh one was kinda expensive, since they grow them there I thought they would be cheap!