42 DRAFTINGFORTHECREATIVEQUILTER
on either side of the center square, then you would have
10 equal divisions (4 on each side and 2 for the center).
To keep your cutting numbers ruler friendly (down to
1/8 ̋), it is easiest to choose a block size divisible by 3
(3 ̋, 41/2 ̋, 6 ̋, 71/2 ̋, 9 ̋, and so on).
There are three numbers you need to know when
drafting a Pineapple block: the block size, the strip
width (the center is twice the strip width), and the
number of divisions. Whichever two numbers you
choose, you must figure out the third. For example:
If the choice is a 6 ̋ block with 12 divisions, then you
need to figure out the strip width. To do so, divide the
block size (6 ̋) by the number of divisions (12) to end up
with 0.5 ̋, or 1/2 ̋, strips with a 1 ̋ center.
If the choice is a 6 ̋ block with 3/4 ̋ strips, then you need
to figure out how many divisions the block will have.
To do so, divide the block size (6 ̋) by the strip width
(0.75) = 8 divisions, with 3 on each side of the center
square and 2 for the center square.
If the choice is 1/2 ̋ strips and 12 divisions, then you
need to figure out the block size. Multiply the number
of divisions (12) by the width of the strips (1/2 ̋) = 6 ̋
block.
Drafting from
the Outside Inward
TO DRAFT A 6 ̋ (FINISHED) BLOCK:
- Draw a 6 ̋ square and divide it in half vertically, hori-
zontally, and diagonally in both directions. - Working from the center to each edge, mark six 1/2 ̋
divisions.
½½½
½
½½½½
½
½½
½½½ ½½ ½½½½ ½½ ½½Divide the square and mark divisions.- Using a colored pencil, draw the center square and
5 concentric squares around the center at the division
marks.
Draw concentric squares.- Using your regular pencil, draw a square on-point
around the center square. Starting from a corner of the
original center square, measure and mark 5 increments
1/2 ̋ along the 4 diagonal lines.
½
½½½½½
½½
½
½½½
½
½
½Draw a square on-point and mark 1/2 ̋ increments.