How to Make a Pine Cone Quilt

The Pine Cone Quilt also called a Pine Burr Quilt was a traditional southern African American quilt pattern that was popular from the early to the late 20th century. In 1997, the quilt design was designated the official quilt of the state of Alabama. The quilt employs a three-dimensional design composed of overlapping triangles in a circular shape. The pine cone or pine burr name derives from the fact that the overlapping triangles are reminiscent of the overlapping woody petals found on a pine cone.

Find the center of a 12-inch muslin square by folding in half first length-wise and width-wise. Mark the center point with a small x.

Take one of the 3-inch squares of fabric and fold it into a triangle. Fold it a second time into a smaller triangle. Repeat for three more 3-inch squares.

Pin all four triangles to the muslin square with the points at the center x. Sew in place.

Repeat Step 2. Then pin these triangles in place about 1/2 inch from the center of the square with their points pointed toward the center; trim into a circle shape and sew in place.

Repeat Step 4 until the block is the desired size. Wrap the raw edges with binding tape and sew in place. This forms a single medallion for the quilt.

Repeat steps 1 through 5 23 more times to complete each medallion.

Sew all medallions together to complete the quilt.