Pat Sloan’s “Summer Fruits” block—Block #9 in her delightful quilt series—is a charming celebration of the season’s sweetest offerings. With juicy berries, cheerful colors, and a playful layout, this quilt pattern captures the essence of summer in every stitch. Whether you’re new to quilting or an experienced sewist, this block offers a fun and approachable design that’s perfect for brightening your quilt collection.
Using traditional piecing techniques and a fresh color palette, the Summer Fruits block brings visual warmth and a touch of nostalgia to any quilt. The finished block works beautifully as part of a larger quilt or as a stand-alone mini quilt or pillow. What makes it special is how it mixes structure with organic inspiration, giving your quilting a personal, joyful touch.
In this tutorial, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process to create Block #9, from gathering materials to finishing the block. We’ll also explore ideas for personalization and creative use of the quilt block. If you’ve been searching for a quilt pattern that’s both fun and beginner-friendly, you’re in the right place!
Materials Needed
Before you start piecing your quilt block, make sure you have all the materials at hand. Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need to complete the Summer Fruits quilt pattern:
- Fabric (fat quarters or scraps):
- Red and pink prints (for strawberries or watermelon)
- Green prints (for leaves)
- Yellow or light prints (for background)
- Optional black print (for seeds)
- Quilting ruler and rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Pins or clips
- Iron and ironing board
- Sewing machine with a ¼” foot
- Thread in matching or neutral tones
Having the right tools and fabrics makes the quilting process smoother and more enjoyable. Since this block is fruit-themed, you can have a little fun with novelty prints or batiks that resemble seeds or textures of your favorite fruits. The background can be a solid or low-volume print that helps the fruit pop.
Make sure to press all your fabrics before cutting. This helps you achieve more accurate measurements and cleaner seams. Also, using a sharp rotary cutter is essential for smooth, even cuts—this will save you time and effort in the long run.
Cutting Instructions
To begin this quilt pattern, you’ll need to cut your fabric into the following pieces:
- Red/Pink Fabric (Fruit):
- (2) 4.5” squares
- (2) 2.5” x 4.5” rectangles
- Green Fabric (Leaves):
- (2) 2.5” squares
- Background Fabric:
- (4) 2.5” x 4.5” rectangles
- (4) 2.5” squares
- (2) 4.5” squares
Start by measuring carefully using your quilting ruler and cutting mat. Accuracy is key in any quilt pattern to ensure that the pieces fit together properly. Make small marks with a disappearing pen or chalk if needed before cutting.
Once all your pieces are cut, organize them into small stacks based on their fabric type. This makes the assembly process faster and more efficient. If you’re using directional prints, pay close attention to how the design will align when sewn.
If you’re planning to make multiple blocks, you may want to cut several pieces at once by stacking your fabrics. Just be sure to double-check measurements, especially for beginner quilters.
Assembling the Fruit Center
Let’s begin with constructing the main fruit portion of the block. Take the red or pink squares and rectangles and begin by creating a simple rectangle-in-the-center unit.
- Sew one 2.5” x 4.5” red/pink rectangle to each side of one 4.5” red/pink square.
- Press seams outward.
- Attach the second 4.5” red/pink square to the top to form the body of the fruit.
Next, we’ll add the top “leaf” section to give the fruit that distinctive summer look. Using the green 2.5” squares, we’ll make quick corner triangles.
- Place a green 2.5” square on the corner of one background 2.5” x 4.5” rectangle.
- Draw a diagonal line across the green square and stitch on the line.
- Trim ¼” from the seam and press. Repeat for the second leaf unit.
These green corners will form the leafy top of the fruit. Once you’ve completed both, sew them to the top of your fruit center to complete the summer fruit shape. The result is an adorable, colorful focal point.
Completing the Block
Now that the center fruit is done, it’s time to frame it and complete the 12.5” square quilt block. Take your background rectangles and squares to create a clean border around the fruit design.
- Sew one 2.5” x 4.5” background rectangle to each side of the fruit unit.
- Press seams outward to avoid bulk.
- Add the 4.5” background squares to each corner of the top and bottom strips.
- Attach these strips to the top and bottom of the block to complete the framing.
Take a moment to square up your block using your quilting ruler. The finished size should be 12.5” x 12.5”. If you need to trim slightly to make everything even, now’s the time.
Give the entire block a final press with steam to flatten the seams and enhance the crisp look. You’ve now finished Block #9 – Summer Fruits – a fresh, summery design perfect for your next quilt project!
Personalization Ideas
The Summer Fruits quilt pattern is very customizable, which makes it great for quilters who enjoy adding a personal touch. You can easily adapt the block for different fruits—like using orange prints for peaches or purple fabrics for plums.
Another fun idea is to incorporate novelty prints. Try a strawberry print for the red fabric or a green print with leaf veins. This adds depth and visual storytelling to your quilt block. You could even embroider small seeds or fruit names to add another layer of texture and character.
If you’re building a full quilt, consider alternating fruit blocks with patchwork or star blocks to break up the design and add visual interest. Each block can represent a different fruit, making your quilt a true fruit salad of creativity.
Using the Block in Larger Projects
This block stands out beautifully on its own but is also versatile in a wide variety of projects. Here are a few ways to use the Summer Fruits quilt pattern in your quilting:
- Quilt Sampler: Add it to a quilt sampler that includes all blocks from Pat Sloan’s series.
- Table Runner: Combine three fruit blocks in a row for a cheerful summer table runner.
- Mini Quilt or Wall Hanging: Frame it and hang in a kitchen or sunroom to bring seasonal joy.
- Tote Bag Pocket: Use the block as a decorative pocket on a summer-themed tote.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold color combinations. Summer is all about brightness and fun—let your creativity lead the way!
Share Your Summer Fruits Block!
Quilting is even more rewarding when shared with others. Once you’ve completed your Summer Fruits quilt block, consider showing it off to your sewing group or on social media. Tag #PatSloanQuilt or #SummerFruitsBlock to connect with fellow quilters and find more inspiration.
We’d love to see how you bring your block to life! Whether you stick with the classic look or branch out with wild fruit color palettes, your interpretation adds something unique to the quilting world.
Happy quilting—and may your summer be as sweet and colorful as your next quilt block!