by The Pineapple Square Motif is one of the most prestigious designs in crochet. It combines the traditional “Pineapple” lace—a symbol of hospitality—with a structural square frame.
This motif is “Extraordinary” because it uses negative space (holes) to create a visual masterpiece. It is magnificent for an heirloom-quality Runner or a high-fashion Boho Blouse.
I. The Technical “Blueprint”
- The Vibe: Vintage, intricate, and high-end.
- Skill Level: Intermediate (requires counting and working into chain spaces).
- Yarn: For a Runner, use a Size 10 Cotton Thread. For a Blouse, use a soft bamboo or linen blend.
- Hook: $2.5\text{mm}$ (for thread) or $3.5\text{mm}$ (for yarn).
II. The Pineapple Square Pattern
Round 1: The Foundation Circle
- Magic Ring: Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 15 dc into the ring.
- Sl st to join. (16 dc total).
Round 2: Setting the 4 Corners
- Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), dc in next st, ch 1. Repeat from * to * around.
- Sl st to join. (16 dc, 16 ch-1 spaces).
Round 3: The “Pineapple” Base
- Sl st into the first ch-1 space. Ch 3, 2 dc in same space.
- Ch 2, skip 1 space.
- Corner: In next space work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc).
- Ch 2, skip 1 space.
- Work 3 dc in next space, ch 2, skip 1 space, work Corner in next space, ch 2, skip 1 space.
- Repeat around. Sl st to join.Note: The 3-dc clusters on the sides are where the “Pineapples” will grow.
Round 4: Growing the Fruit
- Sl st to the middle dc of the side cluster. Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1).
- In the same st, work (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc). (You now have a “fan” of 4 dc separated by chains).
- Ch 3.
- Corner: Work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the corner space.
- Ch 3.
- Repeat the Fan and Corner around. Sl st to join.
Round 5: The Pineapple Arches
- Sl st into the first ch-1 space of the fan. ch 1, sc in same space.
- Ch 3, sc in next ch-1 space, ch 3, sc in next ch-1 space. (You have 2 small loops—this is the “skin” of the pineapple).
- Ch 4.
- Corner: Work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in corner.
- Ch 4.
- Repeat around. Sl st to join.
Round 6: The Peak
- Sl st into the first ch-3 loop. ch 1, sc in loop.
- Ch 3, sc in next ch-3 loop. (Only 1 loop remains; the pineapple is “closing”).
- Ch 5.
- Corner: (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc).
- Ch 5.
- Repeat around. Sl st to join.
Round 7: Squaring Off
- Sl st into the final pineapple loop. ch 1, sc.
- Ch 7.
- Corner: (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc).
- Ch 7.
- Repeat around. Sl st to join. Fasten off.
III. “Detail and Detail”: How to make it Magnificent
1. The “Join-As-You-Go” Lace Secret
For a Blouse, don’t sew these together. On Round 7, when you get to the Corner ch-3, do this:
- Ch 1, sl st into the corner of your finished square, ch 1.
- This creates a “picot-link” that makes the blouse look like one continuous piece of expensive lace.
2. The Runner Stiffening
A Pineapple Runner looks best when the “holes” are wide open.
- The Sugar Water Trick: For a purely decorative runner, dip the finished motifs in a mixture of 1 part sugar to 1 part boiling water.
- Pin it out carefully.
- Result: Once dry, the pineapple lace will be stiff like a porcelain plate and won’t ever sag.
3. Strategic Color Choice
- Trendy Look: Work the center (Rounds 1-3) in Gold and the outer rounds (4-7) in White. This highlights the “fruit” of the pineapple.
- Modern Look: Use a single solid color like Slate Grey or Navy. This moves the design from “Grandma’s house” to “Contemporary Boutique.”
IV. Project Assembly Guide
| Item | Motifs Needed (Approx) | Layout |
| Trendy Runner | 10 to 12 | A single row ($1 \times 12$). Add long tassels to the ends. |
| Stylish Blouse | 20 to 30 | A $5 \times 5$ grid for front and back. Join shoulders and sides. |
| Shawl | 15 | Arrange in a “V” shape (5 on top, then 4, 3, 2, 1). |
V. Final Expert Tip: Blocking
The Pineapple Square is a “Lace” motif. If you don’t block it, it will look like a crumpled rag.
- Detail: You must pin into the 3-dc corner clusters and pull them tight.
- Detail: Pin into the top point of the pineapple (Round 6) to stretch the ch-spaces open.
- The Result: The magnificent “Pineapple” shape will only appear clearly once the yarn is stretched and set.
Are you ready to start the first square, or would you like to know how to add a “Beaded Edge” to the pineapple points for extra luxury?
