Riley Blake Decadent Pear - Downloadable PDF

Riley Blake Decadent Pear Quilt Pattern by Samantha Walker – Downloadable PDF Summary

The Riley Blake Decadent Pear is a free, downloadable PDF quilt pattern designed by Samantha Walker for Riley Blake Designs. This intermediate-level quilting project produces a stunning 56" x 56" finished quilt that combines two distinct block styles — a classic Nine-Patch Pear Block and an elegant Dresden Block — into a cohesive, decorative throw or lap quilt. The pattern is well-suited for quilters who are comfortable with basic patchwork construction and are ready to explore appliqué and Dresden plate techniques.

About the Design

The Decadent Pear quilt features a rich, layered aesthetic built around two primary block designs. The combination of geometric nine-patch patchwork with the curved, fan-like Dresden appliqué creates visual contrast and depth. The palette draws from a warm, autumnal range of browns, oranges, yellows, greens, and whites, all sourced from the Riley Blake Designs fabric collection.

Block One: The Pear Block

The Pear Block finishes at 10" x 10" and is constructed using traditional nine-patch and sashing techniques. The pattern calls for a total of 12 Pear Blocks, divided into two colorway variations:

• Block A – 8 blocks using assorted print fabrics arranged in a specific color placement
• Block B – 4 blocks with an alternate arrangement as referenced in the block diagram

To construct each Pear Block, nine assorted print 2½" squares are sewn together to form the nine-patch center. Assorted print 2½" x 6½" rectangles are then added to each side of the nine-patch. Finally, additional 2½" squares are sewn to the ends of two more 2½" x 6½" rectangles, which are attached to the top and bottom of the block to complete the design. All seam allowances are ¼", and all seams are sewn with right sides together.

Block Two: The Dresden Block

The Dresden Block is the showpiece of the quilt, featuring a classic Dresden Plate motif appliquéd onto a large 20½" white floral square cut from the C2634 White fabric. The Dresden is assembled by sewing the sides of individual Dresden wedge pieces together to form the full fan or plate shape.

A key construction technique used in this block involves lightweight fusible interfacing: the right side of the assembled Dresden is placed against the bumpy side of the fusible interfacing, stitched ¼" around the outside edge with pivoting at seams and points, then trimmed and turned right side out for a clean, crisp finish. The Dresden and a sundrop circle are then centered on the background square and appliquéd using the quilter's preferred appliqué method. The pattern references the quilt photo for precise placement guidance.

Techniques Used

• Nine-patch patchwork – a foundational quilting technique using equal-sized squares sewn in a 3x3 grid
• Sashing and block assembly – adding rectangles around a center unit to build out the full block
• Dresden Plate construction – sewing wedge-shaped pieces together to form a decorative fan or plate motif, a beloved traditional quilting design
• Fusible interfacing appliqué preparation – using lightweight fusible interfacing to achieve smooth, turned edges on the Dresden before appliquéing to the background
• Appliqué – attaching the prepared Dresden and circle to the background square; the pattern allows the quilter to use their preferred appliqué method
• Quilt top assembly – combining Pear Blocks and the Dresden Block according to the quilt layout diagram
• Binding – finishing the quilt edges with 5/8 yard of binding fabric

Stitches and Sewing Details

• ¼"