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Miniature Quilts - Beauty in Small Packages!If you have never made a miniature quilt, why not try one for a change of pace? They are made in the same way as regular sized quilts, but on a smaller sca...
If you have never made a miniature quilt, why not try one for a change of pace? They are made in the same way as regular sized quilts, but on a smaller scale. While most mini quilts tend to be made into wall hangings, they can also serve as a doll blanket (some people make really tiny scale ones for dollhouses), lap quilts or small throws to match your household furnishings.
I took the photo of the miniature quilt shown to the left when I visited a quilt museum in Washington state a few years back. It is 8 1/2 inches square with pieced, appliqued and embroidery elements. The main background area is pieced, the baskets are appliqued and the flowers were added in silk ribbon embroidery. The details were incredible...I wonder how long it took the quilter to make.
Miniature QuiltThere are different approaches to making small quilts. You can use a reduced number of standard sized blocks to make a smaller lap size quilt or even enlarge a block to make a wall-hanging from a single block.
Other mini quilts are made like traditionally sized quilts but with the block components being substantially smaller in scale. For example, a standard nine-patch block would be made using three inch squares to make a block that finishes up at nine inches square. A miniature nine-patch might be made using one inch blocks with a finished block being 3 inches square. In some cases, the blocks are so reduced in size that the entire miniature quilt may end up being smaller than the original block.
What is important is the finished overall size of the quilt - if a quilt is smaller than 24 inches on a side, it is generally classified as a miniature quilt, but quilt shows and competitions will have specific rules regarding block size and finished overall size. If you are planning to enter a quilt competition, be sure to read the rules carefully to make sure you are following the guidelines so that you don't spend a lot of time working on a project only to have it not be eligible for the competition.
If you are interested in making miniature quilts to enter in quilt shows, the American Quilter's Society has specific rules governing the qualities of mini quilts. They must be no larger than 24" in both width and length with all aspects of the quilt being reduced in scale. This means that the piecing and imagery are scaled down in relation to the size of the quilt.
The quilt shown here is made using the Double Wedding Ring pattern (this link takes you to directions for making a standard sized quilt in this pattern). This miniature quilt is 8 by 9 1/2 inches (the regular quilt pattern finishes up at 69 1/2" x 84 3/4").
As you can imagine, making mini quilts takes patience and attention to detail because they must be precisely assembled. Below, I have some tips to make small scale piecing easier.
Grandmother's Flower Garden Miniature QuiltAccuracy is key. While accuracy is also important in standard quilt making, it is absolutely critical when making miniature quilts. Your quilt units must be cut exactly to the correct size and you must be able to sew a consistent 1/4" seam. When you are dealing with units that are less than one inch wide, any variation on the 1/4" seam will cause problems with accuracy and matching seams later. Certain block components, such as half triangle sets, can be made deliberately larger and then trimmed down which can save some time on the assembly process. Before starting to sew, take a look at your quilt patterns and decide if this assembly technique would work with your pattern.
When it comes to matching seams, it is important to pin carefully prior to stitching. Be sure to use quilting pins which are thinner, longer, and sharper than regular pins. Time spent pinning accurately will save time ripping out seams later. One trick that I use frequently when trying to perfectly match seams is to insert a pin straight up and down through the points that am I trying to match and leave the pin standing up. If you angle the pin to one side or the other, the seams will slip slightly, so it works best if the pin is completely vertical. With the seams matching, you can then pin on either side of the vertical pin and then sew the quilt units together.
The quilt in the photo is a Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt made in greatly reduced scale. The individual hexagons are 1/2" making the whole flower 1 1/2" wide.
Kathreen Ricketson, founder of the internationally popular Web site WhipUp.net, presents 20 contemporary quilts from across the globe in this charming, easy-to-follow guide. From the lovely English Garden Quilt to the playful Road Transport Pillow, the projects collected in Whip Up Mini Quilts cover all sorts of themes and looks. With plenty of step-by-step instructions and helpful how-to illustrations, this book showcases an artful approach to design basics while outlining the fundamentals of quilting techniques. Best of all, it all comes in a user-friendly format with lay-flat binding and pattern sheets tucked into the front pocket.
Buy NowA 1/4 inch foot is one of my favorite tools for quilting. This sewing machine presser foot can make quilt piecing easier, especially miniature quilts, because it has quarter-inch markings on three sides of the foot to ensure accuracy.
Judging when to pivot can sometimes be difficult, but because the 1/4 inch markings are shown on numerous sides, it is easier to tell when to pivot.
Another helpful feature is the small center hole which prevents fabric from being dragged down into the feed dogs.
Lastly, on the right edge of the foot, there is a blade that holds the edge of the fabric seam at just the right distance.
If you have trouble feeding your mini quilt pieces into the sewing machine in a straight and even manner like I do (it seems as though my machine sometimes likes to eat my fabric), there are a couple of tricks that you can use to make this easier. The first trick is to start stitching on a piece of scrap material and then sew onto your quilt pieces - sometimes the initial stitches will tangle a little then smooth out. By doing this, the tangled stitches will be on the scrap fabric rather than your quilt pieces. Another helpful tip is to use a straight stitch feed plate (this is the one with a small hole rather than a slot). This can help prevent the fabric from being pushed down into the feed dogs and jamming the machine.
When you press the seams on your quilt blocks, take care that you do not let the iron distort the seams nor press the fabric out of shape. This is an especially important consideration when using pieces that have edges cut on the bias such as triangles, because bias edges easily stretch off grain which can cause the block to ripple.
The blocks in the mini quilt shown here are only 1" wide. The sides of the quilt are embellished with beautiful silk ribbon embroidery. The curved edges make it look more elegant.
Since accuracy is key when making miniature quilts, it is important that your fabric shapes are cut accurately. The easiest way to ensure this is to use a self-healing cutting mat with a rotary cutter and clear ruler. A rotary cutter is a hand-held cutting implement that uses a circular rolling blade that allows you to make long, crisp cuts through multiple layers of fabric.
This rotary cutting set includes everything you need to start making miniature quilts. The 18 x 24" self healing cutting mat is double-sided for more versatility.
A 6 x 24" clear acrylic ruler enables you to clearly see where you are cutting. A quarter inch seam allowance is highlighted for easier viewing and the geometric grid allows for accurate shape cutting.
The rotary cutter uses a 45 mm rolling circular blade that will accurately cut through multiple layers of fabric. These blades are very sharp, so be sure to always replace the cover. I took a quilting class one time, and the instructor kept a jar at the front and if she caught us with an open cutter, we had to put a quarter in the jar.
Fiskars Crafts 95237097J Rotary Sewing Cutting Set (3 Piece), Grey Buy NowWhen you reduce the scale of quilt blocks, it has the effect of magnifying their features. Any error, however minute, will be much more apparent than in its larger counterpart. Also, people are generally intrigued by miniature items and tend to want to take a closer look at them - I know I do, and they will tend to notice any flaws in the piecing and seaming.
Another option for precise small scale piecing is to use the foundation piecing method. Foundation piecing enables the quilter to create complex blocks with a high degree of accuracy because the foundation paper or fabric stabilizes the fabric. Also, the stitching lines shown on the foundation allow for greater sewing accuracy rather than having to depend on a precise 1/4 inch seam.
In this book, quilter Paula Doyle demonstrates piecing techniques that make it easy to put together miniature quilts. There are more than 30 different blocks that can be assembled into colorful quilts. Projects include table runners, tote bags, and many others. The project designs are fat quarter-friendly which makes it easy to use your stash!
Buy NowLearn how to make a miniature quilt using the rail fence pattern by watching this easy-to-follow video tutorial. You will learn how to cut, lay out, and piece a rail fence quilt pattern.
If you are interested in seeing miniature quilts close up, here are some places where you can see them on exhibit. Maybe you can incorporate one or more of these on your next trip! For those who don't have any upcoming travel plans, I have included a few online galleries as well.
Flickr: ART & MINI QUILTSSign in or sign up and post using a HubPages Network account.
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sendingDursun
5 years ago
My great-grandmother made me promise (on her death bed, so no guilt there) to finsih her quilts for her, and this flower pattern was the first one I did. I was too scared to cut any of her pieces in half and I was too lazy to create new blooms, so I didn't have a flat edge, but I finsihed it in a sort of scallop. I'd be interested in knowing how you are gonna do your edges .since (moan) there is another box of blooms in a box upstairs.
Jenny
5 years ago
Your article was excenlelt and erudite.
centralplexus
6 years ago
Simply adorable. In large quilts small mistakes can easily be overlooked but in such a scale a mistake would stand out. But I think that's the beauty in them, knowing that it takes extra patience and skill to make them. Great lens, well done!
cutethings
7 years ago
They are beautiful.
anonymous
7 years ago
Some lovely ideas, great lens!
mlt89
7 years ago
Beautiful! Great list of patterns :)
hntrssthmpsn
7 years ago
Gosh, I think these miniature quilts look beautiful AND crazymaking! I can definitely see where a small error would really stand out on such a tiny project, but they're just too cute not to try!
LynetteBell
7 years ago from Christchurch, New Zealand
pretty quilts:)
mary-humphrey
7 years ago
great lens lots of great tips
agoofyidea
7 years ago
Small quilts are my favorite size to make. They don't take forever and I can work with the fabric much easier. Beautiful designs.
anonymous
8 years ago
wow those quilts looks amazing_________________________watch new movies online
flycatcherrr
8 years ago
Both beautiful *and* crazymaking, I'd say! Have to love almost anything miniature, and some of these are lovely indeed.
anonymous
8 years ago
My Mom used to make the prettiest quilts for kids, I still all of them she made for mine. I have made a few, but nothing as ornate as the ones you have pictured. Very nicely done!
Peggy Hazelwood
8 years ago from Desert Southwest, U.S.A.
This would be crazymaking for me! Wow, love them but you would have to love quilting in the small to tackle these!!
Lorri123
8 years ago
I love sewing. I used to make quilts and stuffed toys for my kids when they were small. I took time to do the applique' children's designs. It was really enjoyable. My kids are grown now and we still have all the hand-made things from their childhood. Very nice lense !
jcamdenbow
8 years ago
These are really beautiful. I really need to get back into quilting. You have inspired me to get out my materials and start quilting.
nelsonkana
8 years ago
You got a beautiful collection here. Nice
whodiesinthenew
8 years ago
I love few of these quilts! They are awesome!
Rebeljohn
8 years ago
Great job on your lens. It makes me think back when i was a child watching my grandmother make them . I still have a few she made that got passed down to me
gemjane
8 years ago
These are beautiful, clever, and cute! Takes a lot of patience, but what fun it would be shopping for the fabrics!
EvergreenArticles
8 years ago
These are amazing quilt designs. I find quilts a bit itchy however, but it's great bed decoration to compliment your drapes and interior design. When I was about 7 years old, my brothers and I took our 3rd grade quilts and hung them on the walls. Each quilt had a different story. While not too pleasing on the eyes, it did show our character (which I guess isn't too pleasing? haha). Great lens!
casquid
8 years ago
I love quilting. Have you ever seen the Underground Railroad Quilts? They tell stories of the paths taken from the South, traveled safely to get runaway Slaves to Canada (in the 1800's).Of course, these quilts were created much later. They are included in exhibits across the country. If you are interested, ask for your local Museum to have the exhibit stopped in your town.
DebMartin
8 years ago
These are beautiful. Makes me want to learn to sew. almost ;-). Nice lens.
josephpowell519
8 years ago
I really enjoyed this lens, very informative and interesting.I've given this page a like!
Frankie Kangas
8 years ago from California
An excellent lens and what a great idea for the beginner to be able to create a mini-quilt. I love this idea. Blessings and bear hugs, Frankster
nelsonkana
8 years ago
Nice lens here. Am taking a tour of top lenses. This is one of them. I like it.
Susan Deppner
8 years ago from Arkansas USA
I love these miniature quilts! I'd love to have a wall full of them to display, in fact. Beautiful and great information! Congratulations on your Lens of the Day!
NC Shepherd
8 years ago
Beautiful quilts! I've been so busy on Squidoo that I've neglected my little quilts lately. If I work with 1/2" pieces, I strip piece or use foundations. Otherwise, I'd hand piece...I don't need the aggravation of trying to machine piece something that small!
dellgirl
8 years ago
This is a great lens, you have shared lots of helpful information. Congratulations on making featured lenses on Popular Pages and LOTD. Fantastic!
Coreena Jolene
8 years ago
Wonderful lens. I have never seen a miniature quilt but have worked on full size quilts. I can't imagine handling and piecing those tiny quilt pieces. What a talent you have.
Julia Morais
8 years ago
Great tips. Wish I were good at making quilts though.
norma-holt
8 years ago
Beautiful lens and magnificent sewing examples. I am trying to make my first quilt but have all but given up.. Congrats on LOTD. *Blessed* and featured on Blessed by Skiesgreen 2012 and also on Squidoo LOTD Lenses 2
anonymous
8 years ago
I love quilts, & enjoying this lens! The miniatures are gorgeous! But it would drive me crazy to have to be so precise with cloth & in miniature. The most I can manage are regular-sized crazy quilts, very crazy! I'm better with a brush. Thanks for sharing this, tho, so nice for true quilt-makers. Best wishes.
Jennifer_Glennon
8 years ago
I have always wanted to try quilting. These is an excellent lens. Thank you for sharing.
fugeecat lm
8 years ago
I think they are gorgeous.
cleanyoucar
8 years ago
These quilts look really nice. Thanks for sharing
BuddyBink
8 years ago
These are beautiful and I would think make you crazy after a while. They really are beautiful though. Thanks
jadehorseshoe
8 years ago
Nifty Things.
NightMagic
8 years ago
Not only have I never made a quilt in years, I have never made a mini quilt. Thanks for all the tips like using a quilting needle and pinning vertically.
nightbear lm
8 years ago
I would love to get back to quilting, This may be just the ticket, great job on this beautiiful mini quilt page. Congrats on LOTD. blessed.
chefdave12118
8 years ago
I never realized how much work and what an artistic skill it takes until I swa my Anut working on and selling her quilts. She makes a great living selling her quilts. I'm emailing her this link.... great lens :) Android Fan Network>
hirephp lm
8 years ago
cong for the this lens of the day
jimmyworldstar
8 years ago
I think miniature quilts are better for babies, it's too much of an issue to stitch them all together to make a big quilt.
anonymous
8 years ago
Nice lens.
JimmyBlaze420
8 years ago
Wow what a wonderful Lens!!
Rhidawn
8 years ago
Great lens and grats to you on LOTD!
Erin Hardison
8 years ago from Memphis, TN
They're gorgeous, but I don't have the focus for. Sewing on a larger scale is much easier for me. All the more reason for me to admire these. Congrats on LOTD!
justholidays
8 years ago
Since I'm two lefthanded, I wouldn't be able to make such cute mini-quilts but I'd love to, though. Thanks for sharing your passions with us!
blue22d
8 years ago
Very nice quilting. I have posted your lens over at Facebook on a friends site who does quilting as well.
poutine
8 years ago
They are beautiful....Congrats on your lens of the day.
LDWorld
8 years ago
Congrats on LOTD!!
anonymous
8 years ago
Congratulations on LOTD, this is a beautiful lens :) I took a class years ago and made a quilt, even quilted it all by hand, but that was the one and only. It was a lot of work, but worth it, I think miniature quilts would be a lot easier. *Angel Blessed
marsha32
8 years ago
They are beautiful. A lot of these look like a lot of small tedious work.
June Campbell
8 years ago from North Vancouver, BC, Canada
Beautiful quilts. I do not sew, but I so admire the work done by those who do.
kathysart
8 years ago
Fabulous! Quilting is HUGE in Hawaii where I recently moved from. I am always amazed at the great art that is done with them. Blessings for this lens, it is splendid!
qbessi
8 years ago
Very nice
Ann Hinds
8 years ago from So Cal
Quilts of any size are great. I haven't tried a mini-quilt so this is inspirational.
Renaissance Woman
8 years ago from Colorado
I am returning to congratulate you on LotD and to sprinkle a blessing over a lens I have always appreciated. Kudos to you on this achievement. Very nicely done!
writerkath
8 years ago
These are so beautiful! I could see a little girl wanting them for her dolls. :) But, for me, I'd be aching to have a large enough one for my bed. Absolutely gorgeous, and says a lot about your patience! Blessed. :) Kath
Linda Jo Martin
8 years ago from Post Falls, Idaho, USA
They are lovely!
bmthour
8 years ago
I love home made quilts, and these are gorgeous!
Nancy Oram
8 years ago
I love quilts and I love miniatures! I've been looking for this type of information for months. I want one or two for my walls. I'm ready to make one - but which design???
seedplanter
8 years ago
This lens is so inspirational because the thought of making a big quilt sounds exciting but overwhelming right now. But a miniature quilt...that's something I could handle. This lens is both beautiful and instructional. Thank you!
Ellen Gregory
8 years ago from Connecticut, USA
These are absolutely beautiful and so cute. I only wish I had the patience to do this. Great lens.
bjslapidary
8 years ago
Miniature quilts are like little works of art. Thanks for sharing all the different patterns. Great lens.
ohcaroline
8 years ago
Wow. These are awesome. I like to work on wall hanging quilts...that's the smallest I can go. Beautiful lens. Great information. Congratulations on LOTD.
flycatcherrr
8 years ago
What a beautiful way to edge into quiltmaking, and what a lovely lens! Congratulations on LOTD - well deserved!
River_Rose
8 years ago
Beautiful and hard work! Great lens!
sheezie77
8 years ago
great lens! thumbs up
faye durham
8 years ago
Excellent lens. Great info!
agoofyidea
8 years ago
Congratulations on LOTD! I love mini quilts. I have a hard time working with yards of fabric so I tend to be more accurate when stitching mini quilts. Great lens.
myamya
8 years ago
great lens! thumbs up
Gayle
8 years ago from McLaughlin
Great information and absolutely beautiful article!
Loraine Brummer
8 years ago from Hartington, Nebraska
Congrats on LOTD, well deserved as the lens is informative with beautiful pictures of miniature quilts. I'm not a quilter, but I love your samples.
Heather Bradford
8 years ago from Canada
Oh how beautiful. I have a love affair with patchwork but have never made a miniature quilt. Having said this I have an appliqu project of a farmhouse with a tree and the clothesline slung between them is empty... just waiting for me to sew a couple of little quilts in the right scale. Time to get thinking about that....
modz
8 years ago
This lens looks amazing.
JennySui
8 years ago
Congrats on LOTD!
LynetteBell
8 years ago from Christchurch, New Zealand
Great lens...congratulations on getting LOTD!
suitablelamps
8 years ago
cute quilts!!! :)
Tjoedhilde
8 years ago
They are cute. I would never have the patience to make anything like these quilts. but I admire those who do! :)
eblack88 lm
8 years ago
Love your mini quilts! Inspiring!
kalos_eidos
8 years ago
I love this lens, lots of helpful information!
anonymous
8 years ago
Excellent lens! Thanks for taking the time to offer these tips!One squid thumb up vote issued for this lens!
Clover13
8 years ago
Very creative! Love the look.
agoofyidea
8 years ago
Something I would like to try. Lovely lens.
Blackspaniel1
8 years ago
unique
JJNW
8 years ago from USA
I am truly in awe! Lovely mini quilts. Thanks for the very beautiful and inspiring page!
ShellB
8 years ago
Miniature quilts are my favorite. I need to make one myself. Great Lens!
Lorelei Cohen
8 years ago from Canada
These are indeed beautiful little quilts and I have had the please of viewing some. They are absolutely delightful in homemade dollhouses. Best of wishes.
sushilkin lm
8 years ago
Nice work on lens. Thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge with all and come to squidoo. PRAY FOR JAPAN
Renaissance Woman
8 years ago from Colorado
Wonderful! I really must get into quilting.
Wanda Fitzgerald
9 years ago from Central Florida
Charming little collectibles. And much quicker to make than a full sized quilt. Blessed by the Quilting Squidoo Angel.
thready
9 years ago
They are awesome (as long as they are simple and not too Dear Janeish).
joanv334
9 years ago
Thanks for sharing!
Anthony Godinho
9 years ago from Ontario, Canada
This is a unique and beautiful lens featuring miniature quilts - well done! :)
KDimmick
9 years ago
Blessed by an angel :)
anonymous
9 years ago
Awesome lens! blessed by a Squidoo Angel on 12/25/2010. Have a wonderful Holiday!
lasertek lm
9 years ago
Interesting! I do recall my mother making miniature quilts years back.
cherylsgifts2go
9 years ago
I love these little quilts and, I think your lens has inspired me. I am currently working on a scrap quilt pattern. You did a super job on this lens.
ZablonMukuba
9 years ago
the quilts are awesome
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