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I would love to try my hand at a miniature quilt but I am a little nervous about choosing a design that proves too difficult. Are they usually pieced by hand? I have made about a dozen full sized quilts and hand quilted every one, so I am not a total beginner. Any suggestions on a pattern? Thanks.
Easiest pattern would be something like a rail fence. You would sew 3 strips together and then cut and piece the squares. I have books from 20 years ago that made quilts that were 6 X 4 - some used a 1/8" seam. I remember doing a triple Irish Chain in this manner.
I have made several miniature quilts. I found a bunch of miniature quilt magazines at an antique store for .10 each. They are from the early 70s. I machine pieced them without any problem with 1/4" seams.
I've made a pincushion with a log cabin block. I used 3/4" strips, machine sewed with a 1/4" seam (cut it back afterwards) and finger pressed it. Worked out pretty well - and it was the first time I sewed something so small. I think I have a (not very good) picture in one of my albums if you're interested.
I love making miniatures! I usually paper piece them!
I have been attending a monthly class called "Quilt a Little", and the "Little" refers to a little quilt. Here is the rail fence that I made in that class. We used a pack of charm squares, and cut each charm into 1" strips. The strips were just put in a bag and we pulled them out sight unseen to sew together. Sewn with 1/4" seams, there are 6 strips in each block.
Attachment 80514
Wow that turned out so nice! I sure have quite a few charm packs sitting around, thanks for your idea!
I've made doll quilts but never really ventured into complicated mini quilts, mostly because I'm not crazy about working with tiny pieces of fabric. These patterns are free. Maybe you'll see something you like.
Over 50 Free Mini Quilt Patterns at AllCrafts.net - Free Crafts Network
How "miniature" are you considering? I make a lot of baby quilts, which usually are ~39" wide & 52" long. I give them as gifts to new moms at our church. We have baby showers every 3 mos., so it keeps me busy! I also plan to give some to charity. I like to make the quilt no wider than 39"; that way I don't have to piece the backing. I've already posted this, but maybe you missed it. This is a variation of the Rail Fence pattern.Attachment 80533 It was the easiest quilt I ever made. The blocks are 6", which I sew together into 12" sections -- 3 x 4 layout. You can strip piece it using 2.5" strips, & sewing a very scant 1/4" seam, for the 6.5 width of strips. JCY
I've made a couple in the 5"X9" range. I think the pinwheel was the one that had the 1/8" seam. I still have the books.
I gave away a couple with homemade angel dolls to make them quilting dolls.
I make miniature quilts and sew them by machine with 1/4" seams most of the time. Here's a picture of a little flying geese quilt made from scraps of repro prints. The ruler is 12" long and was mine in elementary school. The advertisement on it is for Wonder Bread.
Attachment 80565
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bubby
I adore this one!!!!!
Paper pieced ?
My smallest is 6 inch square (about the length of a sharpie marker) and is in my album under quilts for fun
I love small quilts too...I really like this idea...great look...Quote:
Originally Posted by Sylvia H
