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Good Things in Small Packages
More Tips for Making Miniature Quilts

In QNM issue 389 (Jan/Feb 2007) we showcased a collection of spectacular miniature quilts. If you've been inspired to challenge yourself to make a tiny treasure, here are more tips from the quilters.

• Use foundation piecing for speed and accuracy, but use a permanent foundation. I no longer paper piece because I have ruined many blocks by popping stitches when I removed the paper.
  ...George Siciliano
  
  
• Using a light table, place your applique pattern under the background fabric, and draw your full block design onto the fabric by tracing around your applique templates with your favorite marking tool. This ensures you'll get those tiny pieces in the correct places and cuts down on distortion.
  
  Starch the fabric. Starch makes the tiny pieces easier to hang on to, and you can mark without stretching fabrics.
  
  Place all of the cut-out patches on the background fabric before sewing to make sure you have the contrast you want and a pleasing distribution of color.
  
  Wear a magnifier while stitching. Those tiny pieces will look larger and not so intimidating.
  
  Choose a thin batting.
  ...Diane Lane
  
  
• Making a miniature quilt is not an overnight project. Put a little extra time into planning and definitely devote more time to accuracy. Measure after each step to make sure you are maintaining accuracy. I repeat, you must measure, and measure, and measure again.
  ...Judy Spiers
  
  
• If I'm not sure if a small applique motif will turn out, I practice making it first before putting it on my quilt.
  
  I always wait until after the quilt top is finished to design the quilting so it will really complement the quilt.
  ...Jane Holihan
  
  
• Scale is the most important factor in designing a miniature quilt, whether it's appliqued or pieced, or hand or machine stitched. Balance in the design, the same as for a large quilt, is also important.
  ...Linda Roy
  
  
• Read magazines and books and take classes. It's OK not to finish the class project–think of it as a learning experience.
  
  Trim the corners of seam allowances diagonally to reduce bulk. Press the seam allowances open.
  
  Square up and trim the quilt before adding binding. I cut my binding 1 1/8" wide. There's no need to use a double-fold binding on a miniature.
  ...Connie Chunn
  
  

If the January/February 2007 issue of QNM is no longer available in your local quilt shop, order a copy online at www.VillageQuiltShoppe.com.