Tutorial: Lovely Squares Mini Quilt

As the name suggests, this mini quilt is all about squares. A very simple and quick step-by-step tutorial on how to sew your very own mini with tiny squares of your most favourite fabrics. This pattern does not require high level sewing skills and is suitable even for a beginner. Being a very symmetrical person, I really like the perfect match of all the squares and the stitches in this pattern and the ease with which you can connect all the squares together. OK, let's get started!

Things you need:

• Pretty fabric scraps
• Linen for the front
• A piece of batting
• Fabric for the back
• Quilting threads
• Sewing accessories

Cutting Instructions:

• 9 squares - 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" pretty cottons
• 6 rectangles - 2 1/2" x 1 1/4" linen
• 4 long strips - 7 3/4" x 1 1/4" linen
• 2 long strips - 9" x 1 1/4" linen
• 1 square - 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" piece of batting (not pictured)
• 1 square - 9" x 9" piece of backing fabric (not pictured)

Assembly

Step 1: Starch the pieces of cotton and linen before cutting. It will make it easier to cut the pieces of the right size and sew them together. Cut all the fabrics according to the instructions.

Please note that in the photo below I have two extra square pieces of linen (in the bottom right corner) for a small label that I am going to write a tutorial for some time later.

Step 2: Arrange the 9 squares of pretty cottons and the 6 rectangular pieces of linen in three rows. Once you are happy with the layout of your mini, start sewing the pieces together.

Step 3: Sew together the squares and rectangles in the first top row (#1). Press seams with a hot iron towards the cotton fabric. Repeat for the rows #2 and #3.

Step 4: Sew the four long strips starting at the top of the first row.

Once you sew the strips to the top and the bottom of the first row, place markings for the next row to match the vertical seams of the top and middle rows. Pin the pieces together and stitch. Repeat the same steps for the bottom row.

Step 5: Press the seams open with a hot iron and trim the excess fabric along the sides.

Step 6:  Sew the two long strips on the right and left sides. Press the seams open. The finished top should be 9" x 9".

Step 7: Place a piece of batting on the table, top it with the backing fabric facing the right side up and then top it with the front panel facing the right side down. Pin together. Mark an opening (about 2.5") for turning the mini the right side out on the right side. Stitch all the way around remembering to backstitch at the beginning and the end of the seam.

Note: You might want to use just a touch of fabric glue between the batting piece and the back fabric to keep in place.

Step 8: Trim the corners and carefully turn the quilt the right side out making sure to gently push the corners out.

Step 9: Using a slip stitch and a very fine needle, sew the opening closed.

Step 10: Now is the fun part. Choose the quilting thread you like for your mini. Mark the lines all around the quilt and between the squares right in the middle of each linen strip. Hand quilt it and you are done!

If you do use this tutorial and want to share your make on Instagram, please use the #stitchingnotespattern hashtag and be sure to tag me too @stitchingnotes or if you are using any other media, please link back to this tutorial. Thank you!

I have not had a chance to test this mini once again after I put together the tutorial, but I would greatly appreciate if you give me your feedback and point out any mistakes or unclear areas. Just leave me a comment here or send me an email to larisa@stitchingnotes.com.

Hope you enjoy this "Lovely Squares" mini quilt. Happy sewing! Larisa xox