Patchwork Mini Quilt Tutorial - Part 1

I am so happy to be back in my sewing room today! If you saw my layout the other day, you know I’ve been working on a special project using my "Little Ladies" fabric. It is turning out so pretty, and I am just finding so much joy in every single stitch. This project is extra special to me because the ladybugs in this fabric were actually drawn and colored by my own "little ladies," and seeing it all come together is just surreal!

In this video, I’m showing you how to manage those rows of tiny 3-inch squares. If I had made these 5-inch squares, this would be a much larger quilt, but for now, we have this darling mini quilt. It would be so precious for a baby doll, a wall hanging, or even cut up into something else entirely!

Organizing Your Rows

Keeping your blocks in the right order is half the battle when you're working with a design like this! Here is how I stay organized:

  • [00:30] Label and Stack: I pick up my rows and stack the blocks from top to bottom. I keep a number pinned to the very first block so I always know which end is the "top" of the row.

  • [01:37] Pretty Side to Pretty Side: Take your first and second blocks, put them face-to-face, and sew a straight quarter-inch seam.

  • [01:47] The Golden Rule: Backstitch when you start and when you stop! My grandma always insisted on it, and it really does make sure your hard work stays together.

  • [02:46] The Ironing Situation: I use my wool mat and mini iron right at my table. I don't worry too much about which way the seams go on the back; I just want the front to be reasonably flat so the work looks crisp.

  • [03:13] Matching Seams: When sewing rows together, "pinch, pleat, or pull" to make sure those seams line up. If they get off at the top, you'll end up with rows that don't match by the time you reach the bottom!

What Should We Make Next? 🌟

This patchwork is just so adorable that I’m already thinking of more ways to use the design. I think a shower curtain in this style for a "Little Ladies" themed bathroom would be just perfect! I would love to hear your ideas for what I should turn this mini patchwork into.

  • Pre-Order My "Little Ladies" Fabric! 👗 I want everyone to be able to sew with these ladybugs! You can pre-order the collection right here: Pre-Order Little Ladies Fabric

  • Sew With Me at a Retreat! 🚌 We have so much fun at our Southern Sewcials! Whether you stay overnight or join us as a commuter, I would love to see you there. Book Your Retreat Here

  • Grab My Favorite Tools! 🛍️ You can find the mini iron and wool mat I use in my Amazon Storefront or Walmart Storefront.

  • Professional Long-Arming: Ready to finish your own quilt? Send it over to Missouri Star for that beautiful finish! Missouri Star Long-Arming

I can't wait to hear what you think of this mini project! Be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

Happy sewing, everyone! 🥰🧵✨

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