• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Pieced Brain

All about quilting, knitting, crochet, embroidery, free tutorials, quilting and crafting book reviews.

  • Start Here
  • Featured
  • Patterns
    • Patterns
    • Pattern Updates
    • Free Patterns
  • Tutorials
  • Programs & Workshops
  • Contact
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Miniature Quilt: you have to try it!

By Denise Russell

I was reading a book the other day with lots of patterns for miniature quilts. My only miniature quilt so far was a paper pieced wreath I made in 2006, so I got the itch. The book was all about the Civil War, featuring beautiful reproduction fabrics. Remembering I had leftovers from my turn dash quilt (see post here), I rounded up all the fabrics (mostly strips, so this qualify for the Strip-easy Quilt Challenge coming up on this blog on May 28!) and thumbed through the pages of the book in search of ‘the’ quilt to make.

That turned out to be difficult as all the quilts were appealing to me, even though civil war quilts aren’t usually on my ‘must make’ list. Every pattern in the book is preceded by a vignette with a story about the quilt itself or history behind the blocks. I was struck by the story about how crackers were a major staple on civil war soldiers’ diet, so I picked the quilt called Hard Crackers and started making the blocks.

After carefully assembling four blocks (pictured above), I decided to design my own quilt (what else is new…). I had just been to a local quilt show and had lots of ideas, all involving medallion quilts. So, I joined the tiny blocks into one and started adding borders. The instructions under the Quiltmaking Basics section of the book were very helpful!

My resulting quilt measures 22.5″ x 22.5″ and I thoroughly enjoyed making every square inch of it! Yes, you must cut your fabric carefully. Yes, you must sew very slowly to ensure you are precise with the seam allowances. And yes, you must train yourself to measure your blocks every step of the way. Despite all these efforts, I messed up the 9-patches on my quilt… which only means I need more practice, that is all. However, I love this quilt!!!

My tips: use Microtex needles and piece blocks with Aurifil 50 wt thread which will ensure a thin, precise 1/4″ seam allowance. Note: I appliqued the flowers using Aurifil Mako 12 wt and was blown away by the look on the applique pieces! I also quilted the borders with same thread.

Here are some pictures of other quilts in the book I may try next:

Martingale - Civil War Legacies II (Print version + eBook bundle)Martingale - Civil War Legacies II (Print version + eBook bundle)

(Photos by Brent Kane for Martingale)

Martingale - Civil War Legacies II (Print version + eBook bundle)Martingale - Civil War Legacies II (Print version + eBook bundle)
Many of you would like to try your hand at miniature quilts but have been intimidated by the ones you’ve seen other quiltmakers make. This book is perfect as all the designs are beautiful, relatively easy to make, and the instructions will guide you along your journey.

Oh, yes! The book is Civil War Legacies II – Small Quilt Patterns for Reproduction Patterns by Carol Hopkins. Duh!

On more thing: today is the last day of the Giveaway Day! There is still time to enter to win wonderful sewing supplies and other handmade items from hundreds of bloggers, so sit comfortably and click away!

Share This:

Share
Pin
Post
Print

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Get free quilt patterns and tutorials, as well as blocks and quilts designed exclusively for subscribers.

Find out what is trending in the quilting world and learn new techniques to take your quilting to the next level!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio says

    at

    I love miniature quilts as long as the pieces aren't too tiny because those are hard to handle and sew. I have made a few and they are fun.

  2. amandajean says

    at

    I've never made a miniature, but the pieces look about my size! 🙂

  3. cara menggugurkan hamil says

    at

    now present in your city

Primary Sidebar

Denise Russell

Hello, I’m Denise and I love to design and make quilts. You can also find me knitting, crocheting, and making other crafts. Join me!
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

Get free quilt patterns and tutorials, as well as blocks and quilts designed exclusively for subscribers.

Find out what is trending in the quilting world and learn new techniques to take your quilting to the next level!

My Patterns On ETSY!

Fantastic Sales! Click to Save!

Fat Quarter Shop Quilting Fabrics and Supplies
Lowest prices on the best yarn - guaranteed at knitpicks.com
Various Logos for Indygo Junction
300 X 250 banner

QuilterBlogs

Footer

Disclosure of Material Connection:

The links above and some of the links in my posts are affiliate links: if you click on the link and decide to purchase something, I may receive a commission. I often receive books from publishers so I can review them on my blog and, at times, I may receive products to use and write about my experience with them. Read my privacy policy.

Recent Posts

  • Jelly roll-friendly quilt pattern
  • Scrappy quilt with stars
  • Flannel quilt for beginners
  • Black and White modern quilt
  • Free star quilt pattern
  • Free pattern for a panel quilt

Search

Archives

Categories

Copyright © 2025 Pieced Brain Quilt Designs LLC. All rights reserved. · Designed by Wacky Jacqui's Designs