Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon
How-to

Free Patterns: Mini-Quilt Templates in a Jiffy

Threads #101, June/July 2002

Open or download the 4-page PDF file below for four free patterns.

Foundation piecing is a great method for obtaining perfectly accurate pieced quilt blocks every time: You stitch fabric to a foundation of paper or muslin on which the block pattern is printed, using the printed lines as a guide. You don’t even need to cut precise fabric pieces ahead of time; instead, simply use any scrap of fabric you like (on or off-grain), as long as it’s large enough to cover the section of the template you’ve chosen. Sew the fabric patch on, trim the seam allowance, unfold, and press flat.

Barn Raising pattern


• Perfect Your Hand-Quilting Stitch
Welcome to the age of miniaturization. Even the traditional Barn Raising pattern looks new when condensed in size and pieced with metallics, batiks, and hand-dyed silks.

For step-by-step instructions in foundation piecing, see Kayla Kennington’s article “Quilting on a Small Scale” in the June/July 2002 issue of Threads (#101), pp. 46-51. Then try your hand at miniature foundation piecing using our four free patterns.

Four free quilt patterns

Open or download the 4-page PDF file below for four free patterns. (Requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print PDF files.).

Once you’ve got the hang of foundation piecing, you’re limited only by the number of block patterns you can find to use. Foundation-piecing pattern software is a great source for templates. Both Foundation Factory by Quilt-Pro Systems (www.quiltpro.com) and Sew Precise! by the Electric Quilt Company (www.electricquilt.com) allow you to choose a pattern, alter its size to suit your needs, and print it out on paper. Printing options include how many blocks to print per page, whether to include numerals and seam allowances, printing in color or grayscale, and how many copies to print. Because you can customize the dimensions of the blocks, these products are ideal for generating templates for miniature piecing.

Foundation Factory Sew Precise!

Choose a block template, pick a size, and print-foundation piecing software is that easy to use. Quilt-Pro Systems’ Foundation Factory (left) and Electric Quilt Company’s Sew Precise! (right) offer a variety of printing options. Click on the images to enlarge them.

Get more quilting techniques:

• Quilt it Freehand
• Symmetry for Quilters
• Video: How to Make a Quilters Knot

Discuss

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Discuss

  1. patiosew | | #1

    I have done paper piecing for years. I had no idea they had software for paper piecing. I will be looking into that. It looks like it would be fantastic for miniature quilts!

  2. User avater
    ExclusiveHerb | | #2

    I have decided to try the mini quilt templetes. They have inspired me to sew a little. Maybe this will give me a little confidence in my hobby again. They would look good in so many applicatons. If I finish my project, I will share it with you!

  3. Bellaspirit | | #3

    If I can ever get out of this website I will start sewing! Thanks for all the info!
    Bella

  4. Luvineveryminuteofit | | #4

    I'm Working on a Quilt and would like to make the squares look like a window around the center piece which is 4" square
    that I've done in cross-stitch on Ada Cloth. I'm having a problem figuring out if I should center the center-piece on the background fabric of just sew the fabric around it, can you help me. Luvineveryminuteofit

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

More From Threads

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights

Shop the Store

View All
View More