How-Tuesday: Granny’s Delight Mini Quilt

julieincharge

Story by julieincharge

Published on Aug 03, 2010 in Make

Photo by whip up

I have a quilt made by my grandmother that often adorns my bed in winter. When I came across the “Granny’s Delight” quilt in Kathreen Ricketson’s new book, Whip Up Mini Quilts, it struck a little chord in my heart. I love the idea of quilt making as a way to pay tribute to grandmothers everywhere, whether they are grandmothers who are savvy with a needle and thread, or not. Kathreen is the driving force behind one of my favorite craft websites, Whip Up, and her new book is an inspiring resource for quilting pros, as well as the tentatively quilt-curious.

You can purchase Whip Up Mini Quilts from Amazon or an independent bookseller.

  

This mini quilt explores childhood memories of “Nanna” — of toast and tea served on mismatched china, of false teeth and handmade doilies on the dresser. This quilt is a cheeky homage to grandmothers everywhere. It is designed for you to create your own version with different design elements — teacup, false teeth, and granny silhouette — to embroider or stencil. It’s a perfect project for personalizing, so feel free to make your own templates that reflect your memories of your grandmother.

Notes:

  • Seam allowances are all 1/4 in (6 mm).
  • Use the photograph as a guide for placing the design elements — or place them as you like!
  • Dye the doily, the binding fabric, and embroidery floss using the tea-dye if you want that vintage look.
  • Decide which method you will use for the design elements — stenciling or embroidery or both. If you are embroidering, use three strands of embroidery floss.
  • Instructions are given for finishing this quilt in two different ways. However, the materials list is just for making one quilt.

Difficulty Level:

This quilt is nice and easy. It requires simple piecing of the quilt background, along with just enough embroidery to add a little bit of a challenge. The quilt also requires some screen printing or stenciling.
How much hand quilting you do and the type of binding you choose will depend on your level of skill and enthusiasm.

Supplies You’ll Need:

1⁄3 yd (30.5 cm) patterned quilting cotton fabric
1⁄3 yd (30.5 cm) solid quilting cotton fabric
1⁄2 yd (46 cm) muslin for backing and binding, either tea-stained or unbleached
16 x 20 in (40.5 x 50 cm) 100 percent cotton quilt batting
16 in (40.5 cm) mini rickrack braid in complementary color
Embroidery floss, or thread, in contrasting color
1 or 2 skeins white and tea-stained, or variegated beige, embroidery floss
Doily, either vintage or new

Extras:
Rotary cutter, transparent ruler, and cutting mat
Iron-on transfer pencil or carbon paper
Embroidery needle
Freezer paper, craft knife, fabric paint, and sponge brush for stenciling (optional)
Hand-quilting needle
Thimble
Chalk or embroidery transfer pen

Download Templates:
Teacup
Granny silhouette
False teeth

Techniques:
Decorative elements: Tea dyeing and stenciling.
Hand stitches: Backstitch, chain stitch or stem stitch, running stitch, split stitch, French knots, and whipstitch or blanket stitch.
Binding:  Pillowcase method or mitered corner binding.

Directions:

Cutting:

For the yellow quilt:

  1. Cut one 13 1/2 x 7 1/2 in (34 x 19 cm) piece of patterned fabric.
  2. Cut one 13 1/2 x 10 1/2 in (34 x 26.5 cm) piece of solid fabric.
  3. Cut one 15 x 20 in (38 x 50 cm) piece of backing fabric.
  4. Cut one 15 x 20 in (38 x 50 cm) piece of batting.

For the brown and pink quilt:

  1. Cut one 14 1/2 x 10 in (37 x 25 cm) piece of patterned fabric.
  2. Cut one 14 1/2 x 9 in (37 x 23 cm) piece of solid fabric.
  3. Cut one 16 x 20 in (40.5 x 50 cm) piece of backing fabric.
  4. Cut one 16 x 20 in (40.5 x 50 cm) piece of batting.

For both:

Cut 2 in (5 cm) strips of the binding fabric to make approximately 2 1/2 yd (2.3 m) of double-fold binding.


Assembling the Quilt Top

  1. With right sides together, sew the two pieces of fabric for the quilt top together with your sewing machine and press seams open. Machine or hand sew the mini rickrack braid over the seam you’ve just sewn.
  2. If you are embroidering your motif design elements, trace your teacup, granny, and false teeth motifs from the templates onto the quilt top. You could use an iron-on transfer pencil or carbon paper to do this. Embroider around the perimeter of the designs with the embroidery needle using an outline stitch of your choice, such as back stitch, chain stitch, or stem stitch. Alternatively, if you are stenciling any of the motifs, then trace the template with freezer paper, cut out the design carefully using a craft knife and iron the design in place. Once the stencil is in place, sponge your fabric paint over the stencil, using thin layers and waiting for them to dry in between, until you have a result you are pleased with. You may need to set the fabric paint with an iron — please be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions first.
  3. At this point, decide whether you will do a pillowcase binding or a traditional binding. If you are using the pillowcase finishing method, as on the yellow quilt, follow the instructions here. Once you are finished, hand sew a simple running stitch in a contrasting thread or embroidery floss color around the perimeter of the quilt.
  4. If you are using a traditional binding, as on the brown and pink quilt, assemble a quilt sandwich (backing face-down, batting and quilt top face-up) and safety-pin baste the layers together. The binding will go on at the very last step.

Finishing the Quilt

  1. For either quilt, the next step is to add any additional hand quilting or embroidery and
    embellishments.
  2. Using the tea-stained or beige floss, embellish the patterned fabric with running stitches, split
    stitches, French knots — whatever suits the pattern on the fabric.
  3. Pin the doily to a corner of the solid fabric, and attach it to your quilt with a whip stitch or blanket stitch around the edge to hold it in place. Sew on your button.
  4. At this point, if you used the pillowcase finishing method, press with an iron set for hot steam, and
    you’re done.
  5. If you chose to do a traditional binding, then you still need to attach the binding. Follow the double fold mitered corner binding instructions here.

Thank you to Kathreen Ricketson and the good folks at Chronicle Books for sharing this project with us. For more small scale quilting projects, check out Whip Up Mini Quilts.

 

Shop Local With Kathreen from Whip Up | More How-Tuesday Posts | Quilts on Etsy

Discuss: 74 comments

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  • bellaandbeya

    bellaandbeya says:

    What an adorable project - LOVE it!

    1 year ago

  • Jusadreamin

    Jusadreamin says:

    BEAUTIFUL article BEAUTIFUL quilts my mom makes quilts also I have one in my etsy store at www.jusadreamin.etsy.com I also have a few encouraging keep up great work an much sucess thanks for sharing

    1 year ago

  • candacejean

    candacejean says:

    SO so cute!! My mother was amazing at making little miniature quilts. I remember her offering them for sale too; she was always so proud when one of them sold. I must try this! Thank you for the tutorial!

    1 year ago

  • beautifulanodyne

    beautifulanodyne says:

    Love the different styles of quilts.

    1 year ago

  • birdie1

    birdie1 says:

    This is so sweet ~ thank you for offering the tutorial.

    1 year ago

  • yaelfran

    yaelfran says:

    cuuuuuute!!!!!!!! Thanks so much!!!!

    1 year ago

  • LeafandInk

    LeafandInk says:

    Gorgeous & Heartwarming! Quilting is such an amazing art form! Intricate designs with emotion. We invite you all to come and view our designs here at LeafandInk. Please check out our new blog too at http://leafandink.wordpress.com/ SUBSCRIBE! We want to get to know you!!!

    1 year ago

  • jalsiku

    jalsiku says:

    Thank you- these are the cutest little quilts... much less daunting starting with a pillow than a quilt!

    1 year ago

  • jalsiku

    jalsiku says:

    Love it, thank you!!!

    1 year ago

  • LuRuUniques

    LuRuUniques says:

    This is wonderful. Love to try it.

    1 year ago

  • SCI2010

    SCI2010 says:

    love quilts! pic so cute

    1 year ago

  • mkirana

    mkirana says:

    Yayy quilts are making a comeback! if anyone else lives in london, check out 'the first ever exhibition of British quilts' at the V&A cos it was pretty amazing :) here's a link for anyone who's interested in reading about it: http://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/future_exhibs/Quilts/index.html and i'm definitely gonna make my own mini quilts after this haha

    1 year ago

  • PassionFlowerVintage

    PassionFlowerVintage says:

    cute idea!

    1 year ago

  • twirlaway

    twirlaway says:

    Really wonderful! Quilts remind me of my Granny too, no matter the size!

    1 year ago

  • eclecticarmadillo

    eclecticarmadillo says:

    Great ideas! The women in my family have made many, many quilts, and I never get tired of seeing them in all sizes, shapes and colors! The possibilities are seemingly endless. And then...there's the whole comfort thing. Quilts are just quite simply really, really comfortable for practical purposes, and home decor.

    1 year ago

  • LuBluDesigns

    LuBluDesigns says:

    This is great! Thank you!

    1 year ago

  • Floreal

    Floreal says:

    Very cute and colorful. Love'em.

    1 year ago

  • Waterrose

    Waterrose says:

    I adore quilts and quilting....wonderful article!

    1 year ago

  • kloseknit

    kloseknit says:

    Love this idea! Now I know what to do with those fat quarters I just HAD to buy!! YAY!! I knew there was a reason why they called to me... :-)

    1 year ago

  • Fairyfolk

    Fairyfolk says:

    I soooooooooo want to make a quilt!!! But, it's one of those things I have to realize I'll have all the time for one day. I'll bookmark this for that day... might be 20 years from now but here it'll be waiting for me - thanks!! Blessings and magic for sharing.

    1 year ago

  • bylynnkrestel

    bylynnkrestel says:

    nostalgic and sweet!! i love this how to!! thank you so much!

    1 year ago

  • chocolatecreative

    chocolatecreative says:

    This are so gorgeous, different and beautiful!!

    1 year ago

  • Vanittas

    Vanittas says:

    They look so beautiful on the wall! Wonderful project, congrats!

    1 year ago

  • teedle

    teedle says:

    Mini quilts are most favorite type of quilt!

    1 year ago

  • ChristiesStuff

    ChristiesStuff says:

    Oooo... mind is buzzing with personalization ideas... I could silhouette each of my grandmas from old photos, add bits that made each one unique- parsnips & tea, 45 records, oak trees & olives... off to collect fabric!

    1 year ago

  • funkeyfinds

    funkeyfinds says:

    oh wow, so much fun! I have to try one of these out!

    1 year ago

  • EverybodyElse

    EverybodyElse says:

    They don't remind me of my grandmothers at all, but I still think they're super adorable.

    1 year ago

  • CrazyAngelArt

    CrazyAngelArt says:

    Quilting is a craft I've never had the gift for... but have always admired those who do. My mother-in-law made beautiful quilts during her lifetime...every new baby born received one of her mini quilts...Our son (27) and daughter (17) still have theirs. They are wonderful reminders of the amazing woman that was their grandma.

    1 year ago

  • poplovedesigns

    poplovedesigns says:

    Love this! <3 Andrea

    1 year ago

  • EnchantedAcresDesign

    EnchantedAcresDesign says:

    I love these, thanks for the tutorial! So cute:)

    1 year ago

  • rarebeasts

    rarebeasts says:

    This is cool, I'm going to try it out. Thanks for teaching us.

    1 year ago

  • mialareine

    mialareine says:

    Such a cute idea! I want to make one for my sister...we used to pretend we were grandmothers when we were kids. Strange I know!

    1 year ago

  • mysweetstitch

    mysweetstitch says:

    Oh love it, they are so cute! What a great way to use up all those scraps too!

    1 year ago

  • littleloveblue

    littleloveblue says:

    i love this!

    1 year ago

  • inaluxe

    inaluxe says:

    Awesome post - just reminded me how much I miss my sewing machine and that I would really like to make a quilt ASAP! :)

    1 year ago

  • Parachute425

    Parachute425 says:

    I have a 100 year old quilt on the bed in my guest room. I'm so glad people have the patience for this - I sure don't. Beautiful quilt selections.

    1 year ago

  • connectthedotscrafts

    connectthedotscrafts says:

    I have this book, and absolutely love all of the ideas and inspiration inside!

    1 year ago

  • WoolnFelt

    WoolnFelt says:

    I say it all the time and never get around to it but this one I reeeeeeeeally want to try

    1 year ago

  • Pamelaquilts

    Pamelaquilts says:

    I'm putting this book on my wish list! Love the modern yet traditional look of these little quilts.

    1 year ago

  • QuiltSewPieceful

    QuiltSewPieceful says:

    Great article and cute ideas. Thank you for including one of my quilts!

    1 year ago

  • beevintageredux

    beevintageredux says:

    Fabulous article and tutorial!

    1 year ago

  • Artistico

    Artistico says:

    What an adorable project .....julie Awesome post...Such a cute idea!

    1 year ago

  • andreaingram

    andreaingram says:

    Beautiful idea! I would love to do this using my Grandmoher's clothing. Thank you for inspiring me!

    1 year ago

  • FabricFascination

    FabricFascination says:

    Love quilts, and these are some beauties.

    1 year ago

  • tomatored

    tomatored says:

    need to try this! great concept,thanks for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • uniquelynancy

    uniquelynancy says:

    Wonderful article. I want to try this too.

    1 year ago

  • MoranArtandQuilts

    MoranArtandQuilts says:

    Great project, beautiful quilts!

    1 year ago

  • FlowerPot

    FlowerPot says:

    Thanks so much for sharing this! I've always wanted to make a quilt and a mini quilt is such a great idea for a beginner!

    1 year ago

  • cassidycay

    cassidycay says:

    I love quilts! The nostalgia in them instantly takes me home. I think that that is why I started making quilts for crib bedding in my etsy site. There is nothing like passing on "home" (and to me home is love) to the next generation.

    1 year ago

  • TwinkleStarCrafts

    TwinkleStarCrafts says:

    It is a great idea to make mini-quilts while learning to make larger ones! Making quilts is certainly paying tribute to grandmothers but also to those women in the pioneer days who made quilts as a way to share and use up materials they had on hand and for socializing. Quilting is a true art.

    1 year ago

  • jcisco112

    jcisco112 says:

    Great and Cute Idea! Makes me think of my wonderful Grandmothers!!

    1 year ago

  • jbeaudet

    jbeaudet says:

    I wish I could make this! There are so many beautiful quilts on here!

    1 year ago

  • jillmccp

    jillmccp says:

    so sweet. Nothing satisfies the heart more than busy hands.

    1 year ago

  • Whimbrella

    Whimbrella says:

    A lot of emotion and memories are tied up in in the art of quilting -- both in the process and the end product. Thank you for featuring this art form.

    1 year ago

  • dragonhouseofyuen

    dragonhouseofyuen says:

    how sweet! a mini quilt! what a great idea, thanks Julie and Kathreen

    1 year ago

  • Quiltville

    Quiltville says:

    I love the little Mini Quilt. All the Quilts are Beautiful. Thank you for choosing one of my quilts to feature.

    1 year ago

  • BambuStudio

    BambuStudio says:

    awesome! i adore tutorials. thanks for this one! ♥

    1 year ago

  • PiecesOfPine

    PiecesOfPine says:

    Great article! Thanks for including my quilt!

    1 year ago

  • TheSewingGin

    TheSewingGin says:

    What a quick fun project. I like easy and quick. Thank you for sharing.

    1 year ago

  • xobellaaimox

    xobellaaimox says:

    ooh i definitely want to try making this :)

    1 year ago

  • PaperPicker

    PaperPicker says:

    for someone like me, who is new to quilting, a mini quilt would be a great start.

    1 year ago

  • LittleWrenPottery

    LittleWrenPottery says:

    Looks like fun! I've never tried quilting before thanks for sharing : )

    1 year ago

  • MrsCraftyRVing

    MrsCraftyRVing says:

    My husband 2 years ago made his first quilt and out of all things a KING size quilt. It was beyond beautiful. And then his second quilt was also a king size but this time it was made in our 24 ft motorhome - so if you do the math it is mouth dropping. We both quilt and we envy you for having the gift in your backround - both our GrandMums never quilted or crafted for that matter. So we understand the history and the importance to keep the art alive. You did a wonderful blog - I just loved it!

    1 year ago

  • artsyflorist

    artsyflorist says:

    Thanks for a great idea. Soooo cute and love that you're keeping this art form alive!

    1 year ago

  • themarketintheglen

    themarketintheglen says:

    Excellent article! Thanks so much for the detailed instructions and all the links! I can't wait to make my granny a Granny Quilt.

    1 year ago

  • thenewblackmarket

    thenewblackmarket says:

    THESE QUILTS ARE AMAZING!!!!!

    1 year ago

  • jewellerytreasures

    jewellerytreasures says:

    i love the idea of the quilt making. a nostalgic read!

    1 year ago

  • electricbluebird

    electricbluebird says:

    I've been reading the whipup.net website for ages. Its one of my very fave craft blogs. Now that both my girls are in school, I had decided to make a quilt this fall - inspired completely by whipup. I love this book.

    1 year ago

  • AndisAccessories

    AndisAccessories says:

    How sweet is this project? In a world where people have not time for anything, let alone quilting, what a good idea to make a mini! Satisfaction comes from creating, whether the end result is big or small.

    1 year ago

  • mwgregory

    mwgregory says:

    This is a great idea...I see christmas presents in my future! :o)_

    1 year ago

  • aileenrae

    aileenrae says:

    Cute!! Another creative idea to take note of. Thanks!

    1 year ago

  • designMatter

    designMatter says:

    Very nice!!!

    1 year ago

  • LouBeeCrafts

    LouBeeCrafts says:

    Have just discovered quilting and embroidery. These are lovely ideas.

    1 year ago

  • cindyrquilts

    cindyrquilts says:

    I really like the Cabin in the Woods Bargello. Very novel way of doing a Bargello. I also like doing landscapes, but I do applique and impressionist work. Thanks for sharing. Cindy

    1 year ago