I don't believe there is a standard size for mini mini quilts, that decision should be left up to the maker. I tend to stay in the 4-7" range, but have made a 2" before! Whatever your comfort zone is, that's the size you should make. If you want a challenge...go smaller! The minis in this photo range from 5-6".
Many of my minis are paper pieced like this one: Skinny Minny Geese. The pattern is by Kelly of Jeli Quilts and available in her Payhip shop.
Some paper pieced patterns are perfect for mini minis like this Skinny Minny Geese one, while others might be too big. I solve that problem by reducing the size when printing the templates.
I've made what seems like a 'gazillion' minis and have come up with a binding method that I use nearly every time. It works well for me and I hope it works for you too!
Just like binding a standard quilt you need to figure out the length of binding needed. I don't get my calculator and pencil out for this size of quilt! I add up all the sides and then include another 8-10". That will give you extra when joining the ends.
Cut your binding strip 1 1/4" x length needed.
Draw a 1/4" line on one end of the 1 1/4" strip. It's easier to mark the line before sewing the binding on and will come in handy when joining the two ends.
Position the strip along the edge just like you would with any binding. I center the end in the middle on the edge.
Using a scant 1/4", stitch 1/4" from the corner, backstitch. Be sure to leave enough of a 'tail' in order to join the ends. I sew about an 1" in length for the first side.
Miter the binding at the corner.
Stitch across the side stopping 1/4" from the corner and backstitch.
Continue sewing and mitering the corners on each side until you reach the fourth and final corner.
At the final corner miter and pin the corner in place.
Lay both ends of the binding flat along the edge. Fold the binding so the fold is butted up against the edge of the marked binding. Finger press to make a crease.
Draw a line that is 1/2" on the outside of the crease.
Cut off the extra binding.
Pin the two edges together and stitch on the line. This is a 1/4" seam allowance.
*It can be difficult joining the ends on small mini minis which why I pin the final corner. If I need extra 'give' when sewing the ends together, I unpin the corner, sew the ends and repin the corner before sewing the final side.
Finger press the seam open and stitch across the final side.
From the back, fold the binding towards the quilt lining up the raw edges.
Press and pin your binding to the back. Gently fold the binding around the corners and pin in place.
Stitch the binding to back using your favorite finishing method.
This rainbow heart is 6" and is part of my Rainbow Heart Trio pattern that is available on Etsy. It works well with prints or solids, rainbow or not!
If you are a mini mini maker or would like to be, maybe this tutorial for the binding will tip you over the edge!!
LINKING:
Excellent tutorial. I use a slightly different method but yours is easier. I have several small coasters which have been waiting to be bind for........let’s just say quite a while, time to get them done I think. Thank you for the tutorial.
ReplyDeleteI found that this binding works well and is skinny enough to match with the mini theme. Hopefully this tutorial is worth a try!!
Deletegreat tips! I love your mini minis!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I still need to make your heart pattern so I will try this out.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is really interesting Jayne. I would suspect that the binding would be too big if you include an extra 12" at the fold. Seems like magic to me so I'll have to try it out. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your method! I've bookmarked it for future reference :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial! I use a similar method. Love those little minis!
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tutorial, Jayne! I love making minis, but never thought to finish out the binding the way you do. Looks so easy! (P.S. I love seeing all your minis!)
ReplyDeleteVery cute mini mini! Love the rainbow hearts! The tutorial is very helpful, the size of the binding and not sewing the one edge are great tips, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this tutorial. I have struggled for years trying to find a binding tutorial that works for me & I have finally found it. Thank You !!!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteYour minis are gorgeous. So much beauty in such a small piece, but I have to draw the line at 2". That is not worth discussing, seriously.
ReplyDeleteLove your tutorial and the pictures are really helpful. I have used similar methods on mug rugs although when I am lazy, I just sew RST, turn inside out through the opening and hand stitch the opening.
Those are so cute. That mini circle of geese is CRAZY!
ReplyDeleteLove these examples! My quilt guild members don't understand my love of minis and tiny piecing (say I am "crazy" to spend time on such small works), so I especially enjoy your enthusiasm and nice projects.
ReplyDeleteI used your method on two minis today and it worked wonderfully. Much easier than the way I have been doing it for years.Thanks for the tutorial, so glad I found it.
ReplyDeleteSaving this tutorial in my special file, thanks a bunch! I’m a newbie to minis. They are kind of addicting!😳🙃
ReplyDelete