Project Design Team Thursday – Toy Chest Mini Quilt

Hello! This is Wynn from zakkaArt and I’m very happy to be part of this amazing project design team to share what I’ve made using the beautiful fabrics from Penny Rose Fabrics.

Toychest fabrics

For this sewing, I have especially requested to use the pretty new Toy Chest fabrics. You know how much I love 1930s feedbags and each of these prints is a tribute to them. This Toy Chest Mini Quilt is a simple and versatile project that involves machine chain piecing and is great for beginners. You can choose to hand or machine quilt.

There’s no perfection to sewing but enjoy every single stitch!

Toy Chest Mini Quilt-2 IMG_2622 IMG_2609 IMG_2671-2 IMG_2673 IMG_2678-2 IMG_2674-2 IMG_2699-2

This Toy Chest Mini Quilt has a Japan zakka feel with lace borders instead of bias binding. I also hand quilted it entirely just because I love hand quilting so much!

Finished size: 22″ x 22″

What you will need:
– one fat quarter bundle of Toy Chest fabrics
– 3/4 yard backing fabric (I used Milk Main Cream from Milk, Sugar & Flower collection)
– 3/4 yard cotton batting (fusible is preferred but it’s not necessary)
– 4 yards cotton lace (width about 1″ or more) or bias binding

Things to Remember
· Remember to read the pattern in full before starting
· Seam allowances are 1/4” unless stated otherwise
· Always press your fabrics before starting

· Press all seams as you go along

Step 1: Cutting fabrics

For economy blocks
Each economy block needs:
– 1 3″ square for centre
– 2 3″ yellow squares for inner triangles
– 2 4″ squares for outer triangles

You will need five (different colors) economy blocks

For small four-square patchwork
– 32 3″x1 1/2″ rectangles (assortment)

For big four-square patchwork
– 24 4″ x 2″ rectangles (assortment)

For connecting part
– 4 4″ green squares
– 12 4″ orange squares
– 16 3″ yellow squares

For corner squares
– 4 7 1/2″ yellow squares

Step 2: Making economy square

IMG_2497

Cut squares for inner and outer triangles diagonally into half.

IMG_2504

Arrange the fabrics to your desired position. Start by sewing two yellow triangles to top and bottom of the centre square. Open and press seams towards triangles.

IMG_2505

Sew the next two yellow triangles to the left and right of the centre square. Open and press seams towards triangles again. Trim and square up the sides.

IMG_2506 IMG_2508

Next sew the outer triangles using the same method as the inner triangles.
Trim and square up the block to 5 1/4″.

IMG_2510-4

Step 3: Making small four-square patchwork block

IMG_2514

Pair up the rectangles and chain-piece them. You will get 16 pairs.

IMG_2537 IMG_2538

Press seams to one side. Cut half the squares to get two-square patchwork blocks.

IMG_2521

Randomly pair the two-square patchwork and chain piece again. Press open the seams this time. Trim and square up to 2″ each.

Step 4: Making big four-square patchwork block

IMG_2541

Repeat the same way as in step 3 to make big four-square patchwork. Trim and square up to 2 3/4″ each.

Step 5: Piecing connecting part with small four-square patchwork

IMG_2535 IMG_2529 IMG_2532

Cut all the green, orange and yellow squares diagonally into half. Chain piece the yellow triangles to one side of each of the patchwork block. Press seams towards triangle. Then chain piece the remaining yellow triangles to the other neighbouring side of the patchwork block. Press seams towards triangle again. Now chain piece the green and orange triangles to the other two sides of the patchwork block using the same method above. Trim to 5 1/4″ x 2 3/4″.

Step 6: Assembly of mini quilt top

IMG_2754

IMG_2552

IMG_2553

IMG_2742

Arrange and piece all blocks together according to the drawing as shown.

IMG_2558

#tip: Pin from the centre to make sure all the points match.

Step 7: Quilting

If you prefer to do the binding for this mini quilt, sandwich batting between quilt top (right side up) and backing fabric (right side down). Pin in place and machine or hand quilt to your desired pattern. Trim away excess batting and backing fabric. Bind as usual.

IMG_2566

If you wish to try using the lace for edging, first round the corners of the mini quilt using a small bowl and trim.

IMG_2568

Then baste the lace around the edges of the quilt.

IMG_2571

Place the three layers in sequence – batting, backing fabric (right side up), quilt top (right side down). Pin in place and sew around the quilt top leaving a 4″ opening.

IMG_2578

Trim away the excess batting (close to stitch line) and backing fabric.

IMG_2581

Flip the quilt inside out and press flat (especially the edgings). Top stitch around the edgings of the quilt to close the opening as well. Machine or hand quilt to your desired pattern.

IMG_2663 copy-2

There you go! Now you have a pretty mini quilt for your wall!
Enjoy!