Miniature Christmas Tree Quilt Pattern

This miniature quilt is a non-rag version of my Christmas Tree Rag Quilt pattern. Use the instructions on this page for yardages, cutting, and to assemble half-square triangle units, but refer to the original pattern for layout illustrations.

Blocks finish at 2-1/2" square. The finished quilt measures 29" x 31-1/2".

The quilt is only effective if it's scrappy, but you do not need to use as many fabrics as shown in the illustration. Dig into your leftover bins for green and neutral fabrics.

Assorted Green Fabrics for Tree

About 3/4 yard total of 42-44" fabrics. Includes enough for borders.

• (50) 3" x 3" squares

• (10) 3-3/8" x 3-3/8" squares^**

Assorted Neutral Fabrics

About 5/8 yard total of 42-44" fabrics

• (38) 3" x 3" squares

• (10) 3-3/8" x 3-3/8" squares^**

Two Brown Fabrics

• (2) 3" x 3" squares

Backing and Batting

• About 32" x 34" of each.

Binding

• About 138 running inches of single or doublefold binding.

^** When I make small half square triangle units, I always cut the parent squares oversize and then trim the completed units to their exact size after assembly. I would probably cut 3-5/8" squares for this project.

Make the Half Square Triangle Units

1. Use the easy sandwich method to combine a 3-3/8" green square with a neutral square of the same size (or oversize squares if you plan to trim back after assembly).

2. Your finished units should measure 3" square.

3. Repeat with remaining pairs of same-sized green/neutrals to make a total of (20) half square triangle units.

Arrange the Quilt Components

1. Refer to the rag quilt layout instructions for a row-by-row visual of the Christmas Tree Quilt's layout. There are eleven horizontal rows and each row contains ten units.

2. Use a table or design wall to arrange the components.

3. Move your squares and half square triangle units around as much as you like to balance the layout. Leave the room and return for a fresh look. You might even want to get away from the quilt overnight, and then inspect it again. Take one last look by stepping as far away from the quilt as possible. Do you still like the arrangement? It's time to sew it together.

Assemble the Christmas Tree Quilt

You'll sew this quilt's patchwork units together in the traditional way -- right sides together, unlike rag quilts, which are assembled by placing wrong sides together.

Press seam allowances in adjoining units in opposite directions where possible.

Long rows of small units can become very stretchy as they're handled. Sew the components together in rows, or refer page 4 of the tree paper for an alternate assembly method where units are sewn into groups before being joined.

Press the quilt top after it is assembled.

Finish the Christmas Tree Quilt

1. Sew the border to the quilt using 2-1/2"" wide strips of green fabric. If you are a new quilter, don't be tempted to make borders that match the measurements along the sides of your quilt, because they are likely out of square. Read the instructions before you begin.

2. Mark for quilting if necessary. Sandwich the quilt with batting and backing. Quilt by hand or machine. Trim and square-up excess edges and sew binding strips around the quilt edges.