It's Easy to Sew a Miniature Tree Quilt
This miniature tree quilt pattern is a variation of my 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 most effective if it's made as a scrap quilt, but you do not need to use as many fabrics as shown in the illustration. Dig into your leftover bins for green fabrics and choose neutrals for the background. It's fine to use a single neutral fabric throughout the quilt but do try to alter the green fabrics.
Assorted Green Fabrics for the Mini Christmas 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**
Neutral Fabric(s) for the Background
About 5/8 yard total
- (38) 3" x 3" squares
- (10) 3-3/8" x 3-3/8" squares**
Brown Fabric
- (2) 3" x 3" squares
Backing and Batting
- About 32" x 34" of each. The backing can be cut from 1 yard of quilting fabric.
Binding
- About 138 running inches of continuous single or doublefold binding. How to Make Quilt Binding Strips
** 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
- Use the quick pieced half square triangle 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).
- Each pair is sewn together twice diagonally as explained in the tutorial and then sliced apart to create two 3" x 3" half square triangle units.
- Repeat with remaining pairs of same-sized green/neutrals to make a total of (20) half square triangle units.
Arrange the Quilt Components
- Refer to the rag quilt layout instructions for a row-by-row visual of the Christmas Tree Quilt's layout. The quilt has eleven horizontal rows and each row contains ten units.
- Use a table or design wall to arrange the components.
- 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? If you do, it's time to sew the patchwork together.
Assemble the Christmas Tree Quilt
- Sew the quilt's patchwork units together in the traditional way -- right sides together with a quarter inch seam allowance, unlike rag quilts, which are assembled by placing wrong sides together and using a wider seam allowance.
- Press seam allowances in adjoining rows 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 rag quilt instructions 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
- 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 create borders that match the measurements along the sides of your quilt, because the quilt might be skewed. Adding borders of the correct length allows you to square up a slightly skewed quilt. Read the instructions before you begin.
- Mark for quilting if necessary. Sandwich the quilt with batting and backing and baste. Quilt by hand or machine. Remove excess batting and backing and carefully square-up the edges.
- Sew binding strips around the quilt edges.