What Are Mini Quilts For? (Really Unique Ideas)

Mini quilts offer you a lot of options and reasons for making them. If you are a beginner quilter, a mini quilt can give you the courage to try quilting. If you are advanced, you can improve quilting skills on a much smaller scale which costs less and takes less time. It is a fun way to explore quilting designs, fun way to decorate your home, and a fun way make a quick gift. Here are several ideas you may not have thought of.

• Make a quilt block and frame it for wall decor. Or make a mini pillow with one quilt block.
• Make a mini quilt on the wall with individual quilt blocks that are framed.
• Create an advent calendar with a mini quilt.
• Put a mini quilt in a gift basket with goodies for a beautiful and thoughtful gift.
• Hang a mini quilt above your fireplace.
• Sew a couple of plastic rings on the top of each side of your quilt and hang on your front door instead of a wreath.
• Make identical mini quilts that you place over the top of two matching chairs in your living or family room.
• Make a hot pad out of your mini quilt. Hang it in your kitchen for decor.
• A mini quilt makes a great table topper.
• Make several of the same pattern for a cute square placemat.
• Use a quilt block mini quilt for coasters.

I am not a mathematician. I”ll just admit that right up front. When I started quilting, I mean when I really got into quilting I tried not to think about it. You could get lost in the numbers and measurements but somehow I have found a way around it. I use my trusty square quilting ruler and figure widths and lengths the best I can. My point is the most important thing to making a quilt mini size or bigger is that you have to believe in yourself. A mini quilt is the perfect way to gain confidence in your quilting mojo. Mini quilts also offer great decorating and gifting options.

Frame A Quilt Block

I love it when a plan comes together. A quilting plan that is. I design my own quilts and when I made this quilt block I was smitten with the design. I just loved the solid gray background against the two bright red patterned fabrics I chose to create this star pattern with. When you make a mini quilt, start out very simply. Make one quilt block and there you have your mini quilt. No seriously. One quilt block is called a mini quilt if you use it for home decor. Showcase your work in a room by making a quilt block and put it in a beautiful frame. Then hang it on the wall in a room or hallway. Here is another idea for using a one quilt block mini quilt. Make a mini pillow to put on a couch or bed. Make several to decorate your room with.

Wall Art

Sew individual quilt blocks that make up a mini quilt when placed side by side. Find matching frames and frame each small quilt block. Place them together in a wall arrangement. How cool would that look? I would bet that you would get a lot of looks and compliments with your wall art. If your room decor is farmhouse, modern, french country whatever it is, you can tailor your mini quilt to your style. You could even sew a variety of different quilt blocks in the same color. They can even be varying sizes. Then get creative and arrange them on the wall.

Advent Calendar

You can easily turn a mini quilt into an advent calendar. Use a Christmas pattern for your mini quilt. Once it is finished, each day you can add little Christmas trinkets to your quilt like pieces of a felt banner that hang across your quilt, jingle bells, stars, candy canes made from pipe cleaners, etc…you can come up with the countdown stuff but such a cute festive way to celebrate the Christmas season.

Add a pocket on your quilt with candies in it that kids can pick a piece out of each day. If you just want to use numbers, take a marker and write numbers on red, green, or white felt. Each day put a felt number on your quilt until you reach 24. Hopefully these suggestions will inspire you to come up with your own idea for a countdown calendar. Once again, you have a gift idea in the making here. Who doesn’t love a handmade quilted countdown calendar?

Mini Quilt In A Gift Basket

If you think about it, homemade gifts are often the most cherished gifts. A mini quilt would make such a heartfelt gift. Create your quilt and then drape it in a basket. Add gifts, chocolates, cookies, fruits whatever you envision to make your basket inviting looking. Coordinate your gifts with the colors of the quilt. You can be sure that once the goodies are gone, the one who receives the quilt will have a lasting gift to use in their home decor. Each time they look at that quilt, they will think about you and your kindness.

Above The Fireplace

I love fireplaces. They are so warm and cozy. Think about your fireplace for a minute. What style is your fireplace? Rustic, modern, cottage? How about hanging a mini quilt above your fireplace? Decide what kind of a mini quilt would look good hanging over your fireplace. You could create a simple patchwork pattern or use a quilt panel that you add batting and backing fabric to. Then quilt it. This could make a great design statement hanging over your fireplace. Carefully pick your colors and fabric so that it enhances your fireplace and looks like it belongs there. What a fun focal point though!

Hang On The Front Door

For a change up in your porch decor, sew a plastic ring at both of the corners at the top of a mini quilt. Hang it on your front door in place of a wreath. This could add a lot of charm to your front porch. Just think about it. You could celebrate the 4th of July by sewing a red, white, and blue, mini quilt. It could be like hanging a barn quilt on your home. (Barn quilts are actually wooden boards with a painted quilt design on it and usually hung on barns. However some people hang them on their homes.) Design the mini quilt in colors that will compliment the color of the outside of your home. Once again what a fun and unique decor idea to enhance your porch decor. If you can’t get over the idea of not having a wreath on your front door, then make a wreath quilt block. Hang it on your door and smile.

Chair Decor

Now this will take some careful planning so it doesn’t look like Grandma’s house, nothing against dear sweet Grandma! Make two matching mini quilts and place each one over the back of matching chairs. This would be a charming addition to a room of your home. Before you make the quilts figure out what colors your quilt should be so that it coordinates with the room you plan to place them in. What pattern would coordinate with the style of your room? Choose a pattern that will look nice even when some of it hangs over the top of your chair. A beautiful addition to your furniture decor.

Hot Pad Decor and Functional

A quilt block can make up into a hot pad pretty easily and quickly. There are so many patterns to choose from. Or you can use your favorite quilt block pattern. Make it in the colors of your kitchen. Use it to place hot pans on and display it in your kitchen on the wall or on the counter as decor. If you sew a simple pattern, you can make several at the same time and give your handmade pot holders as gifts. It seems like every time I turn around I have another wedding reception to attend. My husband makes wooden french rolling pins and a handmade hot pad is the perfect go along gift with the rolling pin.

Table Topper

Use a mini quilt as a table topper. It will make your kitchen or dining room seem more cozy. You can sew a mini quilt for each season and holiday to change out all year long. You can make a 24″ square mini quilt and use that for your table topper. Or make a longer table topper that lays down the middle of your kitchen table. It can be a delightful decor piece for your table. Don’t stop with your kitchen table though. You can dress up any sofa table or even bedside tables with your mini quilt creations. Just keep in mind the look of your room. Consider the colors of the room you are going to make it for. Then take that leap of faith and start sewing. You will be amazed with your creations. If you make a mistake, you know what they say, “Try, try again”, or “Practice makes perfect”. You’ll get it eventually even if it takes a few times to get just the look you want. It’s okay to start over. Believe me! I know! Yes it is worth it if you give yourself some wiggle room and don’t give up on your efforts! Try and enjoy your sewing and quilting time. Once your mini quilt project is done, and done the way you hoped for, you will feel a sense of personal satisfaction. Ok. After all, I am your biggest cheerleader because I have had to redo sooo many times!

Placemats

A mini quilt could be used for a placemat. Make matching mini quilts for all of your place settings. Use washable fabrics for your mini quilts and leave them on your table all day long with plates and silverware, and napkins . This will help lift your spirits whenever you walk by and see such cute decor on your table. It will give your room a sense of instant beauty no matter how big or small your home is. Add a centerpiece to your table to complete the look. Your family or friends who visit will be impressed with your inspiring table decor.

Coasters

Use a small quilt block as a coaster. When you make the mini quilt (aka fabric coaster), use low loft batting and quilt it by hand or sewing machine. The coasters mini quilts do not have to match. These are similar to what people call mug rugs. Make some really cute designs and give them as gifts. You could add a ceramic mug, a package of hot chocolate, some chocolate kisses, a small stir spoon, and voila! Wrap it in a cellophane bag and tie it with a ribbon. Once again, you have created a special handmade gift that the receiver will appreciate your thoughtfulness!

A Bit Of Advice

Mini quilts come in all shapes and sizes. You can decide how big or how small you make your mini quilt. Even a baby quilt qualifies as a mini quilt and there are so many patterns that would make a darling wall hanging. Get your mind juices flowing and you will probably come up with many more uses for mini quilts. You don’t have to be an expert seamstress to make a mini quilt. I am not an expert sewer. I gain more and more confidence though as I jump in and just give it a try. I know we just had this conversation. Small quilts will give you confidence in your abilities to quilt and enjoy it. You’ve got this!

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