I recently presented a Lecture/Trunk Show on Miniature Quilts at my local quilt guild. I want to share some of the Lecture here.
The first thing I wanted to do was to have a definition of what a Miniature Quilt is (I will often refer to them as "Minis"). I did what a lot of people do and I Googled "Definition of Miniature Quilts". I was surprised with what I found. Here are some of the results...
"A type of quilt that is a smaller version of a full-sized quilt." -Creativeglossary.com
A quilt that is a smaller version of a full-sized quilt could be a lap quilt. It is a smaller version, right? I was not satisfied with that definition. I do not consider a lap quilt a mini quilt. Keep looking.
"The true definition of a miniature is an object, which is one-twelfth the size of a standard size item. In respect to quilting this means that a block, which is normally 12" finished size, will only be 1" in a Miniature Quilt." -Sue Bouchard (Quilt in a Day website)
That is really small! In most cases, that would be impossible to make. There are some blocks we could make 12" finished and 1" finished. A 9 Patch block could be made 12" finished and 1" finished. But, if you make a block that has a lot of pieces as a 12" finished block, you will not be able to make one that is 1" finished. Let's go on.
"Mini-Quilts. Each year our Guild {they did not give the name of the Guild} does a Silent Auction for "small" quilts. We say small quilts instead of miniature quilts because of the techniques required. The true definition of a miniature quilt is that it must replicate a full-size quilt pattern, but on a much smaller scale, so we have stopped requiring that the quilts be true miniatures and allow more creative approaches. We do require that each quilt be less than 24" x 24". -Quilting Contessa*
*Quilting Contessa is a collection of various authors around the world that have submitted articles for the QuiltingHub 'How To' quilt wiki. These are authors that do not write enough to have their own authorship, yet provide valuable content for the site. QuiltingHub.com
This definition says is must "replicate a full-size quilt pattern, but on a much smaller scale". This definition is closer, but I think it still leaves some things out. Such as, what size is it? It could still be a lap quilt, if the original quilt is a king size quilt. The next one...
What are Miniature Quilts?
There are different approaches to making small quilts. You can use a reduced number of standard sized blocks to make a smaller lap size quilt or even enlarge a block to make a wall-hanging from a single block.
Other mini quilts are make like traditionally sized quilts but with the block components being substantially smaller in scale. For example, a standard nine-patch block would be made using three inch squares to make a block that finished up at nine inches square. A miniature nine-patch might be made using one inch blocks with a finished block being 3 inches square. In some cases, the blocks are so reduced in size that the entire miniature quilt may end up being smaller than the original block.
What is important is the finished overall size of the quilt - if a quilt is smaller that 24 inches on a side, it is generally classified as a miniature quilt, but quilt show and competitions will have specific rules regarding block size and finished overall size. If you are planning to enter a quilt competition, be sure to read the rules carefully to make sure you are following the guidelines so that you don't spend a lot of time working on a project only to have it not be eligible for the competition. - Rubyandmahoney - discover.hubpages.com
That one gives some dimensions for the quilt, but not the blocks. Then I checked American Quilters Society for requirements for their competitions. Not all of their shows have a category for Miniatures. The show in Paducah does have one.
"Miniature: Width no more than 24"; Length no more than 24". All aspects of the quilt are reduced in scale. Quilts may be quilted by hand, machine, or both." - American Quilters Society Rules specific for Paducah, 2023.
Here is another one...
"While quilters and "experts" argue about what truly qualifies as a miniature quilt, your definition is the only one that really matters...after all, you're the one who will use it! The only exception is if you decide that you want your miniature quilt entered in a contest or show. In that event, read the rule and directions very carefully regarding "scale" and finished size. Many shows classify miniature quilts at a maximum of 24 inches on a side, with the maximum block size at 4 inches square." - apqs.com/miniature-quilts/
After reading all these definitions, I came up with my own definition. Here it is...
Miniature Quilt - A quilt that is a smaller version of a full size quilt. All aspects of the quilt are reduced in scale. The maximum quilt size is 24" square with the maximum block size 4 inches square.
I think this is a pretty good definition of what a Miniature Quilt is. I think I covered all the bases. Let me know what you think.
In my next Blog, I will talk about Supplies needed for making Miniature Quilts.
I will leave you with a photo of one of the Mini Quilts I have made. This quilt is from the book "Hope's Journey". The book has 12 chapters. Each chapter has 2 or 3 blocks to make for the quilt featured in the book. Each chapter also has a Mini Quilt pattern. I made 11 of the 12. I still want to make that last one, just haven't found the right fabrics for it yet. I am stuck on choosing fabrics.
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