Quilting is an art that allows you to express your creativity, perfect your technique, and craft a meaningful piece that tells a story. With time and dedication, you can transform simple materials into a beautiful quilt, like the Nordic Mini Quilt pattern we will explore in this tutorial. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or a beginner, this guide will walk you through each step of the process. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if the quilt doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time. The beauty of quilting lies in the joy of creation itself!
The Nordic Mini Quilt
Rooted in the Nordic tradition, this quilt features three heart blocks inspired by the ‘flettet julekurv’ (woven Christmas basket). These heart symbols are perfect for a holiday project that will adorn your home throughout the festive season and beyond, as it can hang well into February! Each heart consists of a 9-patch and two appliqued half circles, making this quilt a fun exploration of technique and creativity.
Materials Needed
To begin this Nordic Mini Quilt, gather the following materials:
Cutting Instructions
Red:
- (2) 1 1/4” x 9” rectangles
- (1) 1 1/4” x 9” rectangle
- (3) 2” x 3” rectangles
Red/white print:
- (1) 1 1/4” x 9” rectangle
- (2) 1 1/4” x 9” rectangles
- (3) 2” x 3” rectangles
White:
- (6) 2” x 3” rectangles
- (3) 1 3/4” squares
- (2) 2 1/4” x 4” rectangles
Fusible Interfacing:
- (6) 2″ x 3″ rectangles
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Creating the 9-patch units
First, stitch together the red and red/white print strips. Press the seams towards the red. Sub-cut these stitched pieces into 1 1/4” segments. Join the segments together to create a 9-patch unit. The unit should measure 2 3/4” square.
Step 2: Making heart half-circles
The half-circles of the heart blocks require a turned edge method of applique. Print the Nordic Heart Templates at full scale. Trace the small half-circle shape onto the smooth side of the 2″ x 3″ rectangles of fusible interfacing. Ensure the raw edge of the interfacing is even with the solid bottom edge of the template.
Layer the interfacing onto each of the 2″ x 3″ rectangles of red and red/white print, with the fusible side facing the right side of the fabric. Stitch on the drawn line using a short stitch length of 1.5. Trim 1/8″ away from the stitching.
Turn the shape right side out, press it so that it has a smooth curve, and center it on top of 2″ x 3″ white rectangles. Press it in place, ensuring the bottom raw edges are aligned. Stitch along the turned edge of each half circle.
Trim the appliqued rectangles to 1 3/4″ x 2 3/4″, leaving a 1/4″ gap between the raw edges and the half-circle.
Step 3: Assembling the Nordic heart block
Join the 9-patch unit, half-circle half-circle rectangles, and 1 3/4″ square to assemble the Nordic heart block. Pay close attention to the color placement of the half-circles. The unit should measure 4″ square (unfinished) once assembled.
Step 4: Completing the row
To complete the row, join the Nordic hearts and the white 2 1/4″ x 4″ rectangles. The color placement of the heart half-circles should alternate. Your row should measure 14 1/2″ unfinished.
Step 5: Finishing the Quilt
With all the rows joined together, your Nordic Mini Quilt is almost complete. You can arrange the rows in any order that pleases your eye. For quilting, keep it simple and stitch in the ditch for the main block components. You can use a blue/white/red print for the backing.
A quick and easy label can be the final touch to finish your quilt.
Full Pattern: Click Here
After all the steps, you have created your very own Nordic Mini Quilt. This small quilt, enriched with Nordic symbolism and tradition, adds a warm touch to any decor and is a testament to your quilting skills. And remember, this quilt doesn’t necessarily have to scream Christmas unless you want it to.
Don’t forget, each quilt you make improves your technique. Every stitch is a step towards perfection. So, keep crafting, keep creating, and let your imagination fly. The world of quilting awaits you with open arms. Happy quilting!
