Mini Quilt Tutorial - Sizzix

Hello my fabric loving friends!! 

Remember when I told you that I am a Design Team member for Sizzix and I would be doing tutorials a few times a month?  

Well today is Tutorial Numero Uno (#1)! 

I just want to say that I am sooooo excited to be working with Sizzix.  What an amazing group of people and the company is amazing!! 

Also, they gave me a coupon code for you to use on their site!! It is good for 15% off of your regular priced purchase on Sizzix.com.  They can not be used in combination with other discounts. Just plug in the coupon code SZ9B and the discount will show!! This code is good until the end of the 2014 year so purchase away! 

Fabric is Emma's Garden by Patty Sloniger for Michael Miller Fabrics

My first tutorial is a simple and quick one! I did it as a mini quilt to use as a table topper but you could easily make this into a pillow too! Or a doll quilt or add more blocks to make a baby quilt.. the possibilities are endless!!! 

Lets begin by what you will need for supplies.  

1.  Sixxiz Big Shot

2.  Sizzix Bigz L Die - Circles, 2", 3" & 4"

3.  Sizzix Bigz L Die - Square, 4 1/2" Finished (5" Unfinished)

4.  Two fat quarters of fabric for the background

5.  16 Scraps at least 4.5" square for the circles

6.  Backing that is at least 20" x 20"

7.  Binding strips

Project finishes at approximately 18" x 18". 

Step 1: Take the fat quarters and cut out 16 squares that are 5" using the die in #3. I used two different yellows. You could use any combination you want. :)

To do so, lay a standard cutting pad, then the die (face up), then the fabric, and then another standard cutting pad

REMEMBER:  You can cut up to 8 layers of fabric using this die.  Fold your fat quarter in such a way to get 8 layers, and you will only need to make 2 cuts/passes in the Big Shot! Awesome time saver!!!

Step 2:  Lay them out in a 4 x 4 grid and sew them into rows using a 1/4" seam.  Press each row seams in opposite directions.  (Example: Row 1 press seams to the right.  Row 2, press seams to the left.  This will allow the seams to next when sewing together.) Sew the rows together.  Press well. 

Step 3:  Cut out 16 circles using the die listed as #2 in the supply list.  Use the larger 4" circle and your scraps or you can do as I did and use fabrics from the same line. 

Step 4:  Lay a circle in each square so it is pleasing to your eye.  

Step 5:  In this step, I used Elmer's Washable School Glue to glue baste my circles on my background.  I also used an ultra fine tip to produce a very thin line of glue.  

Lay down a fine line of glue about a quarter inch in from the edge of the circle.  Lay the circle back in its place ensuring it is centered.  Then heat set with a DRY iron.  You only need to keep the iron on for a few seconds.  

Note:  You can also use pins in place of glue or any basting method you prefer. 

Step 6:  Once all the circles are tacked down, sew 1/4" around the inside edge of each circle.  Make sure you back stitch at the beginning and end of your stitching!  This is raw edge appliqué so after some time, the edges will be come frayed giving it a "worn" look.  Don't worry, the stitching will keep your circle in place though! 

Step 7:  Layer your top, batting and backing and baste using your favorite method.  

Step 8:  Quilt as desired.  

Step 9:  Add your binding and display to your liking! 

I thought it might even be fun as a display mat for my Big Shot!! After all, it matches quite nicely and I think she deserves her own mat! ;)

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial!  If you make one of your own, please do share with me! I love to see projects that you make using my tutorials!! 

Much love!!!