1 inch squares - has anyone made a quilt like this?
 

I have about 30 different fabrics that are "scraps" and came up with a brilliant idea last night. Sometimes, I've learned, those brilliant ideas are not always best in reality, so am here for a reality check before I start on something that will end badly LOL

I also have the 1 inch grid - fusible - that you can iron your squares on and then sew the seams down the line.

My main question is this: are these too small? Will I be able to sew the seams easily enough on my machine? I have new machine (one of those fancy ones LOL) But I am wondering about bulk ... and any other tips?

Thanks,

In my opinion, the grid method would not be the best for such small squares. Maybe make your squares 2", I have used the grid for water color quilts and they were 2" squares. In other words, just cover 4 squares with your 2" fabric square

No idea how it will be on your machine, but I have no trouble at all sewing really small pieces with my Juki 2010. Have not tired doing it on my "fancy" machine with a wide foot and feed dogs.

I don't know about 1 inch- right now I'm making a hugs and kisses quilt and while I love the quilt and fabric, every other block is about 8 inches with 32 pieces in the block and it's a pain! I think the blocks are about 1.5 inches or maybe 2 but they seem really small to me :)

oksewglad, sews with tiny squares like this. Hopefully she will come comment on your question. Here's a link to her profile. In her albums, she has pictures of her mini's.https://www.quiltingboard.com/member...lad-u7338.html Here's also a link to one of her specific photos, it really shows the size and scale of the pieces she uses. https://www.quiltingboard.com/member...56-323777.html

I don't know why you can't use these squares up. Maybe a long term project or a smaller project. As it will take a long time for 1" squares to amount to something.

But, where there's a will, there's a way.

I hope you find the encouragement you seek.

Sewing on the grid is fun. I have made a quilt with 1 1/2 inch squares. Scrappy. To control the scraps, I made 24 inch blocks then put sashing in between. Any larger and they seemed to swim.

All I can say is good luck! Pieces that small go into the bin for dog beds. I don't like to keep anything smaller than 2 1/2". That's just me. (Famous last words LOL)

I would assume the grid is fusible. they sell them that way. fuse, fold and stitch, etc. I started one but never got it made. Tossed it!

When I was making a recent quilt with lots of 1 inch squares, I was having problems with them sinking into the
feed dogs, so I asked this group what to do & it was suggested that I tape over the feed dogs to make it like it was
like a one-hole plate, since I had a zig zag one. It really helped a lot.

Google for Postage Stamp quilts, and also look for an Eleanor Burns book on cross-stitch quilts. These use very small squares. I would think that no matter the size of fabric squares, using the "leaders and enders" method of Bonnie Hunter would prevent the fabric from being "eaten".

I love my 301 for sewing close to the edge and for very narrow seams. In making ties for baby gowns, she is a champ.

I have seen fantastic quilts made with finished one inch squares. Will I ever make one? Noooo! My attention span doesn't last that long. But, if you want to...a couple of suggestions. Cut enough 1 1/2 inch squares to make up for at least a potholder or mug rug. Use your single needle plate so your fabric doesn't get eaten and just start sewing. Chain piecing will make it easier. I would do a scant seam and even though it would be extra work, I would probably think about ironing all the seams open. The whole project may lay flatter. If you still want to keep going after you sew the size of the mug rug, then go for it. If you've had enough, then you have at least a project that can be finished.

Edited to add: I cannot do an all scrappy quilt. I must have order, so if I were doing this, I would figure out 1 fabric to be a constant in what would be the center of your squares or on a diagonal in each block. Or use a focus fabric as maybe a 6 or 8" or whatever size you want and make that every other block. That way you will be able to see an end to the project. I am thinking about doing something similar but with 2 inch finished blocks for one of my granddaughters.

No, those squares are not too small if you have the will and desire. I sewed this quilt for my husband using the grid method. My squares finished at 1/2". I trimmed down my seam allowance to 1/8" to help with bulk. Here's the pic of mine.

It came out far better than I expected and there is no way I personally could have done it without the grid.
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Imanna This is an incredible piece of work! I'm so impressed 1/2" squares! Just mesmerizing to observe!

a fellow guild member showed a quilt with 1" squares sewn on a grid the other night. it was marvelous. she did not mention any difficulties using the grid.

Thanks for the kind words, Judith1005. Ummmm, no 1" squares aren't too small, but I would hesitate using the grid to finish at 1" squares. Seam allowances would get int the way. I have added a link...she uses a 1" grid, but starts with much larger squares. I think the grid sizing is meant for a finished square size, not a size to start with.

http://terriesandelin.blogspot.com/2...-tutorial.html

I would search "quilts made using Pellon 1" Quilters Grid"

These are some little quilts I made from 1" squares to finish at 1/2"...candle mats and table mats or wall hangings. FYI, traditionally pieced..."look ma, no paper!"

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I've done the grid with 1 1/2" squares with no problem and have the 1" square grid but haven't tried it yet. As for bulk, trimming to 1/8" seam allowance helped as did pressing seams open. Go for it.

oksewglad....love seeing your mini's again. Gorgeous!

imanna....that it amazing!

Here is a link to a tutorial video that I looked at to see what "grid quilting" was all about! Looks like fun! Cutting all the squares would be the most tedious part, I think. Must try a small one!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zLa6Tb5M00

Kitsie, that was a great tute on how to do this. I think it might actually be much more doable (even for newer sewers) than I had thought!

My LQS does not carry it, but I know Joann's does. Looks like you can get a 10 yd bolt for $31 (US). And that is without the 40%, which takes it down to under $19. Not bad!

I think this would be a fun "quilt along" for the board members to try together :)

For me, yes... too small to fool with. There will be three times as much fabric in the seam allowances as what shows on the front.

I did see an amazing example of the tiny 1/2" mosaic squares quilt at a quilt show last year. A man had made a full size replica of The Last Supper painting, using all 1/2" squares... most that he had hand dyed. It looked like a person's life's work. He had to grid off the entire painting, and study and match colors, half inch square by square. Just amazing, but definitely not for me to try!

I routinely sew smaller bits (less than an inch) together for crumb blocks and have never had a problem with too much bulk, but I heavily starch and press until the seams are very flat and if necessary I pound them with a hammer (tailors trick). Not sure if you’ve seen some of the “inchies” posted on the internet, but if you do a search for inchies you’ll see a lot of interesting work.


edited to add- I do my own quilting so am not as concerned with bulk as a long armer might be.

Rob

I did the grid with 1 1/2” and 2 1/2” squares and hated it. I hate to do so much squaring up. Thankfully there was plenty of “sky” parts I could. I’d rather sew individually next time.

I used the grid and it worked great, but was a little stiff. It was a wall hanging so I didn't care, but might be worth considering if you're going to make a bed quilt or a throw.

your quilt is awesome!!!

Wait...like the hammer my husband has in his tool box? THAT kind of hammer??

This is what I was looking for!!!! Thank you so much!

You have given me hope and inspiration!

I will not use a 1/4 inch seam, because like Tartan mentioned, it would just meet up with each other on each side. I won't be "quilting" it much when it's done. I'll just do some straight stitching.

I think I'll do blocks of 10x10 (so 100 1 inch squares) and then either join them with sashing or just join them.

I do have the fusible grid, so that makes my life much easier ... if I didn't have the grid, I wouldn't even think about it!

Thanks so much everyone!

Yes, I use a hammer and a block of wood that I lay the offending seam on. LOL

Rob

I would suggest making a quarter inch seam and trimming it. I find I'm more accurate at 1/4 than 1/8th.

And I just finished making a piece! What fun! Wanted to buy the fusible from them, but it seems they no longer sell it? I looked everywhere. I know there are others available. The pellon I marked was old and thick which made it more difficult but it worked. (If you decide to draw you own, make sure to draw your squares a little bigger! Like perhaps 1/16th inch.

I will take a ruler to the store to measure when I buy. Would be great for jelly roll strips to make 2" squares!

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PS - even with the heavier fusible, I followed the directions on the video from Ten Sisters and had absolutely no problem with seam bulk. One trick if fusible is heavy - I have an old broken, small sized knitting needle that I score freezer paper with for paper piecing and it work super well for these folds, too!

Thanks MarionQuilts! Always love to try something new!

OK, Your mini quilts are marvelous.

That Beatles quilt is fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Masonry has one inch squares in the sashing. That is tiny to me.

Imanna, your Beatles quilt is striking!! Terrific job.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]591894[/ATTACH]This one finished to an inch. I made 9 patches and then sewed them together

Joan Ford uses small pieces. You can find her on Hummingbird Highway. that's her blog. She also has grid fabric available and written 3 books. Interesting site. check it out.

Here's Joan Ford's tutorial..thanks for sharing Rhonda Lee

https://hummingbird-highway.com/mini-scrap-grid-how-to/

Kitsie's block is gorgeous.

I throw away any less than 3-3-1/2". I have way too much large fabric pieces to waste time and thread on something that small.

Might try it if I was twenty years younger but, then I worked full time. So probably not.

or get a rubber or plastic coated hammer (usually will be little heavier than regular hammers) at a hardward store--called no-mar hammers. I keep one for long arm quilting when you get blocks that have lots of seams coming together in one place.

Here is one I made from 1.5" squares:

https://www.quiltingboard.com/pictur...s-t268936.html

I don't believe I ever want to do that again!

DresiA...it must have taken you a long time to sew the decorative stitching done! Nicely done!

I don't have suggestions on sewing 1 inch squares. Bought a pattern once but have not gotten to it yet. What I did want to share is the pendants, charms, and earrings that this lady makes. I joined her club once and have a bracelet, earrings, and necklace of these charming little pieces. Just thought you might like to check it out. I am not affiliated with her in any way, just a huge admirer of her work.

http://www.meandmystitches.com/