Mini quilt seam allowance advice?
 

I have never made a truly miniature quilt, only some small wall hangings. I think 3/4" HST is the smallest finished block I have done, and that was with Thangles. I was considering making some miniaturized blocks for Christmas mug rugs though.

At what point do you decide to go with a 1/8" seam over a 1/4"?

And, do you sew at 1/4 and then trim to 1/8?

or do you just sew carefully? I have never done a 1/8" seam, so maybe it isn't as difficult as I think.


Thanks!

If I were doing something that small I would oversize it and then trim it down to the correct size. That is what I have seen done on TV quilting shows. I would still try to leave 1/4" but you could trim it down to a skimpy 1/4" or press the seams open.

I've watched Sue Bouchard demonstrate mini quilts in this video. She usually sews with a 1/4" seam, then trims it back to 1/8". Here is a link to the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwJox1KEodk

I use 1/4 "seam and trim them after I sew the basic pieces together.

example: after I sew a half square triangle I will press it and then trim the seam allowance.
If I am making a four patch I will trim the seam after I sew the first set and after the second set. Then I will starch and press the seams and the trimmed patches are ready to sew into a four patch.

Each seam is trimmed as you go and then the entire block is ready to piece and all the seams are trimmed and ready to go.

I do the same thing as I sew the blocks together.

Sewing an 1/8" seam is almost impossible to get accurate.

1/8" seams sound impossible to maintain throughout a quilt. I definitely would go with 1/4" seams and then trim but it seems too delicate for my man-sized hands and fingers! Good luck!!!

I typically paper piece my really small stuff. I then trim the seams down "layered" so the fabric on the bottom has a 1/8" seam and the fabric that sits on the top of the seam is slightly larger.

I do 1/4 inch then trim.

i took a class from sally collins severalyears ago. she had us use scant 1/4" seams then trim down to 1/8". it's the way i still do my miniature quilt seams.

Like others have said watch Sue Bouchard and it will help you get comfortable with the technique. At least that was my experience.