Secret Garden Mini Quilt – Disappearing Quilt Block

Learn how to do the disappearing quilt block – the nine patch in this super cute mini quilt. There are additional things to try out if you’d like as well – including the scallop border and embroidered flowers in the setting blocks.

You can even give hand quilting a try if you want as well – with colored thread to highlight the blocks and scallop. It’s up to you!

I love patterns that are really personalizable. You can pick and choose what to add or not to the mini quilt.

Let’s talk about the fabric that I used for this mini quilt. I believe I had a mini charm pack – or those little packs that come in 2 1/2″ squares. This is a great project to use that.

If you don’t have one of those, you can just cut the squares from your stash! It’s super simple.

There is only one of the squares in the block that is large enough to really show off the fabric – so if you want, place those favorite prints you want to see on the outer four corners. Other wise, they end up a skinny strip instead of a square.

No matter how you play with the fabric placement, you’ll find surprises when you begin cutting. So, don’t think too much about the nine patch when you are sewing them together.

These can be sewn up really quickly.

Also- this is a disappearing quilt block. The technique is a lot of fun and if you are interested in exploring more – here’s a great resource.

Materials List:

27 – – 2 1/2” X 2 1/2” – various fabric
6– 3” x 3” background
7– 3 1/2” X 3 1/2” background cut in half diagonally

Cut List:

Inner border:

2– 12” x 1”

2– 14 1/2” x 1”

Outer border:

2– 3” X 15 1/2”
2–3” X 16”

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Secret Garden Instructions:

1- Sew 3 – 9 patch quilt blocks using the various 2 1/2” colored squares
2- Cut your 9 patch in half horizontally and vertically- you will now have 4 units
3- Trim to 3” X 3” if needed

4- Lay your quilt top out alternating the background squares and the various disappearing nine patch units
5- Sew your rows together

6- Sew your background triangles to the ends of each row Trim to 11” X 14 1/2”

7- Sew inner 14 1/2” X 1” border to sides8- Sew inner 12” X 1” border to the top and bottom9- Repeat with the outer border strips

Optional – Embroidery Instructions:

*Draw with pencil the flowers in the 9 background squares for stitching.
Stitch the flowers with 2 DMC floss threads.
The colors will coordinate with the fabrics you have chosen for the quilt

I wanted to also show off a little bit more about making a scallop border for your quilt. It can be a little tricky.

My suggestions are to write or mark everything in pencil or something that will erase.

Double check all the markings and measuring BEFORE you cut. You don’t want to waste the fabric and you don’t want to get frustrated with cutting it wrong and replacing the border if this happens. So double check and be happy with how it’s turned out prior to using the scissors.

Instructions for Making a Scallop Binding:

Cut your binding using bias method. This is the best binding for curves.

If you are choosing to skip the scallop border – you can just finish the mini quilt with a simple binding.

Layer your quilt top, batting and backing
Take a piece of paper the same size across the top 15” and 2 1/2” and fold into 5 sections- this will give you 5 scallops. Use this on the smaller sides of the quilt.

Take your scissors and cut along the top edge a nice scallop.

You will be cutting with the paper folded- similar to paper dolls.

Open your paper and pin in place on the border. Make any adjustments now before cutting fabric!

Finishing The Quilt

1. Cut or piece together your batting and a piece of quilt backing fabric.

2. Make a quilt sandwich with the backing, batting, and top.

3. Baste together with fusible batting, pins or basting spray.

3. Quilt as desired. A few of my favorite ways to quilt are Straight line quilting or cross hatch quilting. Use a walking foot on your sewing machine. Trim away the extra batting and backing.

4. Cut strips of fabric for the binding. Cut 2 1/2” tall (sometimes I use 2 1/4″) binding strips. Sew the binding strips together and bind using your favorite technique.

More Disappearing Quilt Block Quilts:

Disappearing four patch baby quilt

Spinning Ribbons Quilt

Patriotic Pinwheel Quilt

Get the full collection of Disappearing Quilt Blocks and Patterns in the ebook –

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