Crazy Quilts in Miniature:
Ideas and Techniques
by Patricia Cummings
Looking for a fairly quick project for gift-giving that will be meaningful to the recipient? Make personalized miniature Crazy Quilts that include embellishments connected with that person's hobbies or interests. Use small squares or rectangular shapes to construct a basic pieced foundation for crazy quilting. Add some simply embroidery stitches, and then personalize the tiny quilt top with monograms, brass charms, sequins, buttons, store-bought appliqués, silk ribbon roses, pre-assembled satin bow ties, stranded beads, or old costume jewelry. Whatever you add will be dictated by your own whimsy!
This is a miniature crazy quilt, 8" x 9," made by Pat Cummings in 1995, as a class sample.
Size Matters
Little crazy quilts are very fun to make. While there are so many decisions along the way when working on this small of a scale (total quilt size 4" x 5", 5" x 7", or 6" square), the hours will melt away quickly when making one. Technically speaking, "miniatures" can encompass any size up to 36" square. The result of these small quilts is so charming, you will find yourself wanting to make another right away.
For something a little different, consider making the foundation in an odd shape. The quilt could be build upon a piece of muslin cut into the shape of a hexagon, a circle, or a foundation one half inch to an inch larger than the intended finished size. When adding embroidery and embellishments, it is good to know where that final sewing line is. For that reason, it is a wise idea to create a plastic template of the desired final size; to mark the muslin front and back using that template; and to mark the front of the work, after all the layered front patches have been added. For this process, use a permanent ultra-fine point, Pigma Pen, or a mechanical pencil.
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This quilt, made with handkerchiefs, was partially inspired by a segment on "Simply Quilts" in October 2002, that featured Cindy Brick. The 17 7/8" square quilt was made by Patricia Cummings on October 27, 2002. The pastel colors do not show the details as well, in a photo, but the quilt is highly personalized with objects meaningful to me.
Monograms in Various Forms
If your sewing machine does not have a built-in monogram function, you may want to embroider a monogram by hand. Draw or trace one from one of the many books on Victorian crafts, and use a light box to transfer the initial or initials onto cloth. A combination of seed stitch, and then satin stitch worked on top of the area, using either cotton embroidery floss or silk floss, will make lovely lettering. Of course, small brass or gold monograms can be found at some craft stores, and are sometimes a good alternative because of their size. Brass "findings," like those, will darken over time if not pre-treated with a special lacquer that can be applied with a small paintbrush. Remember to coat each side, in turn, using a non-stick surface while working.
Writing on Cotton Fabrics
On larger crazy quilt blocks, there is room to add a poem. With careful planning of patch sizes, it may be possible to add a small greeting, your initials, or the date, on your small crazy quilt. Check your local art store for pens that write on fabric without fading or bleeding, which produce a fine line, and which are permanent. Writing should be done on only 100% cotton fabrics. Sakura Micron Pigma Pens come in a variety of nib sizes and colors. Remember to heat set these inks with an iron set at a medium setting, for about 15-20 seconds. Use a light-weight, press cloth to avoid scorching, and please, do this step before the crazy quilt is assembled!
This 7 1/2" x 9 1/2" "theme" quilt with its many fabric textures, engages complementary colors in a play-off. Made in November 1992, by Patricia Cummings, the quilt features a ceramic puffin, a ship's wheel, an anchor, and various hearts, ribbons, embroidery, and lace. Notice that this quilt has no borders, and is finished with "turn inside out" method. A length of string beads have been used as a quilt "hanger."
Textured Fabrics
Cotton fabrics that appear to be textured are a nice addition for these little quilts, as are cotton fabrics with gold thread overlays. There are no hard and fast rules as to types of fabrics to use. Good choices are moire, cotton velvets, silk, satin, and other dressmaking scraps. Your small crazy quilt, like most crazy quilts, is not intended to be washed, so you can even use ultra-suede. Bits of lace are great to add, as are old pieces of tatting, crocheted butterflies, and small round doilies as a background for fancy buttons, ribbons, or other adornments.
Crazy Quilts with a Theme
Each little crazy quilt will ultimately tell its own story. One example of a theme crazy quilt would be to make one of these miniatures for the music lover in your life. Begin collecting small pieces of the many modern musical theme fabrics. The more choices you have in your fabric stash (your palette), the better you will be able to make a pleasing little quilt. To embellish, consider adding a musical note charm or a guitar pin from a costume jewelry collection.
Even the edges of this miniature quilt are uneven, making it even more crazy!
The center features a "Victorian" spider that often shows up on my work, "for good luck." This piece has English "lawn" fabric, hand painted cotton, cotton prints, ultrasuede, velveteen, painted silk, and satin fabrics joined together for the background. 9 1/4" x 10 1/2 (tall), 1993. Patricia Cummings.
Decorative Buttons
These days, button manufacturers are offering a wide range of decorative buttons that probably were never intended to hold a garment together! These buttons can range from those with sayings on them, such as "I love you," or "Panic," to some that have painted birds or are shaped like various animals: deer, moose, or snow bunnies.
This was a "good luck" quilt I made in 1993, just before I was scheduled for surgery. I'd found the wonder pewter "charger" at a little shop that was selling off a cache of these "findings," as the manufacturer had gone out of business. The man in armor represented my determination to be well. There's the spider again, for good luck! The quilt measures 7" x 8 1/8" tall.
In addition to currently-made buttons, be on the lookout for cardboard "pages" of old buttons that are sometimes offered in antiques stores. Some of those buttons might be just what is needed to spice up your project. One word of caution is to always varnish old wooden buttons. Otherwise, the tannic acid in the wood might very well leach into the fibers of your quilt, causing stains at a later time.
"Remembering Chieko," is composed on 84 pieces of cloth and four borders. The total measurement is 19 5/8" square. The quilt was made by Patricia Cummings, and began with the yellow rose that she stencilled onto a piece of muslin. Many of the elements have a Japanese theme.
Method of Laying Pieces for a Crazy Quilt
There are various ways to add fabrics to the muslin foundation. I favor Judith Montano's method of first cutting a pentagonal shape (five sided). This is pinned face-up, in the center, but not dead center. If the first patch is off-set a bit, it will add more interest to the quilt. Each additional fabric will be placed face down, raw edges lined up. Sew a sewn 1/8" or 1/4" away from the edge. Then, flip the patch so the right side of the fabric is showing, and finger press (or press with an iron, if the fabric is cotton.) Those who are right handed will add patches in a clockwise manner. Left-handed people will work counter-clockwise.
The above photo shows a case in which I transported needlework supplies when I was teaching elsewhere, or even to carry what I needed from upstairs to downstairs! My only disappointment is the upper right hand navy blue fabric with stars that has faded terribly from light damage while the other fabrics have remained as clear and bright as the day they were purchased. Patricia Cummings, 2000.
Embroidery Stitches
Once all the fabrics are sewn on, it is a good idea to serge around the raw edges of the quilt. After that, simple stitches such as chain stitch, lazy daisy, feather stitch, Herringbone stitch, buttonhole stitch, or others, can be added along seam lines. The fibers you use for embroidery can make a huge difference in appearance of the final product. Many beautiful, variegated fibers are now available, in both cotton and wool, and more recently synthetic fibers. Silk ribbon stitches add elegance, and rayon ribbons add pizzazz. Narrow ribbon can be used to work the same stitches that are done in thread.
Rayon floss is a lively fiber that works best in conjunction with a "laying tool" which helps to direct the ribbon exactly where it is intended to go. A laying tool can be as simple as a pencil, or as complicated as a metal tool especially made for the purpose. Cotton embroidery floss has the advantage of being inexpensive, easy to use, and easy to find, but don't forget about metallic threads, and pearl cotton which are sold in a variety of sizes. Shiny, Japanese-made, silk buttonhole twist thread is a fine choice.
Beadwork Instead of Stitches?
For something entirely different, think about replacing traditional stitches with crazy beadwork. In this method, developed by Nancy Eha (www.beadcreative.com), the beads, sewn on with Silamide thread, replaces the shapes of the stitches.
Finishing
After you have finished constructing and embellishing the top part of your crazy quilt, you may want to finish it as a small wall quilt. To accomplish this without making any kind of bindings, add narrow width borders. Then place a piece of backing fabric face down on the quilt's surface. Pin around the perimeter, and sew 1/4" away from the edge, leaving an opening at the bottom of the quilt that is large enough to turn the quilt inside out. After turning the quilt, pin the two edge together, after turning both inward by 1/4" and whip stitch the opening closed, using tiny stitches.
Miniature Quilt Display
To display the quilt on a wall, there are a number of possibilities. Buy or make a twisted wire decorative hanger and clip the quilt onto it, using miniature clothespins. Again, if those are wooden, you make want to varnish them before use.
Hang the quilt from nails or pins. To do this, either crochet some little (chain stitch) loops and sew those onto each top corner of the quilt, or else, inconspicuously attach the white plastic circles that are used to hang curtains.
Spotlight your little quilt by hanging it over a wooden display rack, or place it on top of a miniature doll bed (which can be any size from doll house size to something much, depending on the finished size of your quilt.)
Can't Make Just One
Once you have created one miniature crazy quilt, you will probably want to create others. The only rule of crazy quilting is that there are no rules--just have fun! Ultimately, each little crazy you make will tell a story that is apparent to its recipient. Think about writing a note to that person telling of some of your thoughts while making the quilt. Mention any symbolic meanings of colors or embellishments. One guarantee is this: whenever that person looks at the quilt, he or she will think of you. After all, you will have taken that precious commodity, your time, to create a beautiful and lasting gift!
This photo is just to show you a small portion of a Crazy Quilt tree skirt that I constructed after having seen a design by Iva Willard Galloway in the terrific book, Quilted for Christmas (That Patchwork Place, 1994.) Note: This book is not listed on amazon, at the present time.
Other Files About Miniature Quilts:
Miniature Quilts Photo Essay - photos of other types of miniature quilts I've made.
Adorable Puppies - a miniature quilt idea inspired by an antique in my collection.
BONUS SECTION
To Frame or Not to Frame? - A Few Tips on Framing
Most quilts will not need framing.
If you are thinking of framing your piece, the best choice is to consult a professional framer. He or she will work with archival materials and provide advice on how to best preserve your treasure.
However, if you decide to go the do-it-yourself route, several good books are available: Needlework Framing by Vivian C. Kistler, CPF (The Library of Professional Picture Framing, Columbia Publishing Co., 1987); and Do-It-Yourself Framed Quilts by Gai Perry, C&T Publishing Co., 2001.
Plan ahead if you think you might like to frame your piece. In that case, you will want to add wide borders that are turned under twice and stitched so that they have a sturdy edge. The fabric will be secured to a back of a piece of acid-free, foam-core board that will be sturdy enough to be "laced."
Many framers like to insert a thin layer of batting under the needlework, or in this case, crazy quilt top. If you are having the piece professionally framed, bring some batting with you, as the framer might not always have some, on hand.
Avoid the use of glue and never use cardboard.
"Spacers" are used by professional framers to make sure that glass does not set directly on a textile. They help prevent fibers from rotting. Moisture builds up under glass, particularly glass that is in bright light, another thing to avoid.
When buying a frame, consider the depth of the "rabbit." The rabbit (lip on the back of the frame) has to have adequate space to accommodate the textile warped edges of the acid-free, foam core board. Cut that board 1/16" smaller than the frame opening.
Once the piece of needlework or crazy quilt, in this case, has been positioned correctly over foam-core board, that has been cut slightly smaller than the back opening of the frame, and has been laced, it can be secured into the frame by tapping in little window hinges that are used to keep window panes in place, or else secured with small tacks.
A nice clean sheet of brown paper can be cut slightly smaller than the frame. This will be held in place with double-sided tape from a stationery store. Sign your name and date to the paper before adding the tape and affixing it in place. The paper helps to keep out chewing insects, too.
The final step to framing is to make two small holes, one third of the way down and screw in two loop screws from which you will run picture wire.
That is an "in a nutshell" crash course on framing. My claim to any knowledge of the subject is a wonderful class that I took with a professional framer at a Community Education class. Often, I still ask him to do framing for me, but occasionally I do my own.
This section has been a non-comprehensive overview of framing. If you can learn to do your own framing, you can potentially save yourself a lot of money. I feel totally spoiled whenever I ask a professional framer to do the work, and he, of course, does completely superior work.
Whatever you make and however you finish it or display it, have fun!
©Copyright 2007, Patricia Cummings, Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, NH. All Rights Reserved. e-mail: pat@quiltersmuse.com