For my February edition of #12minisin12months I made two mini quilts – well, sort of …
After being inspired by the speed and simplicity of the Lemon Tree Trip Around the World quilt I recently made, I designed and made a traditional Trip Around the World mini quilt using the same basic technique. It was such a fun make, (and I have shared the instructions for you to make your own below :).
I also quilted a test block I made for my Burnt Sugar quilt pattern, and turned it into a mini quilt. I might have to try a scaled down version of this block in the future – I think it would be so cute!!
Coincidentally, the colour palette of each quilt was quite similar to the other. It’s one of my favourite combinations!!
As a general rule, I prefer simplicity when it comes to quilting mini quilts, and often find a simple crosshatch is all that is required! Both quilts were quilted with a walking foot on my domestic sewing machine.
I think I have a little crush on this Burnt Sugar block!
(Side note: Though I gravitate towards simple quilting, I do think this block would be an awesome one to test your Free Motion Quilting skills, if that is something you love – don’t you agree?).
Crosshatch quilting was a perfect choice for the Trip Around the World mini!
Mini Quilt Momentum
The momentum I have felt when sewing mini quilts lately has been a real eye-opener. Every creative person has experienced those moments when there is a significant disconnect between their mind and their movement – you want to sew, but you have no motivation to actually do so! Unfortunately the reality is, there is really only one thing that can truly spark your motivation, and that is SUCCESS!
If you want to be creative, then you have to create – it’s as simple as that!
Sometimes though, the thought of starting a big project is daunting. A mini quilt project is a great segue into a bigger project because the success you feel completing a project generates motivation – which turns into more success – and more motivation!
So next time you feel your sewjo is MIA, force yourself to make a mini – ‘just do it’, and see where the momentum takes you!
Would you like to make your own Trip Around the World Mini Quilt?
Fabric Requirements for Quilt Top:
You will require 10 different fabrics (A – J). For my quilt I used Sweet Prairie by Down Grapevine Lane for Riley Blake Designs.
Cut the following,
- (1) – 1/1/2″ square (A)
- (4) – 1-1/2″ squares (B)
- (4) – 1-1/2″ x 21″ strips (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H) (I) (J)
Other Supplies Required:
- Binding fabric – (2) 2-1/4″ x WOF strips
- Batting – at least 20″ square
- Backing – at least 20″ square
Notes:
- Read instructions thoroughly before beginning.
- The seam allowance is included in the cutting size given.
- Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance throughout.
- WOF = Width of Fabric
- Unit dimensions are given Width x Height.
- This quilt measures approximately 17-1/2″ square.
Piecing Instructions:
- Step 1. From each of the 1-1/2″ x 21″ strips, subcut (4) 1-1/2″ squares and set aside. Your strips are now 1-1/2″ x 15″.
- Step 2. Layout the (8) fabric strips in a colour order you find pleasing. Take note of the first strip and last strip in your arrangement and be sure that you are happy for them to be side by side too.
- Step 3. Following the Bonnie Hunter Scrappy Trip method of construction found here, sew together the (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H) (I) (J) 1-1/2″ x 15″ strips into (4) identical strip segments. Press strips towards every other seam. Press consistently for each of the (4) strip segments.
- Step 4. Continue referring to the Bonnie Hunter method, and turn each strip segment into a tube. Then cut into (8) 1-1/2″ strips in the same manner as she directs.
- Step 5. Unpick your tube strips to create the (4) corner segments of the block as shown below in the quilt assembly diagram. Press any seams not yet pressed.
- Step 6. Stitch together the 1-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ units from step 5 to create the (4) corner segments of the quilt – paying close attention to the diagonal direction of each corner. Press in the one direction.
- Step 7. Using the 1-1/2″ squares set aside earlier, assemble the (2) vertical joining rows by referring to the quilt assembly diagram. Sew the required squares together in the correct order. Press towards the same fabrics as you have done in the side squares.
- Step 8. Using the 1-1/2″ squares set aside earlier, assemble the horizontal joining row by referring to the quilt assembly diagram. Sew the required squares together in the correct order. Press in the one direction.
- Step 9. Horizontally, then vertically sew the units together. All your seams should nest together to create the quilt top. Press the final horizontal seams toward the centre.
- Step 10. Quilt and bind as desired.

Trip Around the World Mini Quilt Assembly Diagram
12 Minis in 12 Months Continues…
12 Minis in 12 Months is hosted by Kait @knotandthread check out her blog for all the latest information.
I hope you get a chance to make your own Trip Around the World mini quilt, and if you do, tag your makes with #triparoundtheworldmini on Instagram.
I love this, Samantha! I’ve always wanted to make a Trip Atound the World quilt but felt quite daunted by the whole thing! But this is perfect! This will be my March mini – thanks! And BTW I used Sweet Prairie for my February mini too!
Love this pattern for sure.
The pattern my Great Grandmother tried to reach me on.
But she hand pieced each square.
I have up on that.
A lot of work for a 13 year old.
This is adorable, thanks for the tutorial.
Thanks Barbara!
thanks for this Samantha, I’ve just finished piecing the top, I really enjoyed doing it and love the look of it. However I have lots of squares left over. I followed your cutting instructions and cut four 1.5 inch squares from each of the strips which gave me 16 squares in each fabric but i think you only need to cut one square from each strip because you only need 4 squares for the joining strips.
Actually, after cutting the strips in step 4 i had enough left to cut another strip so giving me enough already sewn together to make the joining rows, just needed to remove the end squares and add squares A and B.
Thanks for this tutorial! I followed it (love Bonnie from Quiltville btw!) And i also had too many squares, but in a different way. I cut the 8 strips and 4 extra squares, then realized i needed 4 sets of strips (I was using remnants of fabrics so I had to fiddle with the cutting placement). For two fabrics I cut like Liz who commented in October, making even more extra squares. I was also able to get 9 slices out of my tube of fabrics, so I didn’t need the extras at all. I liked having the excess though, bc I’m a new quilter, and would rather trim down my wonky piecing on the edges.
My extra squares? They might go on the back, or I might organize my scraps a la Bonnie.
Thanks for the feedback Claudia!
Will you be showing a new mini each month for this year? I did this many years ago and still have my square and made it into a center piece. My mini must be 40 years old.
Hi Sandy – I love the idea of a mini quilt each month, but this year seems to be going too fast for me!! There will definitely be more minis in my future though 🙂
Hi,
I saw your larger Trip Around the World and loved it! I’m thinking of practicing that pattern w a Mini. I would like to make the mini into a baby quilt size around 40-42”. If I increase the strips to 2” rather than the 1 1/2” will that be enough? Or, do I need to do 2 1/2”. I’m just not sure how to do the increased size. No worries if you would rather not work that out…
Hello I am checking out your mini round the world quilt. I am starting one. Not mini but want queen or King… I have 2x 15 different colors already cut into 2 1/2” strips .. not sure if I have enough colors . Can you help? Actually I think I need more . I think mine will end up 60” x 60 not near my queen or king … if my brain is adding right.