A Must-Have Template for Holiday Quilting Projects!
This tutorial shows how to make adorable mini Christmas tree quilt blocks using the Mini Tree Template Set by Susan Quilts. The project is simple and beginner friendly, producing 6 by 9 inch blocks with minimal measuring and cutting. By following a few easy steps such as cutting the tree and background pieces, aligning and sewing them with precise quarter inch seams, and adding a small trunk, you can quickly create festive tree blocks. The templates make the process fast and accurate, and the finished pieces are perfect for turning into a quilt as you go Christmas table runner or other holiday decor.
Today we’re going to make some mini Christmas trees. They’re cute, simple, and finish at about 6 by 9 inches. I used the Mini Tree Template Set by Susan Quilts. I love using templates because they make projects like this much easier than measuring and cutting everything by hand. This set includes just two pieces made of pretty acrylic. When you open it, don’t be surprised if the back looks brown; that’s just a protective paper you’ll need to peel off before using. Once removed, you’ll have two clear templates ready to go, one for the tree and one for the background.
To start, cut out your tree shape using the tree template, then use the background template to cut your background pieces. The instructions say to cut one piece, flip the fabric, and cut another, but an easier way is to fold your fabric in half and cut both layers at once with right sides together. That ensures your background pieces will match perfectly.
When assembling, take one background piece and line it up with the tree piece. Slide it slightly upward so that a small “dog ear” corner of the tree fabric sticks out about a quarter of an inch at the bottom. Stitch along the edge with a quarter-inch seam allowance and press the seam open. Do the same with the other side, making sure that same quarter-inch triangle sticks out at the bottom. Once you sew and press it open, you’ll see your Christmas tree take shape.
Next, add the trunk. It’s made up of three small triangles, two white and one narrow strip for the trunk, which can be black, brown, or any color you like. Attach this piece to the bottom of the tree unit, stitch across, and press it open.
That’s all there is to it. These mini trees are quick and satisfying to make, and the template set takes all the guesswork out of cutting and alignment. In the next video, I’ll show you how to use these blocks to create a quilt as you go Christmas table runner. It’s one of my favorite seasonal projects, and I think you’ll love it too. Make sure to like us on Facebook, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and as always, happy sewing.
