TUTORIAL: Little Ducky Mini Quilt

I made this for a magazine but it didn't get published so I thought you guys might want it instead... mine's another addition to the mini quilt wall that hasn't happened yet!This uses a special ruler from Creative Grids. A great video on how to use the ruler can be found on YouTube HERE.You will need:Blue tone fabric scraps at least 2 ½” squareCreative Grids Drunkards Path rulerScrap of yellow and white solid fabricFusible webScrap of 2 oz wadding (or heavier if you prefer)Muslin for backingSafety pins2.5yds bias tapeBlue or beige thread for piecing and sewing bindingBlack thread for sewing on buttonsInvisible thread for quiltingMiniature buttonsEmbroidery thread for creating hangersFinished Size: 24” x 12”Preparation:Cut your fabric scraps in a mixture of 3 ½” wide and 2 ½” wide strips as directed on the Creative Grids ruler before cutting out the concave and convex pieces. You will need 32 of each size. Pair each size up so you get two different tones of blue together and 32 pairs.Piecing:To sew the curve together without pinning, arrange the pieces right sides together, with the larger piece forming an L shape and the smaller piece with the curve running symmetrically lined up at the top. Sew three quarters of the way round the curve with a ¼” seam slowly, lining up the fabric as you go and feeding it round. Finish one curve by flipping it over and staring from the other side of the curve, feeding the fabric through to meet the first part of the stitches. Trim excess thread. Create notches in the seam allowance and press. Repeat for the rest of the curves.Tip: For quicker piecing, chain stitch the first three quarters of the curve as directed on all pieces and then return to the start of the chain to finish the curve, taking a stitch backwards at the start and finish to properly secure the thread.Assembling:Stitch the pressed blocks together in eight columns of 4 blocks and then sew these strips together using the diagram for guidance on how to best arrange to show movement.Applique:Copy the large duck template (CLICK HERE FOR IT) and the smaller duck three times onto the non-adhesive side of scraps of a fusible web sheet such as Heat N Bond. Iron the large duck outline onto white cotton and the others onto yellow cotton scraps. Cut out accurately around the edges of the ducks and remove backing film.Iron the ducks onto the top within the ripples you have created by the block placement using the photograph for guidance. Top stitch with black thread for raw appliqué, or you could use a satin stitch for extra security and a wider outline if you prefer.Stitch on the little black buttons for eyes.Finishing:Layer the top with the wadding and the muslin and baste together with safety pins or your preferred method.Quilt around the ducks with an invisible thread and white in the bobbin. Use long horizontal lines that make small curves and create a thin, water-mimicking pattern. Make the ripples more frequent around the base of the duck.Bind the edges with bias tape, leave the top edge free for the moment if you are planning on adding hangers.Attaching easy hangers:To make a wall hanging, wrap embroidery thread around your fingers twice and knot to form a loop. Place the knot and excess thread underneath your binding and when you sew on the top edge, use the binding to secure this to your work. Use two loops, one in each top corner.