Mini Rings Paper Pattern: Getting Started With Small Curves

By Sew Kind of Wonderful | Published: 2026-11-03

Category: Product Reviews

Learn how to start the Mini Rings paper pattern with a clear fabric plan and step-by-step curve piecing tips for small rings.

Quick answer

Start by cutting the 20 assorted 10" squares and background fabric exactly as the Mini Rings pattern lists, then piece one test ring with a scant 1/4" seam before chain-piecing the rest.

Why small curves need a different setup

Tiny rings amplify every cutting and seam allowance error. A 1/8" wobble on a large curve disappears; on a mini ring it shows up as a lopsided circle. That is why the pattern calls for a 6" or larger square up ruler alongside the QCR Mini Ruler: you need a stable reference to trim each unit before joining rings.

The Mini Rings pattern is a paper pieced mini quilt, so the paper stays in place while you sew. Do not remove foundations until a full ring is assembled and pressed flat. If you remove paper early, the bias edges of the curved pieces stretch and the ring will not lie flat.

Fabric choices that make small curves easier

The pattern specifies 20 assorted 10" x 10" prints for the pieced rings, 2 1/4 yards of white background, and 1/3 yard each of two fabrics for setting triangles. Use prints with similar value contrast for the rings; very high-contrast prints can make a small ring look busy and hide the curve line you are trying to follow.

For the background, a plain white or low-volume white-on-white works best because it lets the ring shapes read clearly. Avoid directional prints for the setting triangles unless you are comfortable fussy-cutting; the pattern does not include a directional layout guide.

Step-by-step: start your Mini Rings quilt

Cut the 20 ring squares: From your 20 assorted 10" x 10" prints, cut the ring pieces following the Mini Rings pattern templates. Common mistake: cutting all 20 squares before testing one ring. Cut one print first, piece a test ring, then cut the rest. Test one ring before committing all 20 prints.
Cut background and setting triangles: Cut 2 1/4 yards of white background fabric and 1/3 yard each of two setting-triangle fabrics according to the pattern. Checkpoint: label the two triangle fabrics separately so you do not mix them when assembling the quilt top. Keep the two setting-triangle fabrics labeled and separate.
Prepare the QCR Mini Ruler and square up ruler: Set the QCR Mini Ruler on the marked lines and use a 6" or larger square up ruler to trim each curved unit to the pattern size. Common mistake: trimming without checking the curve alignment marks; the unit should sit square before you sew. Trim each unit square before joining it to another.
Sew one test ring with a scant 1/4" seam: Piece the first ring following the paper foundations, using a scant 1/4" seam. Checkpoint: press the ring flat without steam and measure it against the pattern; if it is more than 1/8" off, adjust your seam allowance before sewing the remaining rings. Measure the test ring before chain-piecing the rest.
Assemble the rings and setting triangles: Join the pieced rings to the setting triangles, matching the marked centers and pinning at the curve midpoint first. Common mistake: pinning only at the ends, which lets the curve shift; pin the center, then the ends, then the midpoints between. Pin center-out on every curve seam.
Finish with backing and binding: Use 1 1/2 yards of backing fabric and 1/3 yard of binding as listed in the pattern. Checkpoint: before quilting, remove all paper foundations and press the top flat; any remaining paper will dull your needle and distort the quilting lines. Remove every paper foundation before quilting.

Pattern facts to check before you cut

Mini Rings (Paper): Mini Rings (Paper) is a 33" x 44" pattern designed for use with the QCR Mini Ruler. The finished size and ruler requirement tell you this is a small-format project, so accurate cutting with the correct ruler matters more than speed.
Mini Rings (Paper)