Perhaps it’s obvious, but I’ll say it anyway: there are few differences between a horse and a zebra, but the zebra’s stripes are hands down the most dramatic of them all. For years scientists believed that the purpose of a zebra’s stripes was both to help regulate body temperature and to camouflage and confuse predators. However, the latest research suggests that the stripes may actually function to ward off biting flies that carry deadly diseases. The stripes serve to dazzle them and make landing on zebras difficult. Amazing, right? 

Just like the stripes of the zebra, we were dazzled by the submissions we received for our stripe mini quilt challenge, and we found it hard to settle on the best quilts. Here is a small sampling of some of our fantastic winners. 

Better Call Sol by Jacqueline Laba @jacquelinelaba

This quilt is a nod to the artist Sol LeWitt (1928-2007). Laba used a fused applique technique to create her design. We love the hypnotic vibe that emanates from this quilt. 

Stripes On A Housetop by Diane Curtis @ddc48

We love this striped variation of the log cabin pattern. Curtis’s hand stitching elevates the piece with the way it creates texture, as well as an organic feel. The way color is mirrored in the kitty-corners of the block creates balance.  

Seeing Double by Deborah Porter-Santos @rasdas99

The mini curves ofSeeing Double could not have been easy to piece. The machine quilting is brilliant. The differing lengths between rows creates a sort of 3D visual effect. No stitching is also thoughtfully used to add to the overall movement of the quilt. 

Equilibrium by Anne-Lu Hovis @thequiltedkayak

Each pieced stripe of this log cabin measures ¼ inch wide. The machine stitched stripes are just ⅛ inch wide. Hovis created a feeling of balance in her quilt with the continuity from the striped fabric into the striped machine stitching. The quilt was stitched on a Feather Light Singer machine. We love the striped binding and that Hovis used the challenge’s color palette in her thread choices. 

Spring Sunriseby Chris Batten @loopedquilting

Though stripes are not often immediately associated with curved lines, Batten has cleverly incorporated curves into her stripe mini.Spring Sunrise is full of movement and also creates a feeling of elevation with the way the radiating ‘sunrise’ transitions from morning to midday. 

Pinnacle by Linda Schulz @lsquilter_

The thoughtful way Schulz created her stripes draws the eye to the pinnacle of this quilt. The machine quilting compliments the design and makes the piece more dramatic. This quilt seems to contain an ancient symbol meant to teach onlookers the way to a more exalted life. 

You can find these mini stripes quilts and more inCurated Quilts, Issue No. 16: Stripes. Purchase your copy today!

Find more examples of Mini Quilts featured in Curated Quilts on our blog atDo You Mini? andCurated Quilts Miniaturized.

For more information on how to submit your own mini quilt to Curated Quilts visit ourwebsite. 

By Brittany Bowen Burton