Mint for You Panel: Quilt and Sewing Project Ideas

Quick answer

The Mint for You panel by Melissa Mortenson for Riley Blake Designs is a versatile 24" x 43 1/2" cotton panel featuring love-themed icons. Use it as a quilt center, a wall hanging, or cut into smaller projects like pillows and tote bags.

Step-by-step project ideas for the Mint for You panel

1. 1. Plan your project based on panel dimensions: Measure the panel (24" x 43 1/2") and decide if you will use it whole or cut it. For a whole-panel project like a table runner or wall hanging, add borders to reach your desired size. If cutting, sketch where each motif will go to avoid wasting fabric. Common mistake: Cutting without a plan can leave you with awkward leftover pieces. Always measure twice.
2. 2. Prepare the panel for sewing: Wash and dry the panel according to instructions (machine wash cold, tumble dry low) to pre-shrink the cotton. Press with a warm iron to remove wrinkles. If adding borders, cut them from coordinating solids or prints that match the mint and pink tones. Skipping pre-washing can cause shrinkage after your project is finished, distorting the design.
3. 3. Sew a simple quilted wall hanging: Layer the panel with batting and a backing fabric. Quilt along the seams of the patchwork design or use straight lines 2-3 inches apart. Bind the edges with a coordinating fabric. This project uses the panel whole and takes less than a day. Use a walking foot to prevent the layers from shifting. Test your stitch length on a scrap first.
4. 4. Create a pillow or tote bag from cut motifs: Cut out individual icons or sayings from the panel, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Sew them onto a pre-made pillow cover or tote bag, or make your own from coordinating fabric. Add fusible interfacing to the back of the cut pieces for stability. Fraying can happen if you don't finish the edges. Use a zigzag stitch or fray check on raw edges.
5. 5. Incorporate the panel into a larger quilt: Use the panel as the center block of a quilt. Add borders or sashing strips to bring it to a standard size (e.g., 36" x 48" for a baby quilt). Surround with complementary fabrics from the same collection or solids. If the panel is not perfectly square, trim it evenly before adding borders to keep the quilt straight.

Featured fabric

• Mint for You Panel by Melissa Mortenson for Riley Blake Designs: The Mint for You panel by Melissa Mortenson for Riley Blake Designs is 100% cotton, measures 24" x 43 1/2", and features a patchwork of love-themed icons and sayings. It is machine washable cold and tumble dry low. Cotton is easy to sew and press, making this panel beginner-friendly. The pre-printed design saves time, while the care instructions ensure the finished project stays vibrant.