A Simple Charm Quilt Tutorial

Note: Click HERE to see the updated tutorial

that includes 4 more size options and info on using

other fabric cuts besides 5" squares.

I don't know if I've ever made a quilt as simple as this!

This quilt is perfect for beginners, 

perfect for using 5" charm squares and 

it ends up making a great throw size quilt!  

And since I've already done all the math

I thought I'd share the details!

Finished quilt size: 58.5" x 67.5"

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS:

97 light 5" squares

98 dark 5" squares 

OR - IF USING YARDAGE

1 7/8 yards of light colored fabric

3 different dark 6" x width of fabric (WOF) strips 

5 different dark 12" x WOF strips

PLUS

5/8 yard for binding

4 1/4 yards for backing

1 7/8 yards of 90" wide batting

CUTTING:

If using yardage, 

- cut 13 light 5" x WOF strips, subcut into 97 light 5" squares.

- cut 13 dark 5" x WOF strips 

(1 from each 6" strip of fabric and 2 from each 1/3 yard of fabric), 

then subcut into 98 dark 5" squares. 

Lay out the squares according to the diagram below, alternating between dark and light squares.  It should be 13 x 15 squares.

Sew the blocks in one row together using a quarter inch seam allowance.

Press the seam allowances in one direction.  Continue sewing each row of blocks together, pressing the seam allowances of each row in opposite directions and then finally, sew all the rows together and press.

Helpful tip: try using numbered pins to help keep your rows in order!  I found mine at a cute little quilt shop in Preston, Idaho called Suppose Create Delight.  They saved me time and sanity!

FINISHING:

Trim the selvages from the backing fabric and cut it into two pieces that measure approximately 42” x 76 1/2” each.  With right sides together, sew the pieces together along the long edges to make the backing.

Quilt as desired.  

It seems so simple but I decided to have my long-arm quilter, Cathy Barney, do straight line quilting on this.  I sometimes do straight line quilting myself but this quilt was a little bigger than I was comfortable with (and had time for) so I had her do it.  I LOVE it!  I honestly have never seen straight line quilting that I haven't liked.  It's always stunning and never takes away from a design!  Even though my quilt is so simple and the quilting is so simple I am really happy with how the whole thing turned out.

After it's quilted, bind your quilt with seven 2 1/2" x WOF strips.

And you're done!   Time to cuddle up with it and enjoy!

FABRIC INFO:

Most of the fabrics I used were from the line Happy Haunting by Deena Rutter for Riley Blake Designs.  I just fell in love with that line when it arrived in at the fabric store I work at a few weeks ago.  I also threw in the black check from the line Feed Company by Sweetwater for Moda - just to mix things up a little.  I also used a cream shirting fabric (1158 26) from the line Miniature Gatherings for Moda for my light fabric - just to give it an extra vintagy feel!

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

~ Amber