Looking for a project that sews up in a snap? This charm pack–friendly mini-quilt is so fast, and it will leave you smiling every time you see it! Read on for the free pattern and make your own!
This fun little quilt, which measures 16″x 16″, was made from one Boundless Batiks Charm Pack in the Majesty colorway. These batik charm packs are so colorful and so fun to play with, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
- One charm pack (you’ll need at least 24 pieces in 5” x 5” cuts)
- 18″ x 18″ piece of batting
- 18″ x 18″ backing fabric (or sew the leftover squares together!)
- 64″ of binding
CHOOSING YOUR CHARM SQUARES
- Choose 16 charm squares from the darker colors
- Choose 8 charm squares from the lighter colors
Do not be concerned if you have to use duplicates of the same fabrics. Also, if you use a Boundless charm pack, you’ll have at least 16 squares leftover to use for a backing or another project. Or make more of these blocks and watch your little quilt grow!
CUTTING YOUR FABRIC
STEP 1:
Cut the 16 dark squares in half on the diagonal and set half of the triangles to the side.
STEP 2:
From the remaining half of the triangles, make another cut 1″ from the cut line (as shown above). In the photo on the right, all of the cut pieces are layered on top of one another.
This project will not use the strips on the right — you just need the triangles. You should have 16 large triangles and 16 smaller triangles.
STEP 3:
Cut the light squares in half on the diagonal.
Then make another cut 1½” from each side of the cut line. This project will not use the smallest light triangles shown above — you just need the strips. You should have 16 light strips.
SEWING THE BLOCKS
STEP 1:
Arrange the pieces as shown below. Each block will require one large dark triangle, one light strip and one small dark triangle
STEP 2:
Sew the small triangle to the strip as shown below. The ends will overlap and the seam should begin and end where the fabrics intersect. Always use a ¼” seam allowance.
My cutting mat grid is marked at ½” increments, so you can see that this seam is ¼”.
STEP 3:
Sew the strip/triangle unit to a large triangle, also using a ¼” seam allowance. Mix and match the fabrics for more variety and interest.
STEP 4:
Trim the blocks to 4½” when finished.
NOW THE FUN BEGINS!
Play with the block arrangements and see what makes you happy. Here are a few options to choose from:
1. CHEVRONS
2. LARGE DIAMOND
3. SMALL DIAMOND
4. DIRECTIONAL
PIECING THE QUILT
As you can see, I chose the following block. This is sewn like a four patch using the pieced blocks. Sew four of these, then sew them together in two rows of two like a larger four patch.
NOTICE HOW I PRESSED THE SEAMS ON THE BACK OF EACH BLOCK:
I pressed the seams toward two of the strips, and away from two of the strips. This allows the seams to nest when piecing, and it prevents bulk at the seam intersections. Also, the seams were pinwheel pressed in the middle to prevent bulk.
ASSEMBLING THE QUILT
Layer the pieced quilt top with the batting and backing. Baste the layers and quilt as desired. Trim the excess batting and backing. Bind the quilt.
That was so much fun — maybe we should grab a few more charm packs and make a big quilt! Whatever size you choose, have fun!