Hey everyone! Today you're going to learn how to turn a 5-inch charm pack into a sweet baby quilt that looks planned, not pieced together in a hurry.
Here we go.
Meet the fabric first
This is the Black, White and Bloom 5x5 Pack Pre-cuts.
It is from Benartex.
The collection is Black, White and Bloom.
These are 5 by 5 inch pre-cut squares.
Folks, that 5-inch cut is the whole gift.
You skip the cutting table marathon.
You go straight to laying out and sewing.
And oh my goodness, the idea here is clever.
What is better than black and white fabrics?
One with some trendy colors added in!
Each of the prints in this collection does that.
Each print features both a monochromatic version.
And each print features a color version, too.
That gives you infinite creative possibilities.
The line features modern floral motifs.
They come in all scales.
Big blooms, smaller blooms, all of it.
Plus there are a few unique geometric coordinates.
Those geometrics add some extra pizzazz.
The tags for this pack also call out flowers and mushrooms.
So you get a little whimsy in the mix.
The overall effect is fresh and exciting.
It is super duper perfect for a baby quilt.
Why this fabric suits a baby quilt
A baby quilt needs contrast.
Babies track black and white early.
Those high-contrast squares really hold attention.
Then the color versions soften the story.
You get stimulation and sweetness together.
Try this simple plan.
Alternate a monochrome square with a color square.
Just like that, the top starts to sparkle.
We're not reinventing the wheel here.
A charm square sewn with a 1/4-inch seam finishes at 4 1/2 inches.
Lay out 8 squares across and 10 rows down.
That top finishes about 36 by 45 inches.
That is a lovely baby quilt size.
It works for tummy time and still covers a toddler later.
If your layout comes up short, do not panic.
Add a second pack or a wide border.
Completely up to you.
Materials list
- 1 Black, White and Bloom 5x5 Pack Pre-cuts, plus a second pack or border fabric if you want the full 36 by 45 inch size
- Batting, about 40 by 49 inches
- Backing fabric, about 40 by 49 inches
- Binding fabric, about 1/2 yard, cut into 2 1/2-inch strips
- 50-weight cotton thread for piecing
- Size 80/12 needle for your machine
- Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler for squaring and binding
- Pins or clips, iron, and your favorite marking tool
Brief steps
First, open the pack and sort it.
Sort monochrome prints, color prints, and geometrics into piles.
Second, lay everything out on a table or bed.
Step back, spread out the darkest squares and biggest florals.
Third, sew squares into rows.
Use a scant 1/4-inch seam allowance.
I sew at about 2.0 stitch length for piecing.
Shorter stitches hold those little seams nicely.
Press seams in one row to the left.
Press the next row to the right.
Then your seams will nest when rows join.
Fourth, sew the rows together.
Pin at every seam intersection.
Slow down right there, folks.
Rushing intersections is how points drift.
Fifth, layer backing, batting, and your top.
Smooth it flat and baste it well.
Quilt it simply to start.
Stitch in the ditch along the grid works beautifully.
Or echo each square with a walking foot.
Sixth, trim, bind, and add a label.
A label with the baby's name is such a gift.
Practical tips from my table
Here is my honest mistake to save you.
I once sewed three rows before checking contrast.
All my dark squares landed in one corner.
I had to unpick, and I did it smiling, mostly.
Take a phone photo of your layout first.
Black and white in a photo shows value fast.
That one minute saves real seam ripping.
And here is the permission beat, y'all.
It does not have to be perfect.
You are your own worst critic, I promise.
A baby will love the softness, not judge your points.
Take your time, it is not a race.
If I can do this, y'all can do it.
For quilting, keep your quilting lines a few inches apart.
Check your batting package for its recommended spacing.
Wash and dry the finished quilt before gifting.
It gets that soft, crinkly, loved-in feel.
And it proves your seams are secure.
Alrighty, that is your charm pack baby quilt.
Thank y'all so much for sewing along with me.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Black, White and Bloom 5x5 Pack Pre-cuts at Linda's Electric Quilters.
