Hey everyone! Today you will learn how to turn one sweet charm pack into a cheerful baby quilt that is simple to piece and fun to give.
Here we go.
First, let's look at this fabric
This is Candy Crush - 5 Karat Jewels.
It comes from Wilmington Prints.
The maker is listed as Wilmington Fabrics.
It is a pre-cut pack, y'all.
The type is 5 Karat 5" x 5".
The group name is Candy Crush.
And the fabric is 100% cotton.
Inside you get 42 fabric squares.
Each square measures about 5" x 5".
That pre-cut size is the helper here.
Your main cuts are already done.
The colors are a multi color mix.
The product notes say it complements any project.
I agree with that, folks.
A mixed pack like this loves simple layouts.
Let the colors carry the design.
Just like that, a baby quilt gets easy.
I love sorting the squares first.
Dark next to light, busy next to calm.
Completely up to you how you mix them.
The project: a charm pack baby quilt
We are making a charm pack baby quilt.
It finishes about 27" wide by 32" long.
That uses a simple grid of squares.
Six squares across and seven rows down.
That is all 42 squares, every one used.
That size is handy for a stroller quilt.
It also works great for tummy time.
Why does this pack suit a baby quilt?
The squares are already cut to size.
So you can start sewing right away.
The multi color mix keeps it cheerful.
A baby gets lots of color to follow.
And you get a forgiving layout, too.
If one square lands funny, just move it.
Super duper cute, and really really doable.
Materials list
- 1 pack of Candy Crush - 5 Karat Jewels — 42 squares at about 5" x 5"
- 1 yard of backing fabric — cut about 31" by 36"
- Low-loft batting — one piece about 31" by 36"
- 1/4 yard for binding, or strips joined to about 130" total
- Matching thread — I like 50-weight cotton for piecing
- A size 80/12 needle — fresh, for clean piecing
- Pins or clips for rows and for binding
- Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler for trimming only
- Your iron — pressing makes this top behave
For piecing, I set stitch length about 2.5.
That is about 10 stitches per inch.
It holds well and rips out cleanly.
Brief steps
Step 1: Sort and lay out. Lay all 42 squares out in 6 columns and 7 rows. Step back and look. Swap any squares that clump together.
Step 2: Sew the rows. Sew each row with a 1/4" seam, 6 squares per row. Press seams to one side. Alternate the press direction by row.
Step 3: Join the rows. Sew the 7 rows together, nesting those seams. Press the top flat. It should measure about 27 1/2" by 32 1/2".
Step 4: Layer and baste. Layer backing, batting, and top. Leave backing and batting about 2" bigger all around. Smooth from the center out and baste well.
Step 5: Quilt it simply. Stitch in the ditch along the grid is clean. A soft meander works too. Or echo a few seams. For quilting, I lengthen my stitch to about 3.0. Travel along the seams and tie off cleanly.
Step 6: Bind and finish. Trim the quilt square. Cut binding strips at 2 1/2" wide. Sew them on, miter the corners, and finish by machine or by hand. Completely up to you.
Practical tips from my table
Slow down when you nest those seams, folks.
Here is your warning, right at the risk.
If you rush, a seam can flip open.
Slow down or the needle snaps on a thick join.
Pin that join and ease it through steady.
I once sewed a whole row in backwards.
Oh my goodness, y'all, I just laughed.
The fix was easy, though.
Unpick that row, turn it, sew again.
No harm done, just ten extra minutes.
Press after every row, not just at the end.
Keep a light hand on those little squares.
And remember the permission beat here.
It does not have to be perfect.
You are your own worst critic.
A baby will not hunt for a wobbly seam.
That baby will just love being warm.
Take your time, it is not a race.
If I can do this, y'all can do it.
We're not reinventing the wheel here.
Your quilt, your call, always.
Alrighty. Thanks for spending time with me today.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Candy Crush - 5 Karat Jewels at Linda's Electric Quilters.
