To print these instructions, download the PDF file.
Ok, let's get started on this puppy! This week we'll begin cutting the sashing, border and bindings since the main fabrics should be already cut. Thank goodness for precuts sometimes, eh?
But if you're like me, as soon as you get that pretty charm pack, you'll be looking at them all and pulling out all your favorites. So if you don't mind, let's focus on the fun layout planning first.
Please ignore the fact that my design wall is my basement floor. My real design wall is often so cluttered with UFOs that I use the floor for projects I am actually working on. You get the bonus toys in the picture too since I'm usually so focused on my work, I don't notice all the clutter still in the picture. Yikes!
LAYOUT PLANNING
Baby/Child Size Quilt: Choose 36 charms. Lay them out in a 6 row by 6 column arrangement as shown above.
Lap Quilt: Choose 81 charms. Lay them out in a 9 row by 9 column arrangement.
You may want to consider the value of the colors in your charms. Since my selection is a completely random collection of prints, I pay special attention to value when laying them out. I try my best to alternate a light value charm with a dark value charm in each row, and then stagger it in the next column. Many of my prints have white/light backgrounds, so alternating them with the darker value charms spreads out the eye's focus.
TAKE A PICTURE! So you don't forget how you wanted them laid out just in case something happens. It will save you having to redo it again.
Select Feature Blocks: After laying out the rows, begin to consider which of the charms you would possibly fussy cut for the feature blocks. This can always change as you make the blocks, but I made a plan to make 2 of each of the 4 feature blocks. That's a total of 8 feature blocks mixed in with the charms. I also am planning to have each row with at least one feature block (x 6 rows), so 2 rows will have 2 feature blocks.
The feature blocks are: Star, Pinwheel, Greek Cross, Diamond in the Square (clockwise, starting at the top center)
Customize!! Here you can make your own plan. Make more or less feature blocks.... Decide as you go.... it's completely up to you. I mark them in the photo so I can remember which charms I want fussy cut.
Remember: The unfinished size of your feature blocks will be the same as your charms (5" square). So when you are looking for fun little cuties to frame in your fussy cuts, remember they will be small. The diamond and the pinwheel have the largest feature centers with a square cut at 3 5/8".
CUTTING REQUIREMENTS
Cut, cut. We must do some cutting prep work. Not my favorite part, but put on some good music and let's go! I have two tables for each section depending on what size you are making. Hope the tables are helpful! WOF = width of fabric.
Cut, cut. We must do some cutting prep work. Not my favorite part, but put on some good music and let's go! I have two tables for each section depending on what size you are making. Hope the tables are helpful! WOF = width of fabric.
SASHING: Cut these strips across the width of the fabric and remove the selvage edges.
Baby/Child Quilt
Quantity
|
Strip
Dimensions (w x L)
|
Cut # WOF
Strips First
|
30
|
2 ½” x 5”
|
4
|
7
|
2 ½” x 37 ½ “
|
7
|
2
|
2 ½” x 41 ½ ”
|
2
|
Lap Quilt
Quantity
|
Strip
Dimensions (w x L)
|
Cut # WOF
Strips First
|
72
|
2 ½” x 5”
|
9
|
10
|
2 ½” x 57 “
|
15
|
2
|
2 ½” x 61 ”
|
3
|
BORDER: Cut these strips across the width of the fabric and remove the selvage edges.
Baby/Child Quilt
Quantity
|
Strip
Dimensions (w x L)
|
Cut # WOF
Strips First
|
2
|
3 ½” x 48 “
|
3
|
2
|
3 ½” x 41 ½ ”
|
2
|
Lap Quilt
Quantity
|
Strip
Dimensions (w x L)
|
Cut # WOF
Strips First
|
2
|
3 ½” x 67 “
|
4
|
2
|
3 ½” x 61 ”
|
3
|
FLANGE BINDING: Cut these strips across the width of the fabric and remove the selvage edges.
Quilt
|
Strip
Dimensions (w x L)
|
Cut # WOF
Strips First
|
Baby/Child
|
1” x 48 “
|
5
|
Lap
|
1” x 67 ”
|
7
|
BINDING: Cut these strips across the width of the fabric and remove the selvage edges.
Quilt
|
Cut # WOF
Strips (2 ½” wide)
|
Baby/Child
|
5
|
Lap
|
7
|
