So just as soon as my needle took the final stitch on the deadline quilt, I threw it in a heap and ran to my fabric stash to pull fabric for a baby quilt! The race was on!
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I cut a one-yard piece of Kona White and trimmed off the selvages to make it 36" square.
I laid the polka dot backing fabric on the floor with the white square on top and cut around it to make the backing fabric. After taping the backing fabric down, I laid a scrap piece of Warm & Natural batting on top, then the 36" white square on top of that.
Using my acrylic ruler and air erasable fabric pen, I drew a grid of horizontal and vertical lines onto the top with lines 5" apart.
I placed the mini charm squares onto the grid - one in each square. Then I pinned each square in place, which pin basted the quilt at the same time.
I put the walking foot onto my Juki and threaded it with 50wt Aurifil White #2024.
Then I stitched from edge to edge, 1/4" inside the edges of the squares. This sews the squares down at the same time that it's quilting the quilt. Quilt-as-you-go is my favorite way to make a quilt fast!
After doing all the horizontal stitching, I turned the quilt 90 degrees and stitched the other direction too.
I grabbed a colorful dot fabric from my stash and cut four 2 1/4" wide binding strips.
I trimmed the extra batting and backing fabric off the quilt, then machine stitched the binding on (tutorial here).
I dropped the quilt in the washing machine with two Color Catchers and checked the time.
Exactly TWO hours!!
After washing and drying the quilt, I trimmed up the extra threads from the frayed fabric squares.
The quilt is super soft and crinkly, ready for tummy time!
I took these few pictures the next morning and sent it in the mail to my friend so she could get it right away to use with the baby.
This is my 5th quilt using this technique. This was my fastest time, and although I don't think I can do it much faster, I do know I'll be making more of these in my future!
It's so incredibly quick and easy, and it doesn't use much fabric at all. It's at the top of my list for using up my stash and making a quilt that's made to be used and loved!
Now it's your turn! What have you been sewing lately? Share it here! Link up a blog, Facebook, or Instagram post showing what you're excited to have finally finished! Be sure to visit the links and leave an encouraging comment too!
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Ok, I'm confused... you said that you used mini charm packs - aren't those 2.5" squares? But then you drew lines 5" apart. I love the quilt and that idea that it's quick and simple, but am really confused about the measurements. Help an old gal out here, will ya? And, apparently, I'm a no-reply blogger ( have no idea what that is or how to change it) so my email is sunshinerandall@yahoo.com Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome, Laura!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat idea! I'll have to try that sometime. I'm sure your friend will be so pleased with the quilt. Happy stitching!
ReplyDeleteNot three days, just two hours!!! You are awesome!!! The mom and baby will love the new quilt!
ReplyDeleteSo super speedy! And a great way to use those mini charm packs we all have laying around because they are so darn cute. :-)
ReplyDeleteWell done for a cute quilt.
ReplyDeleteTwo hours that is impressive and a lovely quilt too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing this technique. I can’t wait to whip up some of these cuddly quilts.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet gift! I am sure the baby will love the contrast of those squares against the white.
ReplyDeleteI love it - what a fun and fast gift!!!
ReplyDeleteIf anyone could pull off making a quilt in two hours...it was you! You blow my mind! This quilt is going to get a lot of love I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteSuch a quick and thoughtful gift. I have no illusions about how long it would take me. A lot longer than 2 hours but still could be done in a day. You are such a generous friend. I am sure the baby will use it often and the foster mom will always be filled with happiness when she sees it.
ReplyDeleteHow do the frayed edges hold up after repeated washings? I am a Project Linus Chapter Coordinator and often we have to make quilts in a hurry to fulfill requests from hospitals. Sure, I need to make something quick, but I also want something that will last for years. I want a quality product that would reflect positively on the Project Linus charitable organization.
ReplyDeleteHi, Anna! I've washed mine several times. The edges of the small squares do fray. After the first wash, I trim the extra threads before gifting. But they only fray up to the stitch lines. The resulting frayed edges are super soft. I have a couple of these quilts that we use at home with my children, and they have lasted through many washings!
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