Framed uses two "For You" mini charm packs to create a contemporary baby quilt measuring 36 by 42 inches. It is a satisfyingly quick quilt to piece with a thoroughly modern feel.

2 Moda Candy mini charm packs  {For You by Zen Chic}
1 1/3 yards background fabric
1 1/2 yards backing fabric {be sure the fabric is 44" wide}
1/2 yard binding fabric

Note on fabric choices: Because there is so much negative space in this quilt, consider using a background fabric that has a bit of texture or a slight variation to it. Moda Grunge or Moda Marbles would work well. I used a linen textured cotton in a medium gray color.

 

1. From the background fabric, cut one 14 1/2" by WOF strip and four 7 1/2" by WOF strips. Trim those strips to:

One 14 1/2" by 20 1/2"(center piece)

Two 28 1/2" by 7 1/2" (side pieces)

Two 36 1/2" by 7 1/2" (top and bottom pieces)

Set aside.

 

2. Sew the mini charms into 42 pairs. Press half to the right and half to the left.

Take ten pairs and join together in a two by ten configuration. Repeat.

Take 11 pairs and join together in a two by 11 configuration. Repeat.

 

3. Sew the ten by two units to either side of the center rectangle. Press the seam towards the center piece.

Sew the 11 by two units to the top and bottom. Press the seam towards the center piece.

 

4. Sew the 28 1/2" by 7 1/2" background pieces to the sides of the center unit. Press towards the background fabric.

Sew the 36 1/2" by 7 1/2" background pieces to the top and bottom. Press towards the background fabric.

5. Sandwich the quilt top, batting and backing. Quilt as desired.

There are so many possibilities for quilting! You could use the large negative space to showcase intricate quilting designs. You might want to use a curvy, flowing quilt pattern to counter the geometric nature of the quilt. A crosshatch pattern would also work well.

I quilted my quilt using straight lines in concentric rectangles, echoing the piecing of the quilt.  I quilted a pair of concentric rectangles through the center of each mini charm, 1/2" apart (each line is 3/4" away the edge of the mini charm). I then quilted the next pair of concentric rectangles starting 1 1/2" away.

 

6. Cut binding fabric into five 2 1/2" strips. Join together and sew to quilt.

 

 

One baby quilt, perfect for a contemporary nursery, finishing at 36" x 42".

 

I love working with mini charms. They're such a fun little treat, kind of like a small piece of really good chocolate that you savor. Enjoy savoring this project!

Christine Weld
{thequarterinch.blogspot.com}