Looking for an easy quilt pattern that’s beginner friendly? Then try this classic charm square quilt! Stick with me and I will show you how to make a classic charm square quilt.
Hi friend, can I tell you a secret? Sometimes as quilters, we overthink things, make it too complicated, add to much detail, pick a complicated pattern or block and then it’s no longer fun! We need to keep it fun and enjoyable or else what’s the point? We want some pleasure in our down time so here’s the perfect pattern to make a throw or quilt for your bed.
I made this simple charm square quilt for my nephew Nick as a house warming gift but got distracted with other projects (and this blog!) so now it will be his Christmas present. Oh well, better late than never! It’s one of my favorite quilts to make because it’s easy to make and always looks great on a bed. Here’s what you will need to make this queen size quilt.
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THIS OUT!
After you read this post, make sure you also check out How To Learn How To Quilt: Beginner Quilting Guide. It’s jam packed with even more information, links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. It also has a section with free quilt patterns that are great for beginners. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!
Grab a copy of my Quilt Planning Journal, filled with graph paper and some note pages to help you design at least 4 quilts or sewing projects! I have been using mine for a little while and already I am jotting down ideas as I see them and reminders about websites where I have seen some ‘must have’ fabric, so I think this can be so much more than just a design book. Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished quilts and enjoy your creative process! Click the bar below.
Materials Needed
Easy Quilt Patterns – Charm Square Quilt Instructions
Materials
1 Layer Cakes – Pumpkins & Blossoms Layer Cakes by Fig Tree Quilt
2 yards white cotton fabric (for background squares, border and binding)
1/2 yard bone cotton fabric (for border)
1/2 yard Kona Chartreuse Green cotton fabric for border
3 yards 108″ width backing fabric – buy at your local fabric store, see what the selection is and chose a fabric that will go with the layer cake prints.
Squares
For this easy quilt pattern charm square quilt, you will need to use 5″ squares of fabric. Cut your layer cake into 4 – 5″ squares, remove any fabrics that are too light or close to white and save for another project. If you can’t find a layer cake, then buy eight 8 charm packs and leave at 5″.
Cut your white fabric into 5″ strips, then sub cut into 5″ squares. For the background squares you could use any light neutral color such as off white, cream, bone or natural. White background squares are my go to color because I really think they brighten the quilt and makes it pop.
Create Piles
Create Rows
Connect Rows
Lay out the rows on your bed. Row 1 should be placed starting at the left side of your bed/head board. Take a pin and stick it into the first square to mark the top left corn of your quilt top.
Add Borders
I like to add three borders to my quilts. Make your border strips are long enough for each side of quilt top. Pin and sew the bone fabric first, strips should be cut into 2 1/2″ strips. Do the two sides first, then press. Do the top and bottom last, then press. Pin and sew the green fabric, strips should be cut into 5″ strips and long enough for each side of the quilt. Do the two sides first, then press. Do the top and bottom last, then press. Finally, pin and sew the backing fabric last, strips should be cut into 3″ strips. Do the two sides first, then press. Do the top and bottom last, then press. Your quilt top is all done!
Make Binding
Make your binding with the bone fabric cut into 2 1/2″ by WOF (width of fabric) strips. Sew strips together using a 1/4″ seam until the binding is long enough to attach to all sides of the quilt.
Measure Quilt Backing Fabric
Fabric comes in two sizes off the bolt: standard is approximately 54″ and wide is 108″. Make your life easier and try to find fabric for your quilt back that is 108″. Fabric stores should always carry this wider fabric but the selection is limited. You can always find a solid fabric in 108″ but if you use a print fabric it will make your life easier because it will help hide any quilting mistakes.
If you use a solid fabric then every stitch is visible. Lay your completed quilt top on your bed then lay your backing fabric over it to make sure the backing covers the quilt top and is about 3″ wider on all sides. If backing doesn’t cover the top, you will need to cut your backing fabric and sew sections together to make it cover the top or possibly get more fabric if you don’t have enough.
Make Quilt Sandwich
Make sure that you have pressed the quilt top and backing with your iron before you make your quilt sandwich. Lay your quilt top with wrong side facing up, then lay the batting on top and attach using fabric spray. Make sure your batting covers the quilt top and is about 3″ wider on all sides.
Next, attach your backing to the batting with wrong side facing down. Spray with fabric spray to attach. Now it’s time to start quilting, see instructions below.
Machine Quilting
Trimming Quilt
Machine Binding
Attach the binding you made earlier starting on the back side of the quilt first. Line the binding up to the edge of the quilt and attach with a 1/4″ seam. Take to ironing board and press.
Washing Your Quilt
Wash your quilt on delicate cycle, cold or warm water. Pro tip: Use SC Johnson Shout Color Catcher sheets. Because the fabric is not washed prior to quilting, you don’t want your fabric to bleed in the wash. Throw in a few fabric sheets into the washing machine. Don’t forget to take the sheets out and throw away before you put quilt in the dryer.
Throw quilt into the dryer on low heat for 30 minutes. Remove from dryer and drape over a door or laundry line to finish drying by air. Enjoy your finished quilt!
Beginner Quilting Supplies
Here are some quilting tools and supplies I recommend. I make a small commission if you purchase through the links, this helps to support this free content. For more info, check out Supplies for Beginners (Best Tools To Start).
Rotary Mat Cutting Mat (Self-Healing Mat)
28 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades
45 mm Rotary Cutter with Sharp Blade (start with this one)
45 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades (start with this one)
60 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades
4.5″ Square Ruler for half square triangles
12.5″ Square Ruler for blocks
Sewing Machine Beginner (see my about me page for more info on sewing machines for beginners to the one I use today).
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
Sew Nikki Free Resources
FREE PATTERNS
Flying Geese Throw Quilt – Flight
Pinwheel Table Topper Pattern – Jolly
Log Cabin Scrappy On Point Quilt
Chevron Placemat Quilt Pattern
Strip Quilt Block Pattern – Roundabout Quilt
TUTORIALS
Learn How to Quilt Beginners Guide
How Long Does it Take to Make a Quilt for Beginners
Learn to Sew – Conquering Your Fears as a Beginner
How to Quilt on a Regular Sewing Machine
How to Sew Binding on a Quilt – Quilting Tutorial
Best Fabric for Quilting: How to Shop Like a Pro!
How to Make Half Square Triangles – Easy Formula Chart
How to Baste a Quilt: Beginner Spray Basting Tutorial
10 Essential Quilting Tips for Beginners
How to Sew a Pillowcase With Flap in 15 Minutes
How to Sew Quilt Squares Together | Quilting Tutorial
Joining Quilt Binding Ends for Beginners
How to Cut Fabric for Quilting- Easy and Accurate
How Wide to Cut Quilt Binding & Make Easy Strips
Pieced Quilt Backing Ideas – Super Simple Backs
How to Make Quilt with Sashing and Cornerstones
Quilting Supplies for Beginners – Best Tools to Start
How to Machine Quilt with Walking Foot
Heat Proof Recycled Denim Potholders
How to Bind a Quilt – Easy Single Fold Binding
About Sew Nikki
If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! My name is Nikki. I’m a weekend quilter, have a super small sewing space and taught myself how to sew and quilt by watching YouTube videos! My blog has How-To’s, Free Patterns and Pattern Reviews. Read more about me here.
Follow me on social media (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) so you get notifications when I post new patterns and tutorials.
Want to learn how to crochet? Then check out this post, How to Learn How to Crochet – Guide for Beginners.
Sew, quilt, crochet and repeat!
Denise Banks-Taylor
Nikki every quilt you create is a testament to how innovative your designs are.
I love the patterns, color combinations and stitching.
Nikki I pray for your continued success in your business. Love you sister
sewnikki
Thank you Neicey! Love you too.
Denise Baker
I love the detail in your instructions. Thank you for all of this!
sewnikki
Thanks Denise!
Patti+E
Hi Nikki,
Hi Nikki! One can certainly tell how much you enjoy quilting & sharing your knowledge with others. Anyone learning to quilt for the fist time can certainly glean valuable knowledge on the easiest way to assemble a masterpiece & have fun doing it. Best of luck as you continue on with your blog. I’m excited to go back & check out your other projects as well!
Patti E
sewnikki
Thank you!
Monica Martinez-Patton
Oh my gosh Nikki, you’re very talented Each time you post another quilt I am inspired to learn and make one too!! Thanks for sharing and for the tutorial – I can’t wait to see your next piece,
Wishing you much success
Monica in SC
sewnikki
Thanks Monica!
Josh
Incredibly detailed step by step process. Extremely helpful for those trying to getting into quilting or looking for helpful tips to getting better!
sewnikki
Thanks Josh!
JeanieO
Nikki, you amaze me! From the time you borrowed my failing, seldom used sewing machine to start learning to sew/create, then buy a quality machine, and get to where you are now is so unbelievable! Your talent seems to be unending and your ability to explain/teach others clearly to learn is fascinating. Looking forward to what you create next!
sewnikki
It’s been quite the journey, thanks Jeanie.
Pam Harvey
Your quilt is so beautiful! I love the colors. It shouts cozy, with a hint of spring! Your detailed instructions are simple enough that anyone can follow and create this masterpiece. Great job and thanks for sharing.
sewnikki
Thanks Pam
Dee Fugazzi
Nikki’s work is amazing ! She’s always been very talented and has made many blankets for my children but her quilting skills are so impressive ! She does everything she does with love ❤️
sewnikki
Thanks Dee!
Nadine
What a great tutorial! I’d love to sew a quilt one day. Unfortunately, my projects/mending pile is huge at the moment. But saved it for later.
sewnikki
Thank you!
Charlene
Oh, this looks so beautiful! I love your photography and details as you share the whole project.
sewnikki
Thank you Charlene!
Helga Sutton
You make it look and sound so easy, but I know how much work goes into each quilt. Beautiful work!!
sewnikki
Thank you Helga!