Today’s post will talk about all things simple patchwork quilts.
We will look at FAQs surrounding patchwork quilts made with squares and how to sew quilt squares together.
We’re not only going to talk about making a quilt from squares, but I am going to show you step-by-step how to construct a patchwork quilt top using only squares for a simple yet fun project.
Let’s go over some FAQs about patchwork quilts without further ado.
This section will cover FAQs about quilts that use one-size squares for the entire quilt top.
This quilt style is a fabulous choice for beginning quilters, and I encourage every beginner to make at least one patchwork quilt to help learn the basics of quilt making.
What size squares are best for a quilt?
A popular precut fabric bundle is 42- 5” squares called “charm packs.” The squares come precut, which will save lots of time, plus the packs are made of coordinating fabrics which will take the guesswork out of selecting the fabric.
You can use any size square for quilts, but these 5” square charm packs are the best option for beginners or anyone who wants a quick and easy quilt project.
What can I do with 5” fabric squares?
5” squares are incredibly versatile, and you can use them for a wide variety of quilt blocks and borders. You could sew two together and create half-square triangles (HST) or sew several in a row to create borders for a quilt that you want to make larger.
You have limitless possibilities using 5” squares.
How many 5” squares does it take to make a full-size quilt?
A full-size quilt measures approximately 80”x90”. You would need 360- 5” squares to create this size quilt. Remember, if you start with a 5” square, the actual size of the square once sewn is 4 ½” since you use a ¼” seam allowance on all four sides.
How to Make a Quilt with Squares
In this tutorial, I will take you step-by-step through constructing a quilt top using 5” squares. However, you can use this tutorial as a guide to making a quilt using any size square.
Step 1: Choose the Fabric
This step will be pretty simple if you use charm packs or another precut square bundle. If you prefer to use yardage and cut your squares, I recommend choosing at least six different fabrics to make a scrappy style pattern.
I will be using 40 squares from this super cute charm pack with Robert Kaufman fabrics. I will also be using 40- 5” white squares I cut from yardage. The 80- 5” squares will make a 36”x45” baby quilt.
Step 2: Choose the Layout
The layout will depend on the fabric you choose and your personal preference. If you want a genuinely scrappy look, I recommend laying the squares out on a flat surface and strategically placing the squares so you don’t have two matching squares next to each other.
Since I am using one charm pack with patterned fabrics and the other squares are solid white, I have chosen to use a checkerboard-style layout.
Step 3: Sew the Horizontal Rows
You want to make sure you are precise in your seam allowances. If you are off the tiniest bit on each seam, it can throw off the entire quilt top. Use a ¼” seam allowance for when you are sewing quilt squares together.
Sew all ten of the horizontal rows.
Step 4: Press the Seams
Pressing the seams is a crucial step that might take a little extra time but is well worth it. Doing this will help your quilt blocks lay flat and look fabulous.
When making a quilt like this, it is essential to “nest the seams.” We must first press the seams from every other row in the opposite direction to nest the seams. This means you will press Rows 1,3,5, and 7 towards the left. You will press rows 2,4,6, and 8 towards the right.
TIP: To get an extra crisp seam when pressing, use a little steam.
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Step 5: Sew the Rows Together
Now comes the fun part: nesting the seams! Take Rows 1 and 2 and place them right sides together.
Line up the seam lines and either pin or clip the seams together.
See how the seams perfectly “nest” together to make a flat seam? That is what you want for all of the seams when sewing rows of quilt blocks together.
Continue this step till you have all the rows sewn together.
Step 6: Press the Row Seams
In this step, I recommend using steam (if you can) to get crisp, flat seams over the entire quilt top. Press all the seams in the same direction.
Check out these beautiful seams!
I hope this tutorial has taken the guesswork of creating a professional-looking patchwork quilt.
Quilts made from squares are such a great option for beginners or if you need to make a quick, heartfelt gift for a loved one. Don’t forget to have fun with it and enjoy the process!
