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-   -   Not all Charm Packs are 5" squares (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/not-all-charm-packs-5%22-squares-t32366.html)

sewjoyce 12-26-2009 03:02 PM


Originally Posted by Pzazz

Originally Posted by sewjoyce

Originally Posted by amma
I did see one that was boxed up and advertised as "mini" charms I think they were 1 1/2 inch squares :shock:

Somehow I just can't imagine making a big quilt using 1 1/2" squares -- and still being half sane when I got done :lol: :lol:

I have several hundred, (thousand, maybe?), of 1 1/2" squares that I plan to make "something" with....probably a lap size. And yes, you may need to send the men in white coats when I am done!!!! LOL Actually, I am looking forward to it as I see so many pretty ones done.


I think the sewing would be kind of fun but the cutting would drive me crazy!!

Can't wait to see your quilt! :D

Barb_MO 12-26-2009 03:32 PM

isn't there some way you could strip piece and postage stamp quilt? and, do the piece have to be 1 1/2 square. I've seen postage stamp bigger than that.

amma 12-26-2009 03:56 PM

I think the true postage stamp quilts, each stamp is a different fabric :D

aliaslaceygreen 12-26-2009 04:32 PM

Hmm... My understanding had always been that a charm quilt was made of all one SHAPE piece, in which you didn't ever repeat the fabric... (hexagon, diamond, square, triangle, rectangle)....

I think the manufacturers sell what they call charm squares and 5" just kind of happened....I know nickel quilts would use only 5" squares to start with....

or, I could be wrong...(although THAT'S never happened before... :lol: )

MadQuilter 12-26-2009 05:49 PM

Some of them have pinked edges too. Something to consider before buying,

amma 12-26-2009 08:25 PM

I don't care for pinked edges myself, and in some of the packs it is hard to tell if they are.

Cyndi H 12-26-2009 08:53 PM


Originally Posted by sewjoyce

Originally Posted by amma
I did see one that was boxed up and advertised as "mini" charms I think they were 1 1/2 inch squares :shock:

Somehow I just can't imagine making a big quilt using 1 1/2" squares -- and still being half sane when I got done :lol: :lol:

That's exactly what I"m doing, though. I have a zillion 1 1/2" squares - the smallest square I wanted to work with while organizing my scraps and stash. So I'm now using them as leaders and enders, matching darks to lights, and when I get a bunch done (the pile keeps replenishing itself while I work on other projects), I'll start making 4-patches with them. Eventually they'll become 9-patches, which will be 4.5" blocks. I'll use my 3" squares - I also have ton of those - and will trim them to 2 7/8" - to make pinwheel blocks that will also be 4.5" squares. Eventually I'll have a quilt - all made of leaders and enders. For more info on this method, visit the site previously mentioned above - Bonnie Hunter's Quiltville - quiltville.com. But you're right - maybe I'll be insane by the time I'm done!

charmpacksplus 12-26-2009 09:12 PM

Charmpacksplus here! I think "charm pack" has just become a generic term, like Kleenex, for packs of fabric squares, it doesnt matter the size or if they are all different or not. MODA is the main manufacturer of charm packs and has an item called "charm packs" that are five-inch squares. The squares in the Moda packs USED to be all different and the number of squares in the pack were determined by how many prints in the collection. Some had 20, some had up to 50. Moda's newest charm packs all have 42 squares in them, but there may be some duplicate fabrics in the pack. The edges are pinked to prevent fraying but it's a small pinking so it doesnt really matter. They are die cut. Some individuals also cut squares to sell from fabrics of their choice, mostly on ebay, and call them charm packs. Some are rotary cut, some are die cut. Some are prewwashed and steam pressed, some are not. Always read the description to see what's in the pack - size, number of squares, all different or not, brand of fabric, etc.

amma 12-26-2009 10:18 PM

Thank you for the info :D:D:D
I have vision problems, and it is harder for me to sew a accurate 1/4" seam line when a good portion of the edge of the fabric is missing.
Plus, with small seam lines, and the fact that I mainly make utility quilts, it make me nervous when the edges are pinked. Even more so on some charity/baby quilts that are frequent/to daily laundering....

jljack 12-26-2009 11:32 PM

Since I have used several dozen of these Moda charm packs, I can give some info here. The pinking is really small, and just on the very edge, so the size is a true 5", and it really doesn't effect lining up the edge. I use them to make bags, and as whole squares to make smaller quilts, and to cut into smaller pieces. I like them because of the variety of prints you get.


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