Charm Pack Table Topper!

Hello...how about a fast and fun table topper from a single charm pack?!

I've recently made this again in fun Christmas fabrics by Lori Holt...enjoy the original tutorial below!

Today I'd like to share a quick and easy table topper I made from a Moda charm pack, 2 yards of 1/2" (or 5/8") ric rac, and 7/8 yard of fabric for backing and binding. I used a Hartfield charm pack and some Moda Simplicity for my backing/binding. Before beginning:

• Choose eight charm squares that will make up your eight four-patch blocks
• Choose one charm square and cut into (4)v2 1/2" squares for the corners of your border 
• Choose an additional 8 charm squares that you will cut into (16) 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles for the border 
• Choose 8 charm squares and trim them all to 4 1/2" square for the alternating blocks 
• Cut 4 - 18" lengths of ric rac (if trim is desired)...Now you're ready to begin!

My "inspiration" for this project was this fun sheet I found here on the Moda website. (They also have a file like this with ideas for how to use a layer cake).

Pair up the 8 charm squares for the four-patch blocks into four groups of two. Place them right sides together and sew a scant 1/4" seam on two opposite sides. Then you will cut these sewn squares in half.

When you press them open you will have eight pieces that look like this (only 6 are pictured).

Next, nest each matching pair of sewn fabrics right sides together so that the seams meet, and again sew on the two opposite sides.

Again you will cut your pieces in half. I love to use two rulers to make sure my cut is even...with the pinked edges of a charm square this helps to ensure an even cut!

When you press these pieces open you will have your eight 4-patch blocks!

Next, sew your 4-patch blocks together with your eight 4 1/2" trimmed squares to create four rows of four blocks...alternating 4-patch blocks with the squares.

I pressed everything towards the squares so that the four-patch blocks would be flat.

At this time you should also sew the (16) 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles together on the 2 1/2" edges. Make four strips with four rectangles in each strip.

Now the fun really begins! Attach the ric rac to all four edges of your 16-block center. I lined up my ric rac with the edge of my quilt and basted using a 1/8" seam. (You can skip this step if you're not adding any trim).

After all four edges have the ric rac attached, you can attach a rectangle strip to the left and right sides of your quilt. I used a pin at each seam intersection.

When you press the sides open your quilt will look like this:

Next you'll want to attach the four 2 1/2" squares to each end of the remaining two rectangle strips.

Sew these to the top and bottom of your quilt...and press the ric rac flat towards the center of your quilt.

Now you are ready to layer with batting and backing...quilt...and bind! I machine stippled my quilt and used 2 1/4" strips for my binding.

Your table topper will measure approximately 20 1/2" x 20 1/2" when you are finished!

Hope you get to sew today!

Thanks so much for stopping by...Sherri