This tutorial introduces my first project designed with EQ Mini Software by The Electric Quilt Company.  Made with pre-cut charm squares, this first easy beginner project is the Charming Baby Quilt.  I am pleased to be blogging for Electric Quilt hosting EQ Mini Friday Fun and sharing how to design in EQ Mini.  In addition, on my blog here, I will be sharing tutorials to take the design from idea to finished stitched project.

EQ Mini is the new scaled down, simpler version of EQ7 quilt design software.  This program was created for quilters who are just getting started using software for quilt design.  EQ Mini will help you create, edit, share, and print patterns and yardage for your quilt designs.  I had the good fortune to beta test EQ Mini and I was very impressed with the easy flow and friendly beginner aspects of the software.

I love the colored step by step tabs that let you easily work to create and edit a design.  And even though it is a Mini version of the Electric Quilt 7 software, it is still robust enough to offer a ton of design possibilities. It contains a block library of 300 pieced and appliqué blocks that can be set in 4 layout styles, there are 8 different border styles and a fabric library of over 3500 scanned fabrics to use to make your designs exactly how you want them.  Thats my EQ Mini spiel!  Let’s move on to the tutorial!

Charming Baby Quilt

Finished size is 40 1/2″ x 40 1/2″.

Materials

• 1 package of coordinating 5″ charm squares (you will need 32)
• 1  yd for center of quilt
• 1/2 yard for small border and binding
• 1 1/4 yard for backing
• 1 1/4 yard batting

Directions

Cut Fabric:

Center Square

•  1 — 31 1/2 ″ x 31 1/2 ″ square

Inner Border

• 2 — 1″ x 31  1/2″ strips
• 2 — 1″ x 33  1/2″ strips

Outer Border

• 32 – 5″ Charm squares

 Sew:

1. Sew the 31 1/2″ inner border strips to opposite sides of the center 31 1/2″ square. Press seams.
2. Sew the 33 1/2″ inner border strips to the top and bottom of the center square. Press seams.
3. Take your charm squares and arrange them around the quilt until you get an arrangement you like.
4. Sew together seven squares for each side.  Attach the sewn strips of seven squares to each side of the quilt center unit. Press seams.
5. Sew together the remaining nine squares for the top and bottom of the quilt.  Attach the sewn strips of 9 squares to the top and bottom of the quilt center unit.  Press seams.
6. Your quilt top is pieced.  Yay!
7. Prepare the quilt backing.  You may need to piece part of the fabric on one side so that it is larger than your quilt top if needed.
8. Make a quilt sandwich with the backing face down, then the batting, then your quilt top face up.
9. Pin baste the quilt layers together.
10. Quilt as desired.
    
11. Here is my super secret method I used to mark this quilt.  The smaller shapes were just smaller lids I found in the kitchen.
12.  I tried quilting some large clamshells and stitched them with my walking foot.  I like the rainbow look and it echos some of the designs in the charm squares.
13. Finally, add the binding.  I used 2 1/2″ strips to make my binding.  Here is the finished quilt in my sunroom, the lighter colors are dappled sunlight coming in the room.

Variation Suggestions

• Mix it up and try a cute nursery print for the center and solid pre-cut 5″ squares for the outside.
• Use that blank space in the center to personalize the quilt with baby’s name in embroidery or with applique letters.

This is a quick and easy baby quilt that you could easily put together in a diligent weekend.  I really liked the idea of using a pack of charm squares that I already had in my stash.  I would love to see pictures of your charming baby quilt.  Just tag me on instagram @lormillerdesigns.

Looking for the EQ Mini Design Instructions?  You can find them here: EQ Mini Friday Fun: Charming Baby Quilt