[Allie_D]

Could someone that knows a bit about patchwork charm packs please explain them to me because I'm a little bit confused!!

For example:

Boho Charm Pack

It says that you get 42 5"x5" squares, but then shows 35 different patterns below.

So what do you actually get in a charm pack? Is it just a random mix? I normally just buy material so I'm not sure what I'm buying here!!

ETA- Oh and can someone explain the difference between a charm pack and a jelly roll?!

This post has been edited by Allie_D: 09/02/2013, 10:02 AM

[Procrastinator50...]

I think you do get basically what they show you underneath - it's showing you the different prints that will be in the pack, just that there might be some repeats or maybe plain blocks to bring it up to 42.

Trying to remember.. I've bought them before.

[Allie_D]

Thanks!

[iykwim]

Yep in a charm pack you get at least one 5" square of each print, then some will be doubled up to make up the 42.

A jelly roll is a roll of 2" strips of a particular fabric line. So you get one 2" x 44" strip of each print in a particular fabric collection.

Both are useful for making quilt tops, saves you the hassle and time of cutting

[blackcat20]

Yep in a charm pack you get at least one 5" square of each print, then some will be doubled up to make up the 42.

A jelly roll is a roll of 2" strips of a particular fabric line. So you get one 2" x 44" strip of each print in a particular fabric collection.

Both are useful for making quilt tops, saves you the hassle and time of cutting

This! If you have any other questions feel free to PM me.

[Allie_D]

Awesome! That's what I want to do. Make a quilt without all the cutting of squares!! They actually seem quite well priced too. The material I bought at spotlight cost me over $20 for the last small one I made.

[liveworkplay]

As an aside, I have been looking at some of the quilts made with the charm packs. What is the white material they use? Homespun?

[iykwim]

As an aside, I have been looking at some of the quilts made with the charm packs. What is the white material they use? Homespun?

Do you mean as strips in between the squares? Depends on the quilter, I think most of spotlights plain solids are homespun. I prefer kona cottons, they are softer in my opinion

[whisk_]

Here is a useful explanation of all the pre-cut packs, like charm packs and jelly rolls: http://www.modabakeshop.com/p/bakery.html

You can also find some interesting patterns on this site to use the charm packs.

I like charm packs because I'm a novice quilter - I'm capable in the construction but I am not all that great on fussy quilt patterns (I just don't have the patience to cut all those tiny little bits!). Often I will use charm packs to make an old style patchwork quilt, just sewing all squares together with a nice contrasting border and trim, then quilting by stitching in the ditch. These quilts come together super quickly and always look pretty, even if more experienced quilters might scoff at my laziness!

I also just use quilting cotton for backing and between the squares, if I'm doing such a thing. Keeps it all more uniform, rather than using homespun where the quality varies somewhat. I have used homespun for the backing, though, but I prefer to buy backing from a quilt shop (which is basically quilting cotton in larger widths) to keep my fabric type the same. Initially you don't really notice if you use different fabrics, but once you throw the quilts in the wash a few times they can wear differently and you can notice a difference).

[blackcat20]

As an aside, I have been looking at some of the quilts made with the charm packs. What is the white material they use? Homespun?

I use a Moda Bella Solid. As long as its a cotton quilting fabric it doesnt matter too much.