Charmed, I’m Sure: Quilt “Charms”
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What are Quilt Charms? Charms are small squares of fabric cut to a pre-determined size, the size being dependent upon the specific need(s) of the collector/user. My favorite charm size is 5″. It is a size that is easy to cut and large enough to work with, yet small enough not to be bulky. |
| There are also other sizes, too… 1″, 2″, 2.5″, 3″, 4″, 6″, 7″, 8″, 9″, and 10″. You rarely find anyone who collects charms over 10″ square, but when it is all said and done, charms are any size that a quilter desires. I am sure you can probably find someone who collects sizes not mentioned here. | |
| Collecting charms is fun, and it can also become very addictive! There are clubs and fabric swaps that are completely devoted to doing nothing but exchanging charms. You choose the size you want, contact another member to exchange information, and then start sending your little squishy packets in the snail mail to another participant. Charms are usually exchanged in lots of 10, but can be traded in any other amount that is agreed upon. | |
| Many times, collectors are particular about specifications they want their charms to meet. Some people request that their charms be pre-washed; some do not. Some may want all blues, some may want all florals, some may want all calico fabrics, some may be collecting 30s prints, some steer clear of novelty fabrics, and so forth. It is entirely up to you and your swapping friends as to what you want to exchange! | |
Charm quilts are everywhere and the reasons for collecting charms vary. Charm are great for:
Right now, I am not collecting charms, but there are several swaps (fabric and block) on the Quilting Passion Forum (basic membership is free).
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April 10th, 2007 at 10:46 am
Thanks for clarifying what a charm is… I’ve never actually collected them! But I did make an “Around The World” quilt once, I guess that counts as a charm quilt.
I love your yo-yos, they’re so nice. Do yo-yo quilts last long? Maybe when you get into your yo-yo article (hinted at above) you can talk about the longevity of such quilts. Thanks!
April 10th, 2007 at 11:02 am
What I like about charms is that I can have a piece of every fabric in a collection, while I may not be able to afford even FQs of all of them. I find good buys on charm sets on eBay.
I’ve been using them mostly for appliqué.
April 10th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
Val, yo-yo quilts only have a good longevity IF you use it sparingly and either launder it by hand or have it dry-cleaned. They are whip-stitched together, so the quilt is actually only as strong as the person’s skills at sewing who make it. If that makes sense.
Sequana, I didn’t know they sold charm sets on eBay!!!! I collect them for my yo-yo quilt and I also use them for appliqué.
April 14th, 2007 at 1:00 am
Terry, Some fabric companies are now selling charm sets. I bought a set for my secretary last weekend–Moda. They wre nickle charms.