Charm Square Calculator

In quilting, a “charm square” is a 5 inch by 5 inch square of fabric that is frequently used as precut quilt fabric in various quilt patterns. Charm squares are frequently used in quilting projects because they are inexpensive, simple to use, and of a consistent size.

They are frequently marketed in “charm packs,” which are groups of squares constructed from a designer’s collection of complementary fabrics. Because they usually come with one or more 5″ squares from an entire line of fabric, they make it simple to match fabrics for a quilt. The majority of packs have 40-44 squares.

To determine the charm square, consider the finished quilt size as well as the number of squares you want in each row and column. A finished charm square measures 4 ½” by 4 ½” square after sewing with a 14″ seam allowance.

Assume you have a charm pack that contains 42 squares. You may make a quilt top with 6 rows and 7 blocks that is 27″ x 31 12″. You can make the quilt bigger by adding borders or more charm squares.

Here’s a short guide to different fabric yardages and the amount of charm squares you can get:

• 8 charm squares are required for 1/4 yard.
• A fat quarter requires 12 charm squares.
• A half yard requires 24 charm squares.
• 3/4 yard requires 40 to 45 charm squares.

Consider any sashing or borders you want to use when calculating the number of 5-inch squares needed for a quilt.

For example, if you want a 4-inch border around your quilt, make sure to account for it in your calculations.