As a quilter, I have always been captivated by patterns that blend elegance with simplicity, where the design flows effortlessly and each block tells a story through its colors and structure.
The Harlequin Charm Quilt, designed by Jinny Beyer, is one such quilt that strikes a beautiful balance. The quilt, made with rich, shaded Best of Malam Spindle Strips, creates a mesmerizing display of color transitions, making it visually striking while remaining approachable for quilters of all levels.
My journey with the Harlequin Charm began when I first discovered how quickly it came together, yet how rewarding the results were. Whether you’re creating the smaller version or the larger quilt, the beauty of the spindle strips and the bold contrast of the accent fabric will leave you with a quilt that sparkles with charm and vibrance. Let’s dive into this captivating project, combining artistry and technique with a fun, relaxed quilting experience.
Unlocking the Magic of Color: The Charm of Shaded Spindle Strips
The true charm of the Harlequin Charm Quilt lies in the seamless shading effect of the Best of Malam Spindle Strips. Available in stunning colorways such as Sunrise, Berry Basket, Tropical Waters, and Rain Forest, these strips offer a range of colors that transition effortlessly from one to the next, creating a quilt that’s alive with movement and depth. Whether you’re using the tropical blues of Tropical Waters or the rich greens of Rain Forest, the result is a quilt that feels dynamic and full of life.
Materials: Preparing for Your Harlequin Charm Quilt
Before beginning, gather all the necessary materials for your quilt. The Harlequin Charm comes in two sizes—small and large—with fabric requirements slightly varying between the two.
Harlequin Charm Full Pattern: Click Here
Small Quilt (34″ x 48″)
- One set of 40 shaded Best of Malam Spindle Strips
- Fabric 1 (Black – 2142-07): 3¾ yards (for blocks, background, and borders)
- Fabric 2 (Accent Fabric): ⅝ yard (for blocks and border)
- Backing fabric: 4 yards (not included in the kit)
Large Quilt (85½” x 102½”)
- Two sets of 40 shaded Best of Malam Spindle Strips
- Fabric 1 (Black – 2142-07): 8¼ yards (for blocks, background, and borders)
- Fabric 2 (Accent Fabric): 1¼ yards (for blocks and border)
- Backing fabric: 10 yards (not included in the kit)
The Spindle Strips are available in the following colorways:
- Sunrise
- Berry Basket
- Tropical Waters
- Rain Forest
Additionally, you’ll need basic quilting tools such as a rotary cutter, ruler, mat, and sewing machine with a ¼” foot. Ensure you have all your tools ready before starting the Harlequin Charm.
Getting Started: Cutting and Organizing Your Fabrics
One of the most important steps in creating the Harlequin Charm Quilt is to keep your Spindle Strips in order. Start by unrolling your set of 40 strips and labeling each one according to the numbers provided on page 6 of the pattern. This will help maintain the proper order of colors as you assemble the quilt blocks, ensuring the shading effect remains intact.
- Cut the Spindle Strips: Depending on whether you’re making the small or large quilt, refer to the pattern instructions to cut the appropriate number of strips, squares, and triangles from Fabric 1 (Black) and Fabric 2 (Accent Fabric).
- For the small quilt, you will cut 25 segments (2½” x 5½”) from your strip sets.
- For the large quilt, you will cut 100 segments (2½” x 5½”).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Making the Alternate Blocks
The alternate blocks are created using Fabric 1 (Black) strips and Fabric 2 (Accent Fabric).
- Small Quilt: Sew a Fabric 1 WOF (Width of Fabric) strip to both sides of a Fabric 2 strip (2½” wide). Repeat this process for a second strip-set.
- Cut these strip-sets into 25 segments, each measuring 2½” wide.
- Large Quilt: Sew twelve Fabric 1 strips to six Fabric 2 strips, following the same process as the small quilt. Cut these strip-sets into 100 segments, each measuring 2½” wide.
Step 2: Constructing the Main Blocks
For both the small and large quilts, follow these steps to assemble the main blocks using your spindle strips and Fabric 1:
- Select and Cut the Strips: Begin with the first four strips from your spindle set. Cut one 2″ x 4″ segment from each strip for the small quilt (or four pieces for the large quilt). Arrange them around a 2½” Fabric 1 square.
- For Block 1, use strips 1-4. Block 2 will use strips 2-5, and so on, ensuring the shading effect continues across the quilt.
- Sew the Strips: Begin by sewing Strip 1 to the center square with a partial seam (this means you won’t sew all the way to the end of the square). Continue sewing the strips around the center square in a clockwise direction, pressing as you go. Once all four strips are sewn, complete the partial seam from Strip 1.
- Make Reversed Blocks (Large Quilt Only): For the large quilt, you will also need to make reversed blocks, where the strips are sewn counterclockwise around the center square. This will create a mirrored effect, adding to the dynamic look of the quilt.
Step 3: Assembling the Quilt Top
Once your blocks are complete, lay them out according to the assembly diagram provided in the pattern. Pay close attention to the orientation of the blocks, especially when alternating between regular and reversed blocks (for the large quilt).
- Small Quilt: Sew the blocks together in diagonal rows, adding A-triangles (from Fabric 1) to the end blocks and B-triangles to the corners.
- Large Quilt: Assemble the quilt in four quadrants, two regular and two reversed. Once all four sections are complete, sew them together to form the full quilt top.
Step 4: Adding Borders
Sew the border strips from Fabric 1 and Fabric 2 together as shown in the pattern, following Jinny Beyer’s method for mitered corners. This technique ensures that your borders align perfectly and the design flows smoothly around the corners of the quilt.
Step 5: Quilting and Binding
After assembling the quilt top, layer it with batting and backing fabric. Baste the layers together and quilt as desired. Once the quilting is complete, trim the excess batting and backing, and finish by binding the quilt with your preferred method.
The Harlequin Charm Quilt is more than just a quilt—it’s a celebration of color, shading, and design. Whether you’re making the small or large version, the dynamic contrast between the spindle strips and the accent fabric creates a quilt that sparkles with vibrancy and movement. With its straightforward construction and stunning results, this project is perfect for quilters who want to create something truly special without overwhelming complexity.
Enjoy the process, savor each stitch, and let the charm of this quilt inspire your creativity!