How Many Charm Packs Do You Need?
In this blog post, I am breaking down the number of charm squares you need for each quilt size. I will cover all the standard size quilts and how many charm packs you need to make your quilt top. These charts are an easy way to make sure you have enough fabric for your next quilting project.
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How many charm packs do I need to make a quilt?
The table below lists the number of squares needed for suggested finished quilt sizes. I also calculated the number of charm packs needed, assuming your packs contain the typical 42 pre-cut squares. If your charm packs have a different number of pieces, you may have to adjust these calculations accordingly. Also, if you prefer any extra length or width to your quilts, then just add an extra row of squares. Easy peasy.
| Suggested Quilt Size | Number of 5″ Squares | Number of (42 pcs.) Charm Packs | |
| Baby Quilt | 31″ x 40″ | 63 (7×9) | 2 |
| Crib Quilt | 36″ x 54″ | 96 (8×12) | 3 |
| Lap Quilt | 54″ x 67″ | 180 (12×15) | 5 |
| Twin Quilt | 72″ x 99″ | 352 (16×22) | 9 |
| Full Quilt | 85″ x 99″ | 418 (19×22) | 10 |
| Queen Quilt | 90″ x 108″ | 480 (20×24) | 12 |
| King Quilt | 108″ x 108″ | 576 (24×24) | 14 |
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What is a charm pack?
A charm pack is a pre-cut pack of fabric squares. Precut charm squares typically come with a pinked edge and are a standard 5-inch, but due to the 1/4″ seam allowance, finished squares will measure 4.5″ x 4.5″.
Most packs come with 42 squares from a single fabric collection, so they are a variety of fabrics that all coordinate and complement each other. This makes charm packs perfect for making cohesive patchwork quilts with a variety of beautiful fabrics. This also makes precut charm squares a great option if you are seeking a fast and easy quilt.
Where can I buy charm packs?
For beginner quilters, making a quilt for the first time, I suggest buying a couple of charm packs from your local quilt shop. If want to add any additional fabrics to your charm pack, like some coordinating solids, you can simply cut 5-inch squares from yardage. You can cut 56 5-inch squares from 1 yard of fabric.
If you can’t find any charm packs at your local quilt shop, Fat Quarter Shop is an online shop that has a massive collection of charm packs. Moda Fabrics is one of the fabric companies they stock and they are known for their gorgeous charm packs.
Charm Pack Quilt Patterns
If you’re looking for a quilt pattern written specifically for 5-inch squares, I would suggest Fat Quarter Shop for this as well. They have almost 300 charm pack patterns available on their website. If you are looking for a free pdf pattern, Fat Quarter Shop has over 21 free patterns available for download. There are also many free quilt patterns online that you can find by doing a quick google search. Free charm pack quilt patterns are available in modern designs or more traditional quilt blocks.
What are standard quilt sizes?
Besides the three smaller quilt sizes, most quilts (twin – king) should have 15-16″ of hang on both sides of the bed.
| Standard Mattress Size | Suggested Quilt Size | |
| Baby | N/A | 31″ x 40″ |
| Crib | 28″ x 52″ | 36″ x 54″ |
| Throw/Lap | N/A | 54″ x 67″ |
| Twin | 38″ x 74″ | 72″ x 99″ |
| Full | 54″ x 75″ | 85″ x 99″ |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ | 90″ x 108″ |
| King | 76″ x 80″ | 108″ x 108″ |
How many yards of fabric is one charm pack?
One charm pack, with 42 squares, is equal to roughly a 5/8 yard of fabric.
How many charm packs do I need to make a baby quilt?
To make a simple baby quilt, you will need 63 total squares. This can be either 2 charm packs, or 1 charm pack + 1/2 yard fabric, cut into 21 5-inch squares. Your finished baby quilt dimensions will measure 31.5″ x 40.5″.
How many charm packs do I need to make a crib size quilt?
To make a crib-size quilt, you will need 96 total squares. This can be either 3 charm packs, or 2 charm packs + 1/3 yard fabric, cut into 12 5-inch squares. Your finished crib quilt will measure 36″ x 54″.
How many charm packs do I need to make a throw quilt?
To make a small quilt, like a throw, you will need 180 total squares. This can be either 5 charm packs, or 4 charm packs + 1/3 yard fabric, cut into 12 5-inch squares. Your finished quilt will measure 54″ x 67.5″.
How many charm packs do I need to make a twin size quilt?
To make a twin-size quilt, you will need 352 total squares. This can be either 9 charm packs, or 8 charm packs + 1/3 yard fabric, cut into 16 5-inch squares. Your finished quilt will measure 72″ x 99″.
How many charm packs do I need to make a full-size quilt?
To make a full-size quilt, you will need 418 total squares. This can be either 10 charm packs, or 9 charm packs + 3/4 yard fabric, cut into 40 5-inch squares. Your finished quilt will measure 85.5″ x 99″.
How many charm packs do I need to make a queen size quilt?
To make a queen-sized quilt, you will need 480 total squares. This can be either 12 charm packs, or 11 charm packs + 1/2 yard fabric, cut into 18 5-inch squares. Your finished quilt will measure 90″ x 108″.
How many charm packs do I need to make a king bed size quilt?
To make a king bed size quilt, you will need 576 total squares. This can be either 14 charm packs, or 13 charm packs + 2/3 yard fabric, cut into 30 5-inch squares. Your finished quilt will measure 108″ x 108″.
Other Pre-Cut Fabric Dimensions
Pre-cut fabric bundles come in many different shapes and different sizes. Similar to charm packs, they are typically fabrics from a single collection. They are a great way to achieve a beautiful quilt without having to stress about picking each fabric.
Pre-cut bundles can sometimes have different names than what I have below. If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to refer to the fabric dimensions. The charts below will help you determine how much fabric you need if you are using precut bundles other than charm packs.
Mini Charm Packs
Mini Charm Packs are smaller squares compared to charm packs. They are 2.5″ x 2.5″, with the finished square measuring 2″ x 2″. Mini Charm Packs come with 42 squares. I would not suggest making a large quilt using only mini charm squares, since the numbers get big quickly… but, if you’re feeling brave, here’s the math for you!
The following calculations are based on making a quilt top with 2.5″ squares exclusively. If you are using a mini charm pack pattern, then follow the fabric recommendations for your specific quilt pattern. Find dozens of mini charm pack patterns here!
| Suggested Quilt Size | Number of 2.5″ Squares | Number of (42 pcs.) Mini Charm Packs | |
| Baby Quilt | 32″ x 40″ | 320 (16 x 20) | 8 |
| Crib Quilt | 36″ x 54″ | 468 (18 x 26) | 12 |
| Lap Quilt | 54″ x 68″ | 918 (27 x 34) | 22 |
| Twin Quilt | 72″ x 100″ | 1,800 (36 x 50) | 43 |
| Full Quilt | 86″ x 100″ | 2,150 (43 x 50) | 52 |
| Queen Quilt | 90″ x 108″ | 2,430 (45 x 54) | 58 |
| King Quilt | 108″ x 108″ | 2,916 (54 x 54) | 70 |
Jelly Rolls
Jelly rolls are 2.5″ strips of fabric. Most bundles come with 40 pieces of 2.5″ x 42″ fabric strips. Finished strips will measure 2″ wide. The following calculations are based on making a quilt top with 2.5″ strips exclusively. If you are using a jelly roll pattern, then follow the fabric recommendations for your specific quilt pattern. Find hundreds of jelly roll patterns here!
| Suggested Quilt Size | Number of 2.5″ Strips | Number of ( 40 pcs.) Jelly Rolls | |
| Baby Quilt | 32″ x 40″ | 16 | 1 |
| Crib Quilt | 36″ x 54″ | 27 | 1 |
| Lap Quilt | 54″ x 67″ | 54 | 2 |
| Twin Quilt | 72″ x 99″ | 90 | 3 |
| Full Quilt | 86″ x 99″ | 108 | 3 |
| Queen Quilt | 90″ x 108″ | 135 | 4 |
| King Quilt | 108″ x 108″ | 160 | 4 |
Honey Buns
Honey buns are 1.5″ strips of fabric. Most bundles come with 40 pieces of 1.5″ x 42″ fabric strips. Finished strips will measure 1″ wide. The following calculations are based on making a quilt top with 1.5″ strips exclusively. If you are using a honey bun pattern, then follow the fabric recommendations for your specific quilt pattern. Find dozens of honey bun patterns here!
| Suggested Quilt Size | Number of 1.5″ Strips | Number of ( 40 pcs.) Honey Buns | |
| Baby Quilt | 31″ x 40″ | 31 | 1 |
| Crib Quilt | 36″ x 54″ | 54 | 2 |
| Lap Quilt | 54″ x 67″ | 87 | 2 |
| Twin Quilt | 72″ x 100″ | 172 | 5 |
| Full Quilt | 84″ x 100″ | 200 | 5 |
| Queen Quilt | 90″ x 108″ | 234 | 6 |
| King Quilt | 108″ x 108″ | 280 | 7 |
Jolly Bars
Jolly bars are 5″ x 10″ pre-cut strips. Packs contain 42 bars. Finished blocks will measure 4.5″ x 9.5″. The following calculations are based on the strips running the vertical length of the quilt. The following calculations are based on making a quilt top with jolly bars exclusively. If you are using a jolly bar pattern, then follow the fabric recommendations for your specific quilt pattern. Find free and paid jolly bar patterns here!
| Suggested Quilt Size | Number of 5″ x 10″ Strips | Number of (42 pcs.) Jolly Bars | |
| Baby Quilt | 31.5″ x 38″ | 28 (7 x 4) | 1 |
| Crib Quilt | 36″ x 57″ | 48 (8 x 6) | 2 |
| Lap Quilt | 54″ x 66.5″ | 84 (12 x 7) | 3 |
| Twin Quilt | 72″ x 104.5″ | 176 (16 x 11) | 5 |
| Full Quilt | 85.5″ x 104.5″ | 209 (19 x 11) | 5 |
| Queen Quilt | 90″ x 104.5″ | 220 (20 x 11) | 6 |
| King Quilt | 108″ x 114″ | 288 (24 x 12) | 7 |
Layer Cakes
Layer Cakes are packs of 10″ squares. Packs contain 42 squares. Finished squares will measure 9.5″. The following calculations are based on making a quilt top with 10″ squares exclusively. If you are using a layer cake pattern, then follow the fabric recommendations for your specific quilt pattern. Find hundreds of layer cake patterns here!
| Suggested Quilt Size | Number of 10″ Squares | Number of (42 pcs.) Layer Cakes | |
| Baby Quilt | 28.5″ x 38″ | 12 (3 x 4) | 1 |
| Crib Quilt | 38″ x 57″ | 24 (4 x 6) | 1 |
| Lap Quilt | 57″ x 66.5″ | 42 (6 x 7) | 1 |
| Twin Quilt | 76″ x 95″ | 80 (8 x 10) | 2 |
| Full Quilt | 85.5″ x 104.5″ | 99 (9 x 11) | 3 |
| Queen Quilt | 95″ x 104.5″ | 110 (10 x 11) | 3 |
| King Quilt | 104.5″ x 104.5″ | 121 (11 x 11) | 3 |
Fat Quarters
Fat quarters are a popular precut size measuring 18″ x 21″. If you are looking for a great pattern to use up your fat quarters, there are countless patterns out there. Fat Quarter Shop alone, has over 1,000 fat quarter patterns. After you find the perfect pattern, get a fat quarter bundle (or 2) and start quilting!
Fat Eighths
Fat eights is another popular precut fabric size. They measure 9″ x 21″. There are tons of unique patterns written with fat eighth bundles in mind. Fat Quarter Shop has over 500 patterns available in either paper or PDF download.
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This is an amazing and extremely helpful blog post. Thank you. Do you have it in table form for printing? I know, another person who wants more.
So glad you found it helpful! I didn’t even think to make a printable chart. That’s a brilliant idea!
Hi Mary! The post has been updated with a printable PDF table. Thank you for the suggestion!
Love the charts for how much and many is needed to make various size quilts.