5x5 Quilt Revisited

I was inspired to make another of these quilts which one can easily make in a single afternoon. To show that my stitching-frugality knows no bounds, I have further simplified the directions to include additional time-cutting methods.

Time Saver #1 - No topstitching. I'm not sure why I included it to begin with. Maybe to act as a faux binding? Well, regardless, after pressing the piece, it just didn't seem necessary. The batting is caught up in the seam, so there is no chance of it slipping from the corners. The choice to topstitch is yours whether you choose to follow my initial method or the new method below.

Time Saver #2 - No quilting. I'm not a quilter by nature. To be quite honest, pushing my painstakingly patchworked pieces through a machine to create permanent topstitching patterns gives me a bit of anxiety. Not being skilled in this aspect, I always find my quilting to be lack-luster at best and often regret that I've marred the surface of the fabrics. I do, however, love tying (or tacking) quilts. There is something clean about the finish and obviously, it does not require an abundance of technical skill.

In this example I simply tacked the quilt at every 4-corner intersection on the interior of the quilt (16 tacks). I set my machine to a zigzag stitch on its widest setting and narrowest stitch. I went forward and backwards twice in a short 1/4" burst.

Alternative method would be to tie the quilt or embroider a decorative shape, such as a heart.

Anyway you make this simple quilt, you are sure to have nearly instant satisfaction.

Some perfect applications to make this crazy-simple quilt that measures a practical 34 x 46:

• Play mat
• Toddler bed
• Daycare/cot bedding
• Lap quilt

Makes an excellent, homemade, personal and *quick* gift

• Baby shower
• Birthday
• Housewarming
• Hostess gift
• Thank you
• Teacher

A fabulous project for

• Beginners
• Young sewists
• Class project (yes, please feel free to use this tute)
• Girl scout or group activities
• Fundraisers
• Donations for those in need

Alternatively, if you're not into cutting time corners and want to jazz this piece up a bit, here's some other ideas:

• Patchwork rectangles then piece then together (excellent solution for a scrap-busting project).
• Mix solids and prints.
• Use a print only once using 25 different patterns.
• Use only solid colors.
• Make columns of single colors- or shades of color- for a rainbow effect.
• Use old t-shirts or men's plaid shirts (note: jersey stretches, so I recommend tacking over quilting unless you know what you're doing)
• Use a decorative trim around the edges like ricrac or pom-pom fringe.

I hope my little project inspires you. If you have opportunity to make one, we'd love it if you share the link.