I originally got the idea for this project from this blog http://thestudentteacher.squarespace.com/journal/2011/5/16/a-sewing-tutorial-emilys-embroidered-growth-chart.html however it is now defunct a couple of people requested instructions on Mrs.Bells thread about growth charts. I'm assuming if your taking on this project you have basic sewing skills but if you need clarification or further instruction please dont hesitate to ask. These take me about 4 sewing sessions at about 2 hours each to complete

Materials:
- Scrap Fabrics or for a more coordinated look you can purchase a Charm Pack from quilting site/store. Like this http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=7333513159107333&Store_id=499&page_id=23&Item_ID=84427&Parent_Ids=
- 1 1/2 yards Light colored cotton woven for the face
- 2 1/2 yards cotton woven Print for the backing
- 3/4 yards cotton woven Print for binding
- 1/4 yard cotton woven Print for corners
- a package or light weight batting
- thread
- embroidery floss
- 2 dowel rods (12" long)
- small piece of fusible interfacing

Tools/Equipment
- Sewing machine
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Scissors
- Iron & Ironing board
- Embroidery needle
- Foot with a least 1" guide on it
- Basic sewing supplies (pins, ripper, snips, etc)

Cut List - directions are for a 6' growth chart
- Cut the charm pack or scraps into 1 1/2" squares
- Cut the light color solid into (6) 1 1/2" x 12 1/2" strips and 10 1/2" x 12 1/2" squares
- Cut binding on the bias 1 1/2" wide
- Cut 4 Corners at 5" square

Directions
ALL SEAM ALLOWANCE IS 1/4" UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

1. first step is making the six 12" square quilting blocks - sew 12 of your little square scrappy pieces together in a row however you want be cautious of one directional prints - repeat 6 times and iron all seams open and flat. Then sew light colored strip, quilted strip and light colored block together - repeat 6 times iron seams open and flat- you now should have six 12" blocks

2. Building your front - sew all 6 blocks together in a row matching your strips, and blocks seams - iron open and flat

3. Embroidering a name - I find the easiest way to do this is to find a font i like print it in the size and put it under the light colored fabric and trace the letters with a pencil. Iron on a little fusible for stability. I then use 1/3 of a strand of embroidery floss (2 little threads) and just do a satin stitch over the letters another option would be fabric pens or paint.

4. Lay out your backing print with the wrong side up, lay a layer of batting over top, then lay your quilted piece which is now about 6'x1' cut out your batting and backing based on your facing piece. Pinning at each corner and where each square joins together

5. Baste the 3 layers together on the short sides and 1 long side closest to your little squares. Thread your machine with a fun colored thread with a basting stitch "stitch in the ditch" of each of the seams between quilting blocks keeping everything as flat and even as possible. using the foot with the guide quilt 1" lines going across your growth chart (use your little squares as a guide) some maybe a hair over or under an inch but this isnt meant to be an accurate ruler. once done iron and trim all your threads. (this gets tricky keeping all your fabric from getting bunched up in your machine, I start at the "top" and go from the side with the little squares to the open end. as i do each row of stitching i roll the part ive done so it will fit under the machine's arm)

6. Phew! take a break the hard part is over! Next is making your corners take those 5" squares you cut and fold them diagonally and press. baste these into each of the 4 corners

7. Make your binding and bind the edges of your quilt. i do mine all by machine but there are some great videos and blogs that explain a couple ways to do this.

8. trim all your threads and place the dowel rods in the pockets on the back. Hang with a piece of ribbon or just hang the dowel on a hook.

9. as your child grows mark their height by embroidering or using a fabric pen

I hope that was helpful, below is some picture of the ones I've done as well as a shot of how the original poster embroidered her measurements.