I would like to start making a quilt made from my daughters clothes. This will be a long time project, bc I have no idea how to quilt or have anyone to help me get started. My question is how big should I cut the squares? I was thinking 6x6 that way I have 1 inch to sew them together. I would like to make a Queen size quilt for her to snuggle with for a while. Any input would be helpful.
well like many of yall that responded, I too plan on this taking a while. I really just want to cut the fabric to a 6X6 size and put them into a box that way I dont have to waste space with the full item of clothing. I have so dang many things I want to put into this quildt and yes I think a practice quilt will be done. Thanks to all of yall that gave me advise and good luk to those that are quilting along with me.... If all else fails I have looked around and found several places that will make the quilt for ya... FYI... If it gets too overwhelming.
I have squares of several different sizes for quilting, you can get them at any crafting store. For a queen I would use at least a 6 inch, other wise the blanket can end up looking very busy, and do not forget to use some solid pieces, if you use all pattered squares the result is sometimes very cluttered looking.
Ihave been quilting for years and have some how-to's for you. First a 6" square is fine. Anysize is fine, it depends on what you like. I have even put squares of different sizes on the same quilt, but that takes some planning. The seam allowances on quilts is 1/4 inch. So, if you want a 6"square you will need to cut your material into 6 1/4" squares.
If I can answer any more questions please feel free to contact me at www.adventuresingrowing.net
Happy sewing.
T.
All the scrap quilts my grandma's made me have 3" squares (possibly 4" before sewn?). And yes, as already suggested, solids make the border (many of the solids are large and rectangular) and the printed squares are more of the decoration/pattern.
Most quilts I love are more like this: http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/120284349903465...
There are TONS of pictures online. Find a pattern you like and stick with it.
Check to see if there is a quilt quild in your area. New quilters are
always welcome.
You might consider going to the library and getting some quilting books. You should be able to find some ideas about different kinds of quilts and go from there. Can you take a quilting class at a local craft store just to get some basics down first? That would be really beneficial for you. Have fun. It's a great idea!
I would definitely suggest going to the library and getting some beginners quilting books... there are also some great websites out there that have basic quilting instructions and pictures to go along with the stages of creating a quilt.
The main thing that you want to keep in mind is the type of fabric that you use... most baby clothes are made of a cotton jersey fabric that is soft and stretchy in all directions (not like normal cotton that only stretches one way). If you try to create a quilt out of jersey fabric you'll have major issues because your squares will twist and warp and not look like squares for very long. I would google "tshirt quilt instructions" and they will tell you how you can back your fabric with some type of stabilizer so everything will keep the same shape. Lots of times you can iron on a stabilizer and that works pretty well but I'd look up lots of ideas and see what sounds the best for you.
I would also suggest possibly making a smaller quilt for your first time around if it is something you really want to complete some day. I started with "throw" size quilts and honestly have never made one larger than a twin size. If you make your first sewing project too large you may never finish it because sometimes in quilting its easy to "never see the end" of a large project and lose momentum and motivation. I am someone who prefers seeing semi-immediate gratification and know I will lose interest if I take on a project that is too large for me.
One more suggestion I would have is to visit a local quilt store in your area. For the best advice I would avoid the major chain craft stores and go for the locally owned "one of a kind" places. The women who run these shops are true passionate quilters and LOVE spreading the joy of quilting to newbies. Good luck with everything!
I am "trying" to do the same thing only with all the bottoms of the pants I have cut off into shorts for my boys....eek! It is hard! I am also doing 6x6 squares...seemed easier to go with the big squares :)
I am struggling and it is VERY time consuming...at the rate I am going I am hoping to send my boys off to college with a nice quilt...currently they are 6 and 4 :)
Yay! Me, too. But I'm a little less ambitious in some ways.
1) I'm just saving favorites for now in a box, and am waiting for it to be my "empty nest" quilt. So far all my fav baby clothes, baby sheets, toddler clothes, sports jersies. and kid clothes are in it.
2) I'm watching a lot of "quilting tv", and reading books, and procrastinating on (but planning on) taking classes.
3) I'm going to be practicing on things less precious first, so I can figure out how to use my machine and the sewing store's quilting arm thingmy on items I care less about.
It's great that you want to make a quilt out of your child's clothes. To start at the beginning, if you don't have a sewing machine get one (about $200) and get familiar with it. Check your local area for quilt shops or look for someone to help you with straight stitching or curves. Use cotton fabrics if possible because other types of fabrics do change the way a quilt will turn out. The six inch square you want should be cut at 6.5 inches so that you will have the actual 6 inch square when finished (quilt squares are sewn at 1/4 inch on all sides so that the finished size is 6 inches). Enjoy your adventure into the world of sewing, who knows you may have found a great way to pass the time away and be creative. The other S. PS post me if you have other sewing questions,
My mom is an award winning quilter and MAN! is quilting complicated! Lots of sewing places have quilting classes--I'd start there then adapt what you learn to your particular project. Good luck, that's a GREAT idea!
There is more to it than I can answer here but will begin. All pieces have to add up to or equal a finished size of a 12 inch square. Therefore, 6 1/2 by 6 1/2 or 12 1/2 by 12 1/2 or 6 1/2 by 12 1/2 if you get thie idea. You use quarter inch seam allowances and never trim, so that a finished block is 12 by 12. It should be all cotton or all perma press fabric, pre-washed and you can iron it. You will need a square-up before sewing blocks together, etc. I would love to help if you want to write me. Have fun. I also have another idea but would need to explain on the phone. But it is a quilt with blocks that look like little girl dresses made for her dresses fabric and beautiful when finished. For a first timer, get experience help and do ir right so it will last and be treasured. Again contact me and I will lend a hand.
