World Wide Quilting Page

Question of the Week

Question for the week of September 1, 2003:

Our question this week comes Namselas1:

I would like to make a quilt out of my childrens old baby clothes -does anyone has any helpful hints or patterns to get me started ?

Kate Lyon :
I made a quilt from my son's old flannel pajamas, shirts, robes, and pants. I used a plexiglass template - a square- to ensure a rigid edge when cutting. I just made a four patch square (using four squares of old clothing per block). Then to fill out the quilt I added alternating squares of a soft pre-washed denim-like fabric. I machine quilted it. I used the same soft denim for the backing and binding. He LOVES the quilt and sleeps with it every night.

Joy :
When you start your childs quilt you,would want to do it as a childs growing chart. That way you will be able to add to it as they grow. these make grate story quilts when they are little and a nice gift when they leave home later.

kelly dunn :
I think you sould not make a quilt.

Pat :
You might also want to interface the clothing. Especially if you have lots of stretchy items, as kids clothes usually are! Look up patterns for T-Shirt quilts as those directions will get you started.

Jay Cadiramen :
I would suggest you try to make a miniature quilt to get you started. They don't take quite as much time (although they are still a lot of work!) as a full size quilt, and you can play with fabric, colour, style, different blocks and placement, on a small, quick(er!) scale than making a full size scale. And you end up with a 'picture' you can put up on your wall and which will remind you of your children's younger years whenever you look at it. Try 'Miniature Quilts' magazine (NAYY), as they usually have at least two or three Easy quilts for beginners.

Lawanna Brown :
I would also suggest straight blocks alternating colors.

Jennifer :
Martha Stewart has a kid's clothing quilt on her website

http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel1560&catid=cat357

Christina :
What about using the Sunbonnet Sue or Overall Sam patterns and using your children's clothing as thier clothing?

Louise :
My choice would be a simple design such as a nine-patch alternating with plain blocks, or maybe a scrappy Irish chain. If you're using children's clothing, the pieces will probably be pretty small. This will be a treasure for your kids!

World Wide Quilting Page * Question of the Week