Category: Memory Quilts

Memory Quilts

Memory Quilt – Binding Options

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Binding a quilt

There are several ways to bind a quilt, and the method you choose depends on your preference and the look you want to achieve. Here are a few common methods for binding a quilt:

  1. Double-Fold Binding: This is the most traditional and widely used method. It involves cutting fabric strips, usually 2.5 inches wide, and joining them to create a long continuous strip. The strip is then folded in half lengthwise and pressed. The raw edges of the binding are sewn to the front of the quilt, and then the folded edge is folded over to the back and hand-stitched in place.
  2. Single-Fold Binding: This method is similar to the double-fold binding, but instead of folding the strip in half lengthwise, you fold one edge of the strip to the center and press it, then fold the other edge to meet the first fold and press again. The binding is then sewn to the front of the quilt, and the folded edge is turned to the back and machine-stitched or hand-stitched in place.
  3. Bias Binding: Bias binding is made from fabric that is cut on the bias (a 45-degree angle to the straight grain of the fabric). Bias binding is more flexible and can be used for quilts with curved edges. The process of attaching the bias binding is similar to the double-fold binding method.
  4. Flange Binding: Flange binding adds a decorative flange or accent between the quilt top and the binding. It involves attaching a narrow strip of contrasting fabric to the quilt top before attaching the binding. The binding is then sewn to the back of the quilt, folded over to the front, and machine-stitched close to the seam between the flange and the binding.
  5. Prairie Points Binding: Prairie points are folded fabric triangles that are sewn into the binding, creating a decorative edge. This method requires cutting and folding individual triangles and sewing them into the binding before attaching it to the quilt.
  6. Pillowcase Binding: This method is often used for smaller quilts or quilted projects like table runners or placemats. It involves sewing the quilt with the right sides facing and leaving an opening. After turning the quilt right side out through the opening, the raw edges of the opening are folded in and hand-stitched closed, creating a finished edge.

Remember to take your time and experiment with different binding methods to find the one that works best for your quilt and desired aesthetic.

I use option 1 above, double-fold binding and in the next post, I will cover hand-stitching and machine stitching the binding.

Happy stitching!

Memory Quilts

Memory Quilt – Quilting

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Quilt on long arm frame.
Quilt On Longarm Frame

Quilting a quilt involves the process of stitching the quilt top, batting, and backing together. Here are the general steps to quilt a quilt:

  1. Choose your quilting method:
    • Decide on the quilting method you prefer, such as hand quilting, machine quilting, or longarm quilting. Each method has its own considerations and techniques.
  2. Prepare your quilt layers:
    • Ensure that your quilt top is pressed and flat without any wrinkles or creases.
    • Cut your batting and backing fabric to size, leaving a few inches of excess on all sides to accommodate any shifting during quilting.
    • If sending to a longarm quilter, please follow their directions for preparation of quilt top and backing. They typically will have guidelines and some also provide the batting.
  3. Create a quilt sandwich (if hand quilting or free motion quilting on your sewing machine)
    • Lay your backing fabric right side down on a large, flat surface (such as a table or the floor).
    • Smooth out the backing fabric and secure it to the surface using masking tape or quilting clips to keep it taut and wrinkle-free.
    • Place the batting on top of the backing, aligning the edges.
    • Finally, place your quilt top right side up on the batting, aligning the edges and ensuring it is centered.
  4. Baste the layers:
    • Starting from the center and working outwards, secure the layers together to prevent shifting during quilting.
    • You can use safety pins, basting spray, or hand basting stitches to hold the layers in place. Space your basting stitches a few inches apart across the entire quilt.
  5. Quilt the layers:
    • If hand quilting, use a quilting hoop or frame to keep the layers taut. Choose a quilting thread and needle appropriate for hand quilting and start stitching along your desired quilting lines or patterns.
    • If machine quilting, attach a walking foot or free-motion quilting foot to your sewing machine. Select appropriate quilting thread and begin stitching your desired quilting design, following your marked lines or free-motion quilting as desired.
  6. Finishing touches:
    • After quilting the entire quilt, trim away any excess batting and backing fabric to match the quilt top’s size.
    • We will discuss binding in our next session.

Remember to take your time, practice, and experiment with different quilting techniques and designs to achieve the desired result. Quilting can be a meticulous process, so enjoy the journey and celebrate the creation of your unique quilt.

If you are just starting out with free motion quilting you may find Leah Day’s videos extremely helpful and free! Her videos are extremely helpful in relieving your anxiety about free motion quilting. I was extremely fortunate to take a class with Leah and my best advice is to take your shoes off and put the arch of your foot at the top of your pedal. It made a huge difference for me!

Angela Walter’s of Quilting Is My Therapy is another favorite and free resource for both free motion quilting and longarm quilting!

Happy Quilting! See you in the next session where we discuss binding!

Memory Quilts

Memory Quilt – Piecing

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Piecing together a memory quilt can be a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Here are some tips for piecing together your memory quilt:

  1. Arrange the squares: Arrange the squares in the desired pattern or layout, and make sure the colors and patterns are distributed evenly throughout the quilt.
  2. Sew the squares together: Use a sewing machine or hand-sew the squares together, using a ¼-inch seam allowance. Press the seams flat to reduce bulk. Pressing seams open or to the side is a personal preference. If I am working on a pattern where a lot of points come together, then I press them open, otherwise I press to the dark side.
  3. Add sashing (optional): If you want to add sashing between the squares, cut strips of fabric the same width as the squares and sew them to the sides of each square before sewing the squares together. You can even get fancy and add cornerstone squares.
  4. Add borders (optional): Once the quilt top is complete, add borders to the edges of the quilt to frame the design and create a finished look.

Remember, piecing together a memory quilt is a personal process, and the design should reflect your individual style and preferences. Take your time and enjoy the process, and you will end up with a beautiful and meaningful keepsake that you can cherish for years to come.

Below are pictures of some of my memory quilts in progress!

Sewing memory quilt squares together.

Sewing memory quilt squares together.

Arranging quilt blocks.
Memory Quilts

Memory Quilt – Planning The Layout

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Laying out blocks for a memory quilt.

Arranging blocks for a memory quilt can be an exciting and creative process. Here are some tips for arranging your blocks:

  1. Sort the blocks by color or theme: If you have a large collection of blocks, sort them by color or theme before arranging them. This will help you see how many blocks you have in each color or theme and make it easier to create a balanced design.
  2. Lay out the blocks on a flat surface: Lay out the blocks on a large, flat surface like a table or floor so you can see how they look together. You can experiment with different arrangements until you find one that you like. I use my cell phone to take pictures of the arrangements, review, and move blocks around.
  3. Consider the block size: If your blocks are all the same size, you can create a grid pattern by arranging them in rows and columns. If your blocks are different sizes, you can create a more dynamic design by alternating the sizes and shapes.
  4. Mix and match: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different colors and patterns to create a unique design. You can create visual interest by using contrasting colors or patterns next to each other.
  5. Add sashing: If you want to create more separation between the blocks, you can add sashing, which is a strip of fabric that goes between the blocks. This can help create a more cohesive design and make the individual blocks stand out.

Remember, arranging blocks for a memory quilt is a personal process, and the design should reflect your individual style and preferences. Have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect arrangement!

Memory Quilts

Memory Quilt – Choosing A Design

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Flannel shirts cut into squares for a memory quilt.

My last post was on cutting your shirts and there are times when I cut and then plan and other times when I feel like the planning needs to come first. Here we are, back at personal preference so please do what works best for you. This is a creative and flowing process.

There are many different designs you can use for a memory quilt. Some popular options include patchwork (see my photo above), photo quilts, and applique. I have included all of these on some quilts. It truly depends on your preferences and what you have available. You may also want to consider the size and shape of the quilt based on how many items you plan to include. If you don’t have enough memory items (shirts, etc.) then you can plan in additional fabrics to make the size quilt you would like.

Choosing a design for your memory quilt can be a fun and creative process that allows you to showcase your personal style and preserve cherished memories. Here are some steps to consider when selecting a design for your memory quilt:

  1. Gather your materials: Before you start designing your quilt, gather all the materials you want to include, such as old clothes, photos, buttons, ribbons, and other mementos.
  2. Determine the size and shape: Consider the size and shape of your quilt, depending on the materials you have collected and the intended use of the quilt.
  3. Choose a color scheme: Decide on a color scheme that reflects the theme of your quilt or the colors that have significance to you.
  4. Plan the layout: Experiment with different layout options to showcase the materials you have collected in an aesthetically pleasing way. You can use graph paper or a digital design program to help you plan the layout.
  5. Consider adding embellishments: Add embellishments like embroidery, appliqué, or quilting to enhance the design of your memory quilt.
  6. Personalize it: Consider adding personal touches such as a label with your name or a special message to make the quilt truly your own.

Remember, the most important part of designing your memory quilt is to have fun and let your creativity shine!

Some of my favorite memory quilts are:

  1. Simple patchwork using 5″ squares, which works perfect for dress shirts and is simple for beginners.
  2. Patchwork or other patterns that bring in a coordinating fabric that brings everything together. I have used a denim that worked perfectly to achieve this coordinated look.
  3. T-Shirt quilts that include adding additional fabrics that coordinate with the them of the t-shirts.

You can view pictures of my finished quilts on my Memory Quilt page.

Memory Quilts

Memory Quilt – Cutting Shirts

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When making a memory quilt, the shirts could be of varying fabrics; button down dress shirts may be cotton or cotton/polyester blend and typically do not need to be interfaced. If you are working with stretchy materials – such as t-shirts, you will want to apply interfacing to stabilize the shirts and prevent stretching. While these are general instructions, keep in mind that there are many ways to cut and interface and it really comes down to personal preference. For instance, I like to interface after cutting, but some like to interface prior to cutting the shirts.

Cutting T-Shirts

  1. Choose the t-shirts you want to use: Start by choosing the t-shirts that you want to include in your quilt. These could be t-shirts that represent special memories or events, such as sports teams, concerts, or vacations.
  2. Decide on the size of your quilt blocks: Once you have chosen your t-shirts, you will need to decide on the size of your quilt blocks. This will depend on the size of your t-shirts and the overall size of your quilt. A common size for quilt blocks is 12 inches square, but you can make them smaller or larger depending on your preferences. I like to use every bit of the shirt that I can so I also include logos, front and back of the shirts.
  3. Cut your t-shirts: Once you have decided on the size of your quilt blocks, you can start cutting your t-shirts. Use a ruler and fabric scissors to cut the t-shirts into squares or rectangles that are slightly larger than your desired quilt block size. You can then trim them down to the exact size later.
  4. Stabilize your t-shirt fabric: T-shirt fabric is often stretchy, which can make it difficult to work with when sewing. To stabilize the fabric, you can use a fusible interfacing or stabilizer. Simply cut a piece of interfacing or stabilizer that is the same size as your t-shirt fabric and iron it onto the back of the fabric before cutting.

Cutting Dress Shirts

  1. Choose the dress shirts you want to use: Start by choosing the dress shirts that you want to include in your quilt. These could be dress shirts that represent special memories or events, such as weddings, graduations, or other important occasions.
  2. Decide on the size of your quilt blocks: Once you have chosen your dress shirts, you will need to decide on the size of your quilt blocks. This will depend on the size of your dress shirts and the overall size of your quilt. A common size for quilt blocks is 12 inches square, but you can make them smaller or larger depending on your preferences. If you are using a quilt pattern, please refer to the pattern instructions and plan your cuts accordingly.
  3. Cut your dress shirts: Once you have decided on the size of your quilt blocks, you can start cutting your dress shirts. Use a ruler and fabric scissors to cut the dress shirts into squares or rectangles that are slightly larger than your desired quilt block size. You can then trim them down to the exact size later.
  4. Stabilize your dress shirt fabric: Dress shirt fabric is usually more stable than t-shirt fabric, but you may still want to stabilize it to ensure that it doesn’t stretch or warp when you sew it. You can use a fusible interfacing or stabilizer to do this, just as you would with t-shirt fabric.

Honestly, I am late posting this segment because I had every intention of creating my own video on cutting shirts, but there are so many great ones out there already!

Here is a great video on cutting shirts by Lisa Capen of Lisa Capen Quilts. This is the very first video that I watched several years ago before I embarked on my first memory quilt. I absolutely love the way she teaches and can’t recommend her enough!

Lisa Capen from Lisa Capen Quilts – T-Shirt Quilt Along

Here is another great video on breaking down the cutting of dress shirts for memory quilts from Fallon at Sew Be It Quilts.

Fallon from Sew Be It Quilts and Create Beautiful Quilts

I really found these videos helpful and I know you will too! Until next time, keep stitching!

Memory Quilts

Memory Quilt – Gather Materials

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Memory Quilt Supplies

I am so excited you are here and that I have the opportunity to share my method for making a memory quilt. So let’s get started with gathering materials.

To make a memory quilt, you will need the following materials:

  1. Clothing or fabric: Choose the clothing or fabrics that have sentimental value to you or the person for whom you are making the quilt. This can be dress shirts, t-shirts, jeans; whatever is important for your project.
    • Be sure to wash and dry all clothing so it is ready for cutting. If you are using fabric to embellish your blocks, you may want to prewash and dry. I prefer to prewash and dry my fabrics when making memory quilts so that the added fabric does not shrink once the quilt is put together.
  2. Additional fabric: You may need additional fabric to enhance your blocks, to use as a backing for the quilt, or to create borders.
  3. Interfacing – I recommend Pellon P44F, which is a very lightweight interfacing and it will not add to the weight of your quilt. Not all fabrics need to be interfaced, but if you are using t-shirts or any fabric/material that stretches, then it should be interfaced.
  4. Batting: Batting is the soft layer that goes between the quilt top and backing to add warmth and comfort. Some prefer cotton, polyester or a polyester/cotton blend. My favorite batting is Warm & Natural cotton batting. And I also love Dream cotton batting.
  5. Thread: You will need thread in various colors to sew the fabric pieces together and to quilt the layers together. I keep staple colors for piecing; white, ivory, black, and light gray. However, if your fabrics are mostly black, you may prefer to use black. I sometimes use a darker gray if I have mixed darks and mediums. I do use all cotton thread for piecing. Some of my favorites are: Aurifil or Gutermann and don’t forget you will need bobbins to match!
  6. Scissors, snips, and rotary cutter: Scissors are necessary for cutting and trimming fabric, A rotary cutter is used for cutting and trimming large pieces of fabric. I keep snips at my sewing machine for trimming threads, but you can also use scissors.
  7. Cutting mat: Cutting mats provide a stable and safe surface for cutting fabric with a rotary cutter. I purchased a Fiskars Mat from Amazon and love it! It is double sided and easy to read.
  8. Rulers: Quilting rulers are a necessity to ensure that you have straight edges on your blocks so that everything stitches together nicely. I would recommend a straight ruler; I use a Creative Grids 6.5 x 24″ for cutting lengths of fabric. And depending on the size of your quilt blocks, you may want either a 12.5″ or 15.5″ ruler. If you have the 15.5″ or larger, it is very versatile and you can cut small to large blocks. For instance, if you are using baby clothes, then you may need to cut 6.5″ or 8.5″ unless you are combining clothing.
  9. Pins, clips, needles, marking pencils: Pins hold the fabric pieces together while sewing. I love these clips for holding fabric and especially for binding. Needles are necessary for hand-sewing (which I avoid at all costs!) and while I don’t expect to hand-sew, you may prefer to hand-sew you binding and the needles will come in handy in that case. For marking pencils/pens, chalk pencils or disappearing ink pens, etc. will work. You will want to test the pens/pencils with the fabrics you will use.
  10. Sewing machine: A sewing machine is used for piecing. We will only be using a straight stitch so you don’t need anything fancy! However, I would recommend a walking foot if you are planning on quilting your memory quilt on your sewing machine. You will have to do some research on which walking foot fits your machine prior to purchasing. Either your local dealer or manufacturer website is a good place to start.
  11. Embellishments: You may want to add additional embellishments like embroidery, appliqué, or quilting designs to finish the quilt. We will discuss all of these in future posts.

That’s it! Gather your materials and get ready to make a memory quilt that will be treasured for years to come. Next week we will discuss design so it will be helpful to know how many shirts you will be working with for your project.

Let me know if you have questions on any of the materials. If you don’t have something there may be a way to utilize something that you already have and I will do my best to help you with alternatives.

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Memory Quilts

Making A Memory Quilt

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Quilt Studio 62 -Memory Quilt

This is the beginning of my series on “Making A Memory Quilt”. Memory quilts are my favorites! A memory quilt is a great way to preserve cherished memories and commemorate special events. In this post I will list some steps to getting started and every week I will make a post that goes into each step in detail. I truly hope that you find this information helpful. If you have tips along the way, please share them so we can all benefit!

Steps to get started making a memory quilt:

  1. Gather materials: To make a memory quilt, you’ll need fabric for the quilt top, batting for the middle, and a backing fabric. Also gather any clothing, textiles, or other items that hold sentimental value to include in the quilt.
  2. Choose a design: There are many different designs you can use for a memory quilt. Some popular options include patchwork (see my photo above), photo quilts, and applique. I have included all of these on some quilts. It truly depends on your preferences and what you have available. You may also want to consider the size and shape of the quilt based on how many items you plan to include. If you don’t have enough memory items (shirts, etc.) then you can plan in additional fabrics to make the size quilt you would like.
  3. Plan your layout: Once you have your materials and design chosen, plan out how you want to arrange your items on the quilt. This may involve cutting the clothing or textiles into specific shapes or sizes.
  4. Interface as needed: Some fabrics will require additional preparation prior to cutting. For instance, T-shirts require a light interfacing to ensure they do not stretch while constructing or quilting.
  5. Cut your fabrics: Depending on your design, you may have different items of clothing, memorabilia, or fabric to cut.
  6. Piece together the quilt top: Using your chosen design, piece together the quilt top. This may involve sewing together fabric pieces, attaching photos, or appliqueing items onto the fabric.
  7. Add batting and backing: Once the quilt top is complete, layer it with batting and a backing fabric. Pin the layers together and quilt them by hand, with a sewing machine. long arm, or even bring them to a long arm quilter to be completed. Lots of options available!
  8. Make a quilt label: Your memory quilt will last for generations so let’s be sure that the memories and purpose are documented for the future! Don’t forget to include this information: Name of quilt, Name of piecer/quilter, Date quilt was completed, special notes about the person, event, or memories.
  9. Add the quilt label: In some cases the quilt label is completed and affixed prior to the quilting of the memory quilt. In other cases, you may wish to add the label directly prior to the binding or whip stitch it on after the binding. It is all a matter of personal choice.
  10. Binding: Once the quilting is complete, add binding to the edges of the quilt to finish it off.

I am super excited to be bringing this series to you and hope that you will create your own memory quilt. There are many ways to accomplish these tasks so I look forward to hearing from you with some tips and tricks!

Remember, making a memory quilt is a labor of love and can take some time and effort. Take your time, enjoy the process, and know that the end result will be a cherished keepsake for years to come.