Create & Cherish: Sewing Timeless Homemade Quilts

I remember the day around 45 years ago when my great-grandmother placed into the arms of my brother and me a neatly folded quilt she had made for each of us. The blankets were both twin-sized, and the design was a simple square block arrangement.

Some of the squares were recognizable since a few matched the homemade house dresses she wore, the bedroom curtains she made previously, and other familiar household items she stitched by hand. She saved the leftover fabric scraps from those projects to make these blankets.

The backing was a simple light gray army blanket with red stripes across the top and bottom. It was comfortable enough to use year-round and was often wrapped around us during car trips and camping adventures.

Mine got a little tattered and worn, so it’s packed away now, but the memories of that quilt and the lovely, dear woman who wanted me to have something to remember her by are unfaded.

This childhood gift will never be highlighted in a glossy home decor magazine, but it’s truly precious. That’s the power of a handmade quilt. The fabric pieces may not hold on as long as the blanket’s warm, fond feelings can generate.

If you’d like to try making one yourself or are looking for a new project to stitch, here are several different ideas to get you started.

I’ve put together a collection of free tutorials and added a vintage project of my own as well as a quick how-to for making a summer throw. You’ll also find tips to personalize and tweak your creations. Have fun!

Free Tutorials For Making Handmade Quilts

As always here on Tipnut, the tutorials included in this collection have all been hand-picked by me and are 100% hassle-free. This means no fees are charged, no memberships are required, and no email addresses to submit to review the instructions or download any templates (if needed). If that has changed since being added here, please let me know in the comments section below so I can remove it.

Directions: Click on images to visit the project page; a new browser tab will open & save your spot here

String Quilt With Fabric Scraps: Vintage Pattern

Here’s a quick tutorial showing how even bits of fabric scraps can be transformed into a lovely, rustic-style quilt (first published on Tipnut on September 2nd, 2009, and moved to this page for better organization).

*Click Image For Larger Pattern File

Directions

• Use 10-inch squares (or smaller) from better parts of worn blankets or men’s flannel shirt tails for block foundation. Step 1. This also makes the lining. This is a grand opportunity to use up all those long, slender scraps left in the scrap bag.
• Pre-shrink materials that are new by wetting and pressing.
• Sew strips to the foundation piece as shown in Steps (1) and (2), Making Block (1) with two sides loose.

Method For Sewing:

• Step (3) Lay block (1) on top of block (2).
• Pin lining on the block (1) back out of the seam’s way and sew the edge of two blocks together. Flatten the seam and whip the lining on the block (1) down flat over the seam. Either put together in strips or make a square and keep adding blocks. Finish the edge with a binding.
• The trick is to keep the sewn edge of one block inside the loose edge of the other block when putting the blocks together. When the blocks are set together, the lining is finished, too.

Source: Women’s Household Magazine (1960s)

Quick & Easy Kantha Throws

One of my favorite summer blankets is a Kantha throw from India made from two old saris. I recall a heavier blanket from my childhood that was similar, but it was made with a thicker polyester knit, lined with batting, and was made with a technique similar to what we could call big stitch hand quilting.

I first discovered Kanthas on Etsy, and since the prices were reasonable, I bought a couple.

They can be made with muslin, cotton, linen, or even silk. Two or more pieces are stitched together with a long running stitch.

They aren’t lined with anything, so they’re ideal for warm summer days when you only want a light covering for naps.

Here’s the nitty-gritty basics for how to make them:

If you are sewing with old saris, sarongs, muslin scarves, linen throws, etc., you won’t have to cut them down or work with raw edges since the pieces are already finished. If working with lengths of material cut from the bolt, you’ll want to serge around the edges first before sewing the two pieces together (or zigzag stitch).

Although the fabric is light, breezy, and gauzy, you’d be surprised how nice it is once stitched together. It’s just suitable for taking the chill off cool, breezy days. If desired, you can layer more pieces together for a thicker blanket.

• Place the two fabric pieces together with the right sides facing.
  • Sew around the edges, leaving a small opening for turning.
  • Clip the corners diagonally, being careful not to cut into the stitches. This helps the corners lay flat when turned right side out.
• Through the opening, carefully turn the stitched piece right side out. Gently push out the corners using a blunt tool or your finger.
  • Give the piece a good press with an iron, ensuring the edges are crisp and the corners are defined.
  • Stitch the opening closed either by hand or using a machine.

• Thread a needle with embroidery thread, knotting the end securely.
• Begin at one corner, bringing the needle up from the back (sewing through both layers of fabric).
  • Take a small stitch forward, then insert the needle back down, keeping the stitches evenly spaced.
• Keep stitching parallel lines across the fabric. You can make the stitches as long or as short as you prefer.
  • If you run out of thread, secure the end with a knot and start a new thread.
  • You can use the same color thread throughout the blanket, switch colors in each row, switch colors in every two or three rows, etc. Plenty of room for creativity here!

General Tips & Advice

• Choosing Fabrics: While top-quality cotton is a staple, offering durability and ease of handling, consider the art of repurposing or upcycling various garments and household linens for a unique touch.
  • Opting for 100% cotton provides a solid foundation, ensuring your blanket will weather and wear exceptionally well and provide a pleasant and smooth sewing experience.
  • However, don’t limit yourself to new materials; explore the potential of repurposing old denim, linen shirts, or vintage bed linens to infuse your quilt with character and charm. This approach adds a sustainable dimension to your crafting and contributes a rich tapestry of stories woven into each block.
• Cutting Precision: Precision is key. Equip yourself with a rotary cutter, cutting mat, and clear ruler to instill accuracy in every cut. This ensures uniform pieces and a seamless assembly process.
• Seam Allowance Matters: The backbone of quilting lies in a consistent 1/4-inch seam allowance. Instilling this standard ensures that all blocks will fit snugly, akin to a well-fitted garment.
• Press as You Go: In the world of quilting, pressing as you go will flatten those seams for a polished, professional appearance and a blanket that lays beautifully.
  • This meticulous step contributes to a polished and professional aesthetic, ensuring your quilt not only looks refined but also lays beautifully with a flat and smooth surface.
  • To execute this, utilize a hot iron and press each seam in the direction specified by your pattern, setting the stitches and preventing any unsightly puckering or unevenness.
• Mindful Fabric Placement: A touch of design theory is beneficial. Consider color, pattern, and contrast when placing fabrics.
  • Visualize how each fabric will interact with its neighbors, creating a cohesive flow across the entire quilt top. Experiment with block arrangements to find the most pleasing composition.
  • Consider an array of textures to elevate interest, seamlessly merging the silky feel of cotton, the luxurious touch of linen, or the cozy warmth of flannel.
• Quilting Methods: Tailor your method to your proficiency and preferences—whether it be the hands-on approach of hand quilting, the efficiency of machine quilting, or the charm of tying knots. Each method has its merits and can accommodate all levels of sewing experience.
  • Hand quilting imparts a timeless, artisanal quality to your project. It allows for detailed, intricate designs and a personal touch that is uniquely yours.
  • Machine quilting is a time-saving option, perfect for producing quilts with intricate patterns or large-scale designs. It provides a modern, crisp finish.
  • Tied-Quilts: Involves tying knots at intervals across the quilt, securing the layers together. This charming method is particularly suitable for beginners or those who prefer a simpler, rustic aesthetic. It adds a homespun quality to your piece.
• Batting Selection: Think of batting as your quilt’s insulation. Choose between cotton, polyester, or blends based on your desired warmth and weight. This choice ensures your quilt caters to specific comfort needs.
  • For Lightweight Quilts: If you desire a quilt with a light and airy feel, consider polyester batting for its loftiness and quick-drying properties.
  • For Traditional Comfort: If you lean towards a more classic, snug feel, cotton batting is an excellent choice for its breathability and natural warmth.
  • For Versatility: A blend of cotton and polyester offers a versatile option, suitable for various climates and preferences.

How To Add A Touch Of Personalization

• Embroidered Initials or Names:
  • Stitch the initials or full names of the recipient or the quilt maker into a block. You can choose a font and thread color that complements the design.
• Memory Blocks:
  • Create special blocks with fabric pieces from old clothes, meaningful to the person you’re making the quilt for. It could be a piece from a baby’s first outfit or a section of a favorite shirt.
• Photo Transfer:
  • Transfer photos onto fabric using photo transfer paper. Incorporate these fabric photos into quilted blocks for a personalized and sentimental touch.
• Appliqué Shapes:
  • Cut out fabric shapes that represent hobbies, interests, or special memories. Appliqué these onto your blocks for a personalized touch.
• Quilt Labels:
  • Create a custom label with details about the quilt, the maker, and any special occasion. Attach it to the back for a personal touch.
• Hand-Embroidered Messages:
  • Add embroidered messages or quotes in the sashing or borders of your quilt. Choose a meaningful quote or a simple “Made with Love” to add a personal touch.
• Fabric Painting or Stamping:
  • Use fabric-safe paint or stamps to add unique designs or messages to your quilt. This is a fun and creative way to personalize specific blocks.
• Fabric Markers:
  • Let your creativity flow with fabric markers. Draw doodles, write messages, or create small illustrations directly on your blocks.
• Pockets for Keepsakes:
  • Sew small pockets into the quilt where special keepsakes can be tucked away. This could include notes, small trinkets, or even a hidden message.