Quilt Materials Question

by Tina Turpin
(Payette, Idaho )

I am trying to organize a quilt fundraiser for our primary school. We have 23 classrooms and I want each classroom to create their own quilt square. They will do this with fabric markers. (Should I use fabric markers or some other writing instrument?)

I need to know the best size to make for this idea and exactly what materials I need to make it really nice. I am not a quilter, so have no idea. I will use a volunteer to make the quilt, but need to know what to purchase for it's completion.

Any help would be really appreciated! Thank You.

ANSWER

Hi, Tina. What a neat idea! Here's some resources for your consideration. You can read about making quilt squares, decorating methods, and other resources in this post.

There are many fun ways kids can design their blocks. Here's a few fun ideas. I've given you links so you can see what I'm talking about.

Draw pictures with Crayola Fabric Crayons.

(Please read my post about the best fabrics to use with fabric crayons). The colors are bright, and they have a smooth application. Here's how it works.

Let the kids draw whatever they want on a piece of paper (the same size as their quilt squares). When they're done drawing, use a hot iron to heat set their design onto their quilt square. See helpful hints on how to center the design.

Please, don't buy cheap versions like RoseArt Fabric Crayons. They tend to bleed and it's hard to set the color. In fact, when you're buying craft supplies, always buy quality brand name items. It will save you a lot of frustration.
Fabric Paint Pens
Sponge Painting

You can buy or cut your own shapes out of sponges. Use with your fabric paints.
Rubber Stamping

A really fun way to decorate!

The sky's the limit on decorating quilt blocks!

Here's a few tips that will make your job easier.

Go ahead and use 10" or 12" blocks. These are perfect for kids. Whatever size you choose, remember to add 1/2" to the seam allowances. For example, if you want a 10" finished block, cut your fabric 10 1/2" x 10 1/2".
Use a low-loft cotton/polyester batting. You'll cut this to size AFTER you sew all the blocks together.
Use 100% cotton fabric or muslin.
Prewash your fabric in warm water on a gentle cycle. Dry until slightly damp.
Press fabric, then cut your squares.
Stabilize your fabric so it won't slip when the kids are drawing on it. Here's how:

Cut a piece of freezer paper the same size as your fabric square. Iron the shiny side to the wrong side of your fabric. Peel off after kids are done drawing.
Prepare the block for their signature.

Apply a strip of masking tape (1/2" wide) on all four sides of the block. Tape should be even with edge of fabric. This prevents them from writing in the seamline where their name would disappear!
When kids are finished decorating, have them sign their names using a fine-tipped permanent marker.
After you sew all the blocks together, press the quilt top.
Measure the quilt top width and height. Add 4" to both measurements. Cut your batting and backing pieces to this size.

Here's another resource that should help.

Creative Quilting with Kids book.