Using Clothing for Part of Quilt (Memory Quilt)
by Debbie George
My sister just passed away and I would like to make a quilt for her 11 year old daughter with some of her favorite clothes as part of the quilt pieces. Can that be done easily as this will be my first quilt. ANSWER Yes! You can make a quilt using clothes. In fact, "memory quilts" are very popular these days. It's a great way to preserve your loved one's memory. And many times, your quilt will become a family heirloom that you pass down to future generations. Memory quilts are also given to honor achievements or to congratulate loved ones. Quilters use a variety of fabrics to personalize these "milestone" quilts. For example, they might include fabric from their child's sporting events, a wedding, an anniversary, a graduation or even fabric from a military uniform. You can even add family photos for a more personal touch. The possibilities are limitless. Memory quilts usually contain fabrics of varying weights. For this reason, it's important to learn how to choose the correct needles and threads, and how to handle certain stretchy fabrics. This is especially true if you're going to use t-shirt material. Since this fabric stretches so much, you'll need to apply a stabilizer to the back of it before you sew it. I've listed a few resources to help you in this area. Have fun making your memory quilt! Here's a few memory quilt books that offer helpful hints and techniques: Better Homes & Gardens Memory Quilts Memory Quilts in the Making How to Make a Cool T-Shirt Quilt |
