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Quilting Newbie Seaks Advice on Baby Clothes Quilt

Lindsay - posted on 01/24/2009 ( 5 moms have responded )

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I am so new to quilting and would like to make a quilt out of my little girls baby clothes. I have no idea where to start. I thought it might be nice to have most of the clothes cut into 3-4" squares but have some larger ones out of her receiving blankets. On the larger ones I thought I might applique some of the cute critters that are on some of outfits.

Do I need to iron backing onto the squares before sewing since most of her clothes are stretchy? Can you applique with a sewing machine? I assume you can. I guess you just use the zig zag stitch. Any ideas or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Oh yeah, do I need worry about cutting and ripping the material to get a true straight edge. I apologize for not knowing what I am talking about. I have heard my mom and grandmother talking about doing that. Something about the way the material shrinks weird if you don't do that. Any clue?

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5 Comments

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Alix - posted on 06/18/2011

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Hi!
I am a Memory Quilter in NH and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have on Memory Quilting from clothing!
You can e mail me through my website at http://mamakamills.blogspot.com/ or just come on by to get some ideas!

Kathy - posted on 01/29/2009

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I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures! I've been planning on using receiving blankets to make a play quilt for my kids for ages, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

Lindsay - posted on 01/29/2009

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Thanks to both of you.  I was home for a snow day the other day and actually completed my first quilt top ever.  I did it out of my daughter's receiving blankets.  It was actually pretty easy.  I am a little more afraid of the one I want to do out of her clothes.  I think I have the basic process down anyway.  I will try to post pictures later.

Kathy - posted on 01/28/2009

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Hi.... For the stretchy fabrics (knit, etc.) I would use a fusible stabilizer to keep it from stretching and rippling. It will also make it easier to cut square squares. You can definitely applique by machine. Use a zigzag stitch and reduce the stitch length. You want a nice covering stitch that will cover raw edges completely for best results. Use a tear away stabilizer for best results.

Some people will tear their fabric to get the true grain. I have found this to be less important than cutting exact measurements and using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Hope this helps!

Shorty - posted on 01/27/2009

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the only thing i did was as my DD grew out of her clothing i would cut a 6x6 inch square and kept it off in a tin. then when i had LOTS of squares i started sewing them together. the thiner ones i would put a back on but most were ok just to leave single layered and she is now 4 1/2 and still going strong.

one thing that is fun is to take the snap onzies and make them a "pocket" were it is 2 layers same material but the snaps really do open to make a pocket.

as for the back side of the quilt i found a great monkey fabric that was fuzzy she loves it!

i hope that helps at least where to start. Good luck. Pockets and hidden secrets are the best tho. :)

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