Quilting from a stash of old clothes was the traditional way to recycle used clothing many years ago. Today, most people purchase new quilting fabric for their sewing projects. But, those in the know are returning to making their quilts from clothing that is no longer being worn.
Start raiding your closets and draws. It is best that you try to find large to extra large sized men's shirts as when you cut your fabrics most quilters advise that you cut large pieces until you decide on the true measurements needed.
Quilt
Cotton is the preferred fabric for quilts being used for practical day-to-day use. Nowadays, many different types of fabrics are being used for quilts which are suited for decorative purposes only and will rarely be considered for washing.
Did you find pillow cases and old sheets? Do not cut. You may need these larger pieces for quilt backing.
Keep pockets, zippers, collars, and tags. These can be used in many creative ways. You may wish to allow fabric around the pocket and use the pocket as a catchall in the quilt. This can be cute, charming or practical depending on the style of the quilt. Collars can be used for strips; tags and zippers used for decorations.
"Waste not, want not" is an old quote that I would hear from my mother. And working from your stash will provide you with supplying for any size of quilt from mini to large. This is free fabric which saves you dollars or a way to recycle for money if you need to supplement your budget.
If you prefer, cut fabric to meet the requirements for quarters, squares, strips, and triangles and file safely into containers. Consider separating by colors, solids, stripes, prints, and other miscellaneous designs or patterns.
The purpose of making these 'rag' quilts include:
It satisfies the budget or a method to recycle for money. It serves practical needs. They become heirloom quilts. They become memory quilts.
Do you have left over batting? This can also be used. Use the stitch in the stitch sewing technique or the zig zag stitch. Use small stitching when attaching pieces together to eliminate knotting or backstitching. When top stitching for finishing effects use larger stitching.
Choose your threads by placing strands of different colors across your chosen quilting patches and choose the thread color which satisfies the colors in the fabrics.
Rag quilts can be made into baby quilts, mini quilts, wall hangings, table runners, pot holder, pin cushions, lap quilts and much more.
Start today to learn how to quilt. Visit the hobbies page of Tricia Deed at http://www.Infotrish.vpweb.com/ and review Quilting Gems.
Rag Quilts - Quilt Used Clothing
