Quilting question

**Laney** · 11-12-2011, 08:32 AM

my mom made us quilts when we were younger and sometimes would use outgrown clothes (like my brother's super hero pjs with green lantern, superman, etc) as the squares. I would love to do a quilt for my ds. I was thinking of taking all of his shirts that he has worn since he started playing baseball (they use t-shirts as the jerseys when they are younger) and make a quilt out of them. I know he has at least a dozen shirts and will add more since he has 2 more years of Little League to play. and if I need more shirts to make more squares I could always use a few Red Sox shirts mixed in.

the only problem is....I have no idea how to make a quilt. sewing makes me

but I am willing to learn so I can make this quilt for him. I know I cherish the ones my mom made and I hope that he will do the same. anyone that can point me in the right direction to get started?

thanks

**Uniwolf** · 11-12-2011, 08:39 AM

See if any of the older ladies in your church quilt,and would be willint to show you what to do.

**Debbie-cat** · 11-12-2011, 09:56 AM

There are different ways to make one. I would do alot of searching on the internet and YouTube has wonderful videos that show you step by step instructions. It isn't a scary a process as you think. Good luck and would love to see pictures when it is all done!

**Contrary Housewife** · 11-12-2011, 02:22 PM

Check around at your local fabric and quilting stores for beginner classes.

A sewing machine is a lot like a car. It has a foot pedal to make it go and you steer with your hands. If you can drive a straight line you can sew. For quilting you need only the most basic of machines to do the straight stitch, so look for inexpensive yard sale or church finds.

I strongly recommend this beginner book: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Your-First-Quilt-Book-should/dp/1564771989"]Amazon.com: Your First Quilt Book (or it should be!) (9781564771988): Carol Doak, Ursula Reikes: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NSDg7EmrL.@@AMEPARAM@@51NSDg7EmrL[/ame]

**Incognito** · 11-12-2011, 05:37 PM

Are you thinking of making a patchwork quilt?
It would be lovely with the right type of fabrics.
Choose fabric that won't stretch out of shape as you sew: cotton, polyester. Don't use fabrics that 'roll' up.
Make a template of 4 inches square. Launder, then cut your fabrics to size. Position the squares on the floor in the design you want.
Then gather them up, row by row.
Sew 1 row after another, then sew on right side over the seamline to keep the work flat, checking the pattern.
Sew the rows together.
Lay quilt on floor, lay the batting onto it, and cut to slightly smaller size.
Make a bottom piece for the quilt from a sheet or other fabric.
Position and pin the 3 layers. Baste across in several places.
Move quilt to sewing machine. Using largest stitch, and heavy needle, with tension raised, sew seams as for large blocks (9 small squares = 1 block). Roll quilt up from each side, as you sew; change sides when work gets too thick for rolling. Go slow, and check that the underside isn't puckering, to get a perfect seam.
When completed, add borders, or sew top to bottom, then turn edge over twice and sew along outside all the way around.

There are many ways to quilt; some use a quilting frame, some can just sew it up at the sewing machine. Read a few books to get some good ideas, and the basic techniques before you begin.
Happy Quilting!

**pinecone** · 11-12-2011, 09:26 PM

Originally Posted by Laney

I would love to do a quilt for my ds. I was thinking of taking all of his shirts that he has worn since he started playing baseball (they use t-shirts as the jerseys when they are younger) and make a quilt out of them. .....

the only problem is....I have no idea how to make a quilt. sewing makes me

Understand that making a quilt will take quite a while so leave plenty of time so nix the idea for this holiday time.

How to make a Tee Shirt Quilt - free t-shirt quilt pattern

This site has good directions on making a T-shirt quilt. Since you say that sewing isn't enjoyable for you better plan on tying the quilt layers together instead of quilting them. Check with your church or a senior center to see if someone might mentor you for this project. Good luck.

piney

**frugalfranny** · 11-13-2011, 04:58 PM

[QUOTE=Laney;1578769 point me in the right direction to get started?

thanks[/QUOTE]

You tube first.........tons of info on it..........then google the ideas/questions that you pick up from that......from there go to the local places in your area.........

T-shirt fabric is usually 'stabilized' but nothing tricky about it. It just keeps it from stretching when sewn to other regular cotton.