Denim Frayed Lap Quilt

With this project, you will get lots of practice learning to sew a straight line; one of the most basic things to learn when using a sewing machine and control of your fabric. You will also get a very unusual and pretty lap quilt in the process. This would be a good grown-up+kid project. The one shown in these instructions uses 36 denim (frayed side) squares and 36 cotton squares (colorful side), making the finished quilt 36"X36". You may want to start with a smaller one. If so, cut and sew 16 denim squares and 16 cotton squares together, which will make the finished quilt 24"X24", which would make a nice sitting place for a small dog or to cover little toes.

Step 1: Supplies:

Supplies:
*Used denim jeans, skirts, etc. You can probably find some in the back of your closet or at thrift stores. If you make one of these as a gift for someone besides a family member, you might want use new denim fabric, but I just love the idea of recycling. Be sure and save pockets, waistbands, and belt loops for possible future projects.
*100% cotton fabric, either all one color or different colors as I used here. Again, look through your closets for outdated or rarely worn cotton clothes. The important thing is to make sure it will fray. Also, you could use a Christmas print or colors that a boy or girl would like.
*Cardboard for making the pattern/template
*Pencil or pen to mark the size on the cardboard
*Ruler
*Some type of fabric marker to mark fabric-you want to use something that can be washed out such as a chalk pencil or air/water soluble marker.
*Straight pins
*Scissors-one old pair to cut out the cardboard and a good, sharp pair to cut the fabric. Never use fabric scissors to cut paper, cardboard, etc. It will dull them very quickly and ruin them.
*Threaded (white is fine) sewing machine with a size 14 or 16 needle.
*Tape-(optional), to mark the 1/2" line on the sewing machine. This aides when sewing all the 1/2" seams.

Comments

[Schmidty16]

this is cool ecept im going to make one for a queen sized bed [and yes im i guy and i like to sew]

[amnartist]

I think it's fantastic to come across guys who like to sew! A queen size is quite a project to take on. I know because I'm getting ready to start one that size for a family member who wants one for Christmas. Good luck on yours and post pictures of your finished quilt if you can.

[Schmidty16]

ok

[cmontag]

that is so awesome. thank you for sharing.

[amnartist]

Thank you, cmontag.

[wahela]

I make rag quilts for baby blankets. I use flannel, three layers for each square. Usually the inside is more colorful. But for girls I would use brown and pink squares. If you have a Singer sewing machine with different kinds of stitches, you make an X sewing, and using the different stitches, you can make them really cool. then sew them together, use a sharp knife to cut each seam about every half inch around ALL of those seams, then I take it to the laundromat because I am not about to have all those threads plugging my washer. Then dry it. They make beautiful baby blankets. Six across and nine down makes a rag quilt for a baby crib.

[amnartist]

Thanks for the info wahela. What a great idea about taking them to the laundromat afterwards too!

[mzklever]

I've been looking for instructions on how to make a rag quilt that actually make sense. This seems easy to follow, and I can't wait to start. Thanks for posting!

[amnartist]

Thank you! It is messy and takes some time, especially a larger one. But SO worth it, I think. Good luck.

[Sassy Cat]

I made this lap quilt ( a little bigger) and it came out so adorable. Love the Instructable. Thank you for sharing. I am going to make more of them. They are fun, but be prepared for "mess". I had levi threads all over the house, but well worth the cleanup.

[amnartist]

Thanks Sassy Cat! I enjoy making these. I've been sewing for over 40 years and just can't throw scraps of fabric away(or old, worn or stained jeans). This is a great way to use them up. But yes, they are messy.

[marian1936]

Love your idea, and you presented it very clearly.

[IAMSPARTA]

THIS QUILT WAS AWESOME! I ABSOLUTLY LOVED THE FACT THAT WITH THE DENIM THAT IT'S HEVY ENOUGH NOT TO NEED BATTING! CHEERS TO THIS PROJECT!

[amnartist]

Thank you!

[daddycbucks]

Congratulations! Your quilt deserves to be in the finals. Good luck!!

[amnartist]

Thank you, thank you!

[dougandmare]

I love the finished product. It's neat to sew both sides of the quilt together like you show here. I never would have know to do that. And, I have small dogs! This will be a winter project for me. Thanks!!

[amnartist]

Thank you! I'm thinking of making one queen bed size...now that would be a winter project! lol

[mgranma]

How clever!

[amnartist]

Thank you.

[seancepts2k3]

Or you could show a picture that would make a guy not feel threaten in his masculinity by having a quilt that HE could make for himself...just a thought.

[amnartist]

Very good thought, no reason a guy couldn't do this at all. Thanks!

[seancepts2k3]

A kid with no confidence in sewing (I was once that kid), could take this and do a lot with it. Great idea.

[amnartist]

Thank you! I was lucky, my grandmother taught me to sew when I was young and I'm glad she did. I think the art of sewing is going away.

[OnePrettyThing]

That is way cute. What a great project for beginning sewers who want to practice. I'll be linking.

[amnartist]

Thank you!

[daddycbucks]

This is nice!!

[amnartist]

Thank you. I probably should have set a little dog on the quilt to show the size better, but I don't have a dog!