Quilt Construction

I love to make quilts and it's much easier than most people think. This Instructable includes tons of photos and complete, clear instructions for constructing a simple doll quilt. The same process can be used to make a quilt of any size.

Enjoy!
Melissa

For more quilting fun, swing by the blog: http://underconstructionblog.typepad.com

Step 1 Supplies and tools

Supplies
20 4 inch squares of cotton fabric*
1 piece of cotton fabric approximately 16x18 inches (for back)
1 piece of batting** (flat stuffing to put inside the quilt) approximately 16x18 inches
2 yards of embroidery floss
all purpose thread

Tools
sewing machine (or needle and lots of time)
scissors
large, embroidery needle
small sewing needle
seam ripper (most likely)
pins

*make sure your fabrics are pre-washed and dried so you are certain the dyes are set and the fabric won't shrink after your quilt is complete

**I like to use a thin, cotton batting which can be purchased by the yard at the fabric store. Buy 1/2 yard for this project (18 inches). You can also purchase polyester batting. Choose a very thin weight (3-5 ounce). Alternatively you could use a scrap of flannel inside your quilt--make sure your flannel is plain (no pattern to show through) and pre-washed.

Comments

[whatarebirds]

Thank you! You have just saved me countless hours. I never knew quite what that ball was for and have been using one of these for years.

[ChrysN]

I'm planning to make my first quilt, these instructions are very helpful, thanks!

[izzyinsf]

this is such a great instructable. i'm finishing up my first quilt and although the process is simple, your tricks made it so much simpler. especially ironing the rows in opposite directions, the "perfect corners" trick, and your method for tying knots for hand sewing. thank you!

[Faynilla]

you could easily strip piece these together, i love that orange and the blue! and the wavy stripes!!

[jleeschu]

can anyone share with me a quilt pattern called "Turning 21"?

[ean5]

Great Instructable. I have been planning a tshirt quilt and I think your method will work wonderfully.

[mdhaworth]

for your t-shirt quilt, one tip, put iron on interfacing on the back of the t-shirts before cutting them out. It reduces stretching.

[ean5]

Thanks so much! I am a complete novice at quilting. Do you think I could use fleece as the backing and as borders between the tshirts, or would that also stretch? Should I use interfacing on the fleece as well?

[mdhaworth]

Personally, I would not use fleece as borders between the shirts (or, if you do, DON"T interface the shirts and just resign yourself to a puckery quilt). Stretchy fabrics are hard to incorporate into quilting, especially for a novice. Fleece on the back would still be a pain but MUCH easier than on the front. If I were you, I'd use pre-washed quilting cotton in between your interfaced shirts and if you're in love with fleece, fleece on the back with no interfacing on the fleece and no batting in the quilt. Good luck!

[jauncourt]

this is how I make the few quilts I do make. :) Yay!

[kd1uc]

Cool methodology!! I have been sewing for years but am new to quilting. I just finished my first quilt. My wife has been quilting for years so I learned from her. Your method of sewing and inverting the quilt is cool. Eliminates the need for binding and make things go much quicker. I also love your description for lining up the seams. It is what I did in my Radiant (Morning) Star. Worked great. Have you ever sewn a small border on both sides so it looks like binding when it is done ?? If someone cannot make a quilt with these instructions they just don't want to make a quilt. GREAT JOB!!

[mdhaworth]

Thanks for the nice feedback. I haven't done that with a border but i think it would work...you may need to top stitch after.

[WHN]

This is so awesome!!!! Thank you so much!! I'm new to sewing/quilting, tho I've made a few things. They were not the best looking! You have encouraged me to try again!! Thank You, Thank You!! Give yourself a warm Texas hug!!!

[redbandita]

Thank you very much for posting these instructions. I have made a big blanket commemorating my sister's wedding. I folloed your instructions step by step. It was the first time I have ever made anything of this magnitude, and it turned out great! You can find the full process with here: http://www.43things.com/people/progress/redbandita/7897830

[BookishlyFab]

Thank you for this instructable! It is very clear, and I'm going to start as soon as I pick up some fabric!

[LittleMeTG]

Thank you so much for your instructions!!! I had one failed attempt and after seeing your instructions, you've sparked my interest again! I already started and it looks great so far! YIPPY!

[walkie74]

Every other set of instructions I've come across for quilting are disgustingly complicated. This is EASY! My great grandmother used to make quilts. Now I know how too!

[mdhaworth]

Glad you found it helpful. -Melissa

[rachel]

This is a lovely, well written, clear instructable! Now I'm inspired to finish the quilt I started six months ago for my new little nephew. Thanks!