How to Make Quilt Fabric

At one time, quilting was part of a homemaker's duties. It was a way to recycle fabric into warm comforters and blankets. Today, quilting is considered an art form. While quilters still make the useful comforter, other items can be quilted, such as wall hangings and pieces of clothing. Purchasing fabric is one way to begin a quilt. Another way is to make quilt fabric by recycling, the way it was originally done.

Instructions

1. Look in your closet. Clothes that you no longer wear or are destined for the thrift shop can be made into fabric for quilts. For example, if you've collected Hawaiian shirts that you no longer wear, the fabric from those shirts can be used to create a tropical quilt.

2. Don't give away the old baby clothes. When your children outgrow their clothing, there may be some items that can be made into quilt fabric. Create a sentimental quilt from your child's favorite outfits.

3. Visit thrift stores. Clothing at thrift stores can often be purchased for a fraction of the cost of quilting fabric. See what affordable clothing items can be made into quilt fabric.

4. Go to garage sales. Used clothing and linens often cost less at a garage sale than at the thrift shop. For example, old worn-out denim clothing can be cut up and made into fabric squares for a denim quilt.

5. Ask family and friends for cast-off clothing and old linens. Don't be afraid to ask. There may be a pile of tattered denim jeans and other items that aren't suitable for the thrift shop but are piling up in your friend's closet, waiting to be dumped in a landfill. Let your friends and family know what type of cast-offs you would welcome.

Resources

• World Wide Quilting
• Quilt Magazine