Handprint Quilt Ideas

Make a memorable handprint quilt.

Personalized quilts are often treasured heirloom pieces. Quilts have a central theme used throughout the pattern, but each block or quilt section can be very different. Consider making a quilt special by bringing part of the family into the quilt design through hand prints. Use a pencil to trace a hand print of each family member onto a piece of paper then consider one of four quilting techniques to transfer the hand print to the quilt.

Embroider the Hand print

Trace the hand print from the paper to the quilt block using a fabric pencil. Use a light box or tape the paper and fabric to a window so the light will shine from underneath and make the hand print easier to see while transferring to the fabric. Stitch the hand print outline with a hand embroidery stitch. Consider using different colors for each hand print. Arrange the blocks by family member age or position in the family lineage.

To machine embroidery the hand prints, use a scanner to change the paper hand print to digital. Import the digital image following the embroidery software instructions. Machine embroidery each block and arrange as desired.

Appliqué the Hand print

Trace the hand print from the paper to a fabric of choice. Cut out the hand print about one-quarter-inch outside the traced line. Purchase fusible web from a fabric supply store and cut a square just larger than the hand print. Heat an iron to the highest temperature the fabric will tolerate. Apply the fusible web to the back of the hand print. Remove the backing paper from the web. Turn the edges of the hand print to the traced line and press with an iron. Press the hand print to a quilt block. Secure in place with a machine satin stitch or a hand embroidery stitch. Arrange each block as desired.

Paint the Hand print

Arrange and trace on a large flat bed sheet or 107-inch wide muslin. Use fabric paints and brushes to add color to the hand prints and make them permanent. Some fabric paints require a heat set; be certain to read the instructions on the bottles. Dimension paints come in small squeezable bottles and do not require brushes. These paints are suitable for outlining the hand print in a similar or contrasting color. Work on hand prints near the center of the quilt first. This avoids smearing paint due to reaching over wet hand prints.

Foundation Patchwork

Trace the hand print onto a foundation quilting paper and cut the paper in a square about 2-inches from the outline of the hand print. Stitch 1 to 2-inch wide scraps of fabric down to the reverse side of the foundation paper. Use different colors of fabric. A crazy quilt or patchwork style emerges. Continue to cover the entire paper. Press with an iron. Turn the foundation paper over and cut out the hand print about one-quarter-inch outside the traced line. Apply the patchwork hand print to a quilt block with any appliqué technique.

References

• Western Kentucky University: Quilting Reference Guide