As I'm sure you can tell from my posts, I am very much a beginner. A friend of mine gave me 3 "panels" for each of my boys. They are still together, like off the bolt, but they have dotted lines on them, so you can cut them apart. My friend is not a quilter, or a sewer, but she knew these fabric pieces were called panels. She got them for me at a garage sale.

Do I cut them apart, put batting, backing etc on them and call them a quilt even though they are pieced, or do I add borders to them, then batting and backing. I don't know a thing about these pieces except they are similar to crib size and all have Thomas the Train on them. Any suggestions for what I should do?

Melissa

It depends on how big a quilt you need. In a wall hanging, you can just use one panel, batting, batting, and a binding. Something like twin size would use a panel as a center medallion , with blocks and borders bringing it up to size. Another name for the pre-printed stuff is "cheater cloth" since some of them mimic intricate piecing.

I use panel quilts that are prequilted and just add binding. If there are panels for pillows, I use them for changing diapers.. diaper pads.. fun and easy to wash. Just add premade quilt binding, found at local fabric shops

Good luck !
Ellen

The joy of a panel is you can make it however you would like. Do you want it to have many boarders? Or to you want it no big deal here's a quilt?

Just cut them apart on that dotted line you mentioned and you're off and running. When purchased off the bolt it would be one "panel" for "x" dollars, and you would buy one or however many you wanted.

Another thought you said you have three sons, but if one or two isn't into Thomas you could make one quilt and two curtains. Or one quilt with a matching front and back (that only works if you were planning a not to quilt on the lines).

It's so nice that your neighbor thought of you! Enjoy the quick answer. :D

I am in the process of making a twin quilt with a horse panel. Haven't finished the side border yet.

Am posting a pic.

That is really pretty and I'm now getting how that would be cool as a center piece in your quilt. I'll probably give them each a border of different color (different one for each boy) and then they'll be a little bigger too. This is a no big deal quilt as they will be getting a big deal one soon.

It's in the projects line now. Has about 3 projects ahead of it first.

M