crowley7

My daughter asked me to make a quilt from her mother inlaws acrylic sweaters. I would like to know how this can be done. Any help is welcomed.

elnan

Do an internet search for "quilt from old sweaters" or substitute blanket for quilt. Many come up.

Prism99

Here are some tutorials:
http://seamstresserin.com/sweaters-blanket-tutorial/
http://yellowsuitcasestudios.com/201...nket-tutorial/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Cash...uilt/?ALLSTEPS

Here's a Youtube video that shows some examples (no sound):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wBIG_LRgqY

The last tutorial shows how to use strips of fusible on the edges so the seams don't stretch. I like that idea. You would not have to buy pre-cut strips, although the strips sold to join battings would work. You could also cut your own strips out of fusible nylon tricot or other fusible. I would experiment with ironing the fusible onto scraps of the sweaters first to make sure it will adhere properly.

Instead of strips, I would be inclined to see if a very lightweight fusible could be used on the entire back of the sweater pieces. Once the sweaters are de-constructed (there are Youtube videos and online tutorials in how to de-construct a shirt; a sweater would be similar), I would iron the fusible on the sweater pieces before cutting into the shapes for the quilt. This is the fusible I would be tempted to try first (can be purchased in smaller sizes; I think Walmart and JoAnn's sell it by the yard):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

quiltingshorttimer

never done this, but think it could be done if first stablized with a fusible--I would do more than just the edges cause it will reduce the stretching when actually quilting. But my one concern would be that the sweaters may be different thicknesses and wonder what the results would be (ditto the tightness of the weave being different.)

crowley7

Thank You for the info. I have some fusible fleece. Can that be used?. I have never used it . I purchased it in the clearance section.It was a great buy.

SherylM

I didn't read any of the tutorials or watch the video and I've never done anything like this, so if this has been addressed, forgive me.

My first thought is that using fusibles on acrylic might be a bad idea - wouldn't it melt? I know there's something that knitters do called "killing" the acrylic with heat to make the knitted fabric less stretchy and drape better (I think. I don't knit, it's just something that I read.)

It seems that applying enough heat to actually fuse something might ruin it.

But if I'm talking through my hat...never mind!

ETA: Ok...I went back and looked at the tutorials - they were using wool, not acrylic, sweaters to make their blankets.

Kassaundra

I have worked on a few projects w/ deconstructed sweaters (mostly chicken clothes for my naked chickens) and have combined fabric quilts w/ crocheted blocks.

When you deconstruct the sweaters do not cut them at the seams take the time to remove the stitching.

One big problem will be the irregular shape. You should get 4 good size pieces to work with, front, back, 2 sleeves.

If I were going to try and turn them into a quilt from there I would measure all my pieces and decide on a size square to work with ( as large as they would accommodate).

I would cut fabric squares to size and perimeter stitch probably a double row w/ small stitch length, leaving a turning spot, then cut extra sweater away (use the finished edge of the sweater as the "turning edge").

You will now have same size squares w/ sweaters on one side and fabric on the other all raw edges will be turned in. I would join those squares w/ a whipped stitch or X by hand w/ yarn, or a wide zig zag by machine.

mom-6

A friend of mine uses preownef sweaters to make gorgeous full length coats. She serges all the seams and allows them to become design elements (similar in look to a rag quilt). You might consider this method as an alternative.