fallongrannie

I was given a couple of dozen luncheon size linen napkins and some table cloths. They are the kind that take Lots of starch and ironing. As to the age of the line, I would say 50+ years. My daughter wondered if they could be used to make a quilt. There's beautiful embroidery on the corners of the napkins and on the table cloths, but my concern is the practicality of such a quilt because of the washing issues.. Has anyone on this great board had any experience using table linens in a quilt?
Thanks for your help!

SusieQOH

Doilies and Hankies- Love Letters Video with Kaye Wood

This is a nice video that I found because I have some lovely hankies and doilies I want to incorporate into a quilt.
Not sure if this is something you would like but I thought I'd toss it out to you.

dunster

Cindy Needham uses vintage linens in quilts. She has tips on using them in her Craftsy class, Machine Quilting Wholecloth Quilts.

quiltingshorttimer

also check out Kelly Cline quilting--she uses lovely vintage linens to make gorgeous quilted wall hanging, etc. I plan to use some of the linens that my g-ma made--better on display than stuffed in a cedar chest turning yellow!

Mkotch

It makes sense to use them in things that won't be washed - wallhangings, table toppers, bags perhaps?

fallongrannie

Thanks to all for your great suggestions! I’ll get busy with checking out all websites !

Irishrose2

If they wash up well, I wouldn't hesitate to use them in a quilt. The quilting will keep them from needing that kind of ironing once the quilt is completes.

madamekelly

This is an idea that I am collecting used embroidery items to try. I am not going to worry about the fabrics, just put tulle over the embroidery before I quilt them. I figure if they have been used and washed, they should hold up, but I am using the tulle as insurance.

https://pin.it/iVDc6ct

cashs_mom

I was thinking the same. I've used washed linen to make garments and they are just fine. I think once you quilted them they'd work well. Regular quilting cottons often don't come out of the washer flat and ironed looking and they work well once quilted. I think the napkins will do the same. And if they are old and have been used a lot, they may be nice and soft when the starch is washed out of them.

Sewgood

Linen napkins are usually pretty sturdy "stock". I don't think I'd hesitate to use them. Maybe not in a children's quilt but I bet they would make a beautiful quilt for another use.
Make sure you post a photo...