Use a size 14 needle when piecing. Large pieces and an uncomplicated pattern should make it go easier. I would definitely use a lightweight batting.

Thanks for your comments.. I have the big rag die for the go so the 'raggie-ness' wont be an issue.. I guess Im just worried about the level of thickness and how difficult it is to sew thru.. I have a pfaff 7570 and its not wimpy but Ive never tackled a jean project before.. And if I do this hubby would be thrilled if I used his moms jeans.. he loves the jean quilts and if it was out of his moms jean it would be a double bonus.. I guess Im afraid to screw it up...

I made 2 denim quilts 20 yrs ago for my sons and they are still using them. I didn't think they were hard to make.
I have replaced the bindings a couple times.

Jeans are very heavy. You might have too heavy a quilt on your hands.

Recently I saw a jean rug. It was made with layers of denim and then sewn in parallel lines about 3/4" apart and cut through all but the backing giving a chenille look. Really heavy duty and pretty too.

ali

I would try just ONE layer with the Accuquilt Go die. I made a rag quilt using 2 layers of flannel and one layer of cotton and cut all three layers at once and it was difficult to turn the crank and I had issues with the fabric being stuck down in the areas that cuts the "rag" part. I don't know that you would be able to cut more than one denim block at a time. Just a thought!!!

Jean quilt
 

My youngest son went through his jeans before he left for college and had 2 bags of jeans for GoodWill. I'm like....hmmmmm maybe I can make him a jean quilt for his birthday in November. That gave me a few months plus he really didn't need it until then. I believe I cut 6 inch squares for the jeans and only used flannel for the back. I broke a few needles but it was worth it. I even left the pockets in some of them to add fun to the quilt. I didn't put the X in the squares and it turned out just fine. It is super heavy, but he seams to really like it. The spring loaded scissors are a must for cutting the edges. I cut as I went along so it wasn't such a huge job to cut everything at the end. A mindless job while watching tv. Attached is a picture showing the front and the back! I also made a couple pillows because I had extra fabric left.

Consider making a lap quilt. Small in size and yet ever so warm. I keep one in our truck because my dh is always hot and I get cold. It is awesome.
I also agree with the other post, cut them up, get rid of the waste and just put aside for another day. This way you won't be sorry later.

That is a awesome quilt! I am sure yr son loves it and you for making it for him! Very awesome!

Not all jean quilts have the ragged seams. And as far as the weight - where do you live? What temperature do you keep your house at night in the winter? What may seem too heavy in the south with a high house temperature at night may be just a heavenly weight in a colder climate where you prefer to keep a colder house temperature at night and sleep bundled up under quilts and blankets. Also, usually it is just women who think a quilt gets too heavy. Men seem strong enough to never notice the weight of their quilts or blankets.