Hello All, For my next project I would love to make a quilt for my Mom. She had a stroke last year so now sleeps on a single bed downstairs in the house, as she is now in a wheelchair. Anyway, I'm thinking a quilt may not be the most practical thing for her as she spends a lot of time in bed and it would get dirty quickly and need to be washed a lot. So I was thinking of doing a patchwork duvet cover, has anyone ever done one of these? I am wondering if a patchwork quilt style top would be sturdy enough as the top of a duvet cover on its own without being quilted? Or maybe I could 'quilt' it to some backing but without any batting inside? Would that work? Does anyone have any ideas, tips or advice? Thanks

i think your idea to quilt the top to a backing alone is an excellent idea. it will help the patchwork maintain its shape. and, by turning the whole thing into a duvet, you can adjust the warmth it provides by using "innards" of different weights. your mom can be wrapped in your love all year round. :P :P :P

Most of my 'quilts' are are actually throws for the bed! Because we mostly use continental quilts over here (with covers) I normally just back mine with either fleece or flannelette, and then they can be used on their own if its warm or on top of the duvet for a bit of extra warmth! Hope this helps!

Karen xx

I agree that a backing to the pieced top would be better than none and it would be simple to do it by the birthing method. You also may want to sew ties or velcro into the inside corners of the cover to keep the comforter from sliding around inside. Here are a couple of sites that have directions for making duvet covers. http://www.alternative-windows.com/duvet-covers.htm http://www.allfreecrafts.com/sewing/duvet-cover.shtml This is a project that has long (too long!) been on my list of things to do. I'm eager to hear how it works out for you.

Thats great, thanks for those links, already picked up a few handy hints. :D

This is a really interesting idea that I will have to keep in mind.

I do have a couple terminology questions though:

Karenmay-What exactly is a continental quilt?

nor-easter- What is the birthing method? (I'm assuming you're not speaking about c-section here! lol)

:D No, Colletta, been there, done that, this is way easier! It's a method of finishing a quilt with no binding. This site will tell you how to do it, but basically you put the right sides together, sew around the edges leaving maybe 8 inches open, and then turn it right-side-out through the opening and hand stitch it up to close. It would be super easy without the batting as in this duvet cover idea. http://www.fabriclandwest.com/quilte...hing_quilt.htm

Colletta, a continental quilt is just a duvet!

Karen

wheew you gals had me concerned...divide and birth....glad that's cleared up :lol: :roll: :lol: :shock: :lol:

great site.

I recently made a duvet cover for my sister because we both use feather duvets here. as I sewed the blocks together I used a zig zag stitch because I don't have a serger, so none of the seams will fray. I used big pieces for the back and just sewed the two large pieces (top and Bottom) together like a pillow case inside out and then used velcro for the opening. Works for her!

I was thinking maybe French seams on the inside might be a good idea, too. That would keep the inside "threadless" and less apt to fray, don't you think? :?: Yeah, Loretta, it takes some getting used to when you hear women talk about 'birthing a quilt'! :D

geez, whew, glad someone was courageous enough to ask what it meant lol lol lol

I'm so glad you brought this whole subject up. I hope you manage to make what is best and I know it will turn out to be lovely. :lol: