Back again. Do you think if I raw applique a scenic design on the top it would be ok? I don't know if she actually uses it to sit on. Or do you think it might fray too much? I would probably use wonder under on it. Thanks again.

I use batiks to raw edge applique and get very little fraying since the weave is denser.

As l long as it's not washed too often and the fabric you use doesn't fray a lot and Steam-A-Seam or a similar backing, it should be fine. As a cover for a cedar chest, it's probably not going to get that dirty and I hope that she's not sitting on it. They really aren't made to be used as a seat.

Sounds like a lot of work for something so simple. Buy a printed throw and put it over the chest.

I made a bed skirt, this link is not the one I made but if you read through it, you will get the general idea. The velcro used is really what makes it so simple and could easily be converted into something like a hope chest cover.
https://nourishandnestle.com/easiest...th-box-pleats/

If you do do raw edge applique, I would still stitch all the edges down either with a straight stitch or a small zig-zag. I have used wonder under and while it holds for a bit, I have had it come loose.

Thimblebug thanks for the link. sewingpup I thought I would stitch around all the edges. And yes a throw would be easier but she wants it to be a quilt. I'm still stewing over the colors (it definitely is NOT my strong suit)

You would be making a slipcover of sorts. The top can be patchwork, part of a horizontally presented panel or simply a pretty home dec fabric. The top will be a rectangle finished to sfize of the lid. The skirting is simply a long rectangle,108" plus enough for 4 corner pleats ( say 8" each box pleat)... that means the rectangle would need to be 132 + seam allowances , and the height of chest plus extra for seam top and hem bottom.Care is needed to avoid joins in skirt from being obvious.

That's what I would do. I have a cedar chest that I bought 50 years ago and it was old then. I have a crocheted runner my grandmother made on it and it's survived just fine.

Depending on her style of decor, a dutch applique design would be in keeping with a hope chest.