Hi everyone,
Someone in my office asked me if it was possible to take old caps (like baseball caps) apart and make them into a quilt. I have never heard of doing something like that, but said I would put the question out here to see what of you thought. Her husband collect the caps and has passed away, she doesn't want throw them away and thought a quilt might be a good idea. So if anyone out here can help I would appreciate it

I have never tried this, but I am sure it can be done. I say go ahead and try it!!

I think the most difficult part would be getting the caps to lay flat enough for a quilt. But anything is possible.

i've seen it done for wall hanging/art quilts but not for a utility quilt.

Not sure she wants to use it as a utility quilt, just a way to preserve the collection. I have no idea how to even begin to so this for her and don't want to ruin the hats. Any directions or ideas how to put one together?

I would take the bill off the front by unsewing it and then doing the same for the base of the caps - they should lay semi flat for you when you have them apart enough. Try one from your son or husband that is old and worn out so as to not mess up her good ones.

I saw one made with a material a little heavier than cotton, more like upholstery material, and the logos of the caps were cut and applique to squares of fabric sewn together. It was a wallhanging also made with the intention of preserving the hats.

Maria

Good idea, thank you!! Still open to any other ideas that come along on this too, but think I will try it on an old hat and see what happens. Will post pics if and when this gets done, like next year I think, LOL!!

I love your avatar. Is that a puff quilt under that darling baby?

Yes, it's a puff quilt and that is my beautiful granddaughter when she was an infant. Now 16 months and runnning, lol

I hope this doesn't sound unsentimental or anything but I was thinking that those caps would be a Godsend to cancer patients. Take a good picture of the collection and frame it. Donate the caps in memory of the loved one. I'm aware of the need because I sit in the waiting room of a cancer treatment center with my mom. I also remember teaching a child (first grade) who was undergoing chemo at the time. He loved wearing the caps that people gave to him. Just a thought.

My roommate wears caps all the time. Once, I made the mistake of trying to wash them, and they are not colorfast, Also, the fabric on his was some kind of blend, so it was a real mess! What went into the washing machine on gentle was maroon with yellow embroidery - what came out was deep rose with bright orange. Dave was NOT amused!

Maybe you can take the logos or whatever off them and use them for appliques.

OOOOOH good point, Moonpi. My hubby wears a couple different ones and I told him I was going to wash them (someone told me you can in the dishwasher :roll: ) but he wasnt' having it.

Maybe a nice list of ideas for the caps, including that one to cancer patients would be helpful. If she has a bunch of his ties, you can make a nice quilt of that for her.

If you decide to go for it, maybe you could use a small template to cut a few shapes out of each section, just a thought.

See this is what I love about this message board all the good ideas and help!! I hadn't thought of the colorfastnest of the caps, nor had I thought of donating the caps. I would sure have hated to do this quilt for her and then have it ruined because the colors all ran. Something to reallly think about when doing something for another.

GailG, I think donating is a great idea, but not sure how well worn the caps are. I will pass the idea along for sure though. My prayers and thoughts with you, waiting is always the worst.

Thanks so much for the great ideas I really appreciate all of them!!!

Maybe using a serger and doing flat felled (I think that's how it's spelled) seams. That way they lay flat.

Hmmm, I was thinking (sometimes a dangerous thing). If the caps would be used to make a wall-hanging-type quilt, it wouldn't necessarily have to be laundered. Even a collage of the logos on the caps would be nice framed. And you're right about how much the caps have already been worn. I was actually thinking about new caps. My DH has rows and rows of hats stored up in his closet. Every now and then, he'll pull some out and share them with others. It's kinda like me trying to separate myself from my fabric. :lol:

What's a puff quilt and how do I make one. that's adorable...
(baby too, tee hee)