patching ideas
 

My brother in law has a quilt that his grandmother made. So its getting old. I would guess it was made in early 1960's.

It has been through the ringer and he just don't want to let it go. My sis asked me if I could patch it, just to keep it alive and around. They are thinking to use it as a utility quilt. They know it's had a good life, but still want to hang onto it.

I have some ideas, but I know you guys and gals here are full of alot of good information.

Here are some pictures... holes completely through. No applique will solve this :). I am thinking just patch the spots with big blocks of fabric. Possibly putting in some more batting.

What do you guys think?[ATTACH=CONFIG]550659[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]550660[/ATTACH]

Pretty nice size holes. Can you trim the batting to have straight edges that you can whip stitch a new piece to? Then you can put a new fabric patch on it. As it is old, I think just a good patch on top and bottom if needed would give it a
certain charm

i have a quilt with the same issue... that is the way i plan on fixing mine.

I have one of my grandmothers that was "well loved"--my Mom used it as the mattress pad on her sleeper-sofa! And it was a mess by then. I plan to use the salvageable parts as a bear if my daughter has a child--that way it stays in the family. My SIL used one like that to make little hearts for the Christmas tree that she gave to all the family as a memento of her grandmother.

cj sews and quiltingshorttimer both have great ideas.

I totally agree.

l had to repair my dd'quilt that her puppy chewed holes in.l removed a whole section where the most damage occured, unstitching the front, trimming the batting, then cutting the backing so it had some seam allowance. l remade that top area with similar fabrics in squares cut to size & attatched seaming the usual way ( reaching through that large hole from back. l then basted in batting, and patched the back up, just top sewing it through all layers, and added appropriate quilting lines to go with what existed. Next, the smaller holes l patched as the others have already suggested.

I would just wash it gently in the bath tub then hang or lay flat to dry (I drape quilts over laundry baskets then turn a fan on) and then put it on display on a quilt rack or a shelf. Attach a label for future generations. I have several antique quilts (not from family) that are beyond repair. They're my favorites.
stitch678 -- My grandson's dog chewed a hole in a quilt I made for him. I embroidered a patch from a fabric that wasn't in the original quilt. The patch said "Alvin did this!"

I would let the holes be part of the quilt. Hand bind the holes and let them be different size eyelets all over the quilt. I repaired an old quilt like this to keep it original with no new fabric added. I call it Quilt Lace.

A truly original and unique idea!

The quilt looks like it has given long and faithful service.

If you want to continue to use it - What about using garments that are showing some wear for patches? I would be willing to guess that most of the fabric is getting fragile. I think I would just put patches on both sides of the holes - sew down the rips and tears so they don't get any bigger.

From the little bit I can see of it in the photograph - I am thinking this was made as an "everyday/utility" quilt to be used.

My Mom did a lot of mending and patching of overalls - her "rule" was - patch it twice - after that it got put into "salvage" pile - the backs of the legs were then used for patches.

I don't know - when is it time to let a quilt go? People wear(buy!!!!!!) jeans that have more holes than that.