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.

Sooooo true!! When I was in school in the early 60s, I would have died if I had had to wear clothes with holes in them. I now have custody of an almost 17-year-old, and have paid good money for jeans filled with holes. Unbelievable, but oh so true.

Thanks everyone for the ideas and thoughts. Gives me somethings to think about...

Maybe you could patch it with denim from this generation's jeans, just to keep it going. Also, whatever you're going to do, better pass it by BIL before starting. I've been on that Road of Good Intentions many times - it's a long way back.

I personally would just wash it gently, put a note of its provenance, and pack it away in an acid free container. From the pics it is not traditional blocks to be admired, so to display it is not something I would do. To try to repair those holes, tears...that fabric is probably so threadbare, others will pop up....best to put it to "rest". Jmho

Appliqués are a nice way to cover the oops in old quilts. My daughter had a very old simple patch quilt without batting which my grandmother had made for her she was about five. She loved it and took it to college with her as a "TV quilt." By the time she asked me to fix it, the quilt was literally shredded. What I did was gently install batting behind the top layer, placed it on top of a new flannel backing, gently pushed the shredded pieces together and then covered the top with the softest tulle possible. I quilted the whole thing on the frame with a simple, small meandering. Happy results!

You could possibly add a new backing then patch the holes from the front. That would give it stability and maybe add a few years it's life.

I think doing the easiest patch inside, then putting a second patch outside that is a little larger would fix the holes and also reinforce the fabric around it. I would X-stitch round the larger patch to make it look rustically repaired. May add some new character.

I would do a basting stitch with patches on the holes and secure with one knot. Then wash and let dry. Then repair after consulting with BIL.

I have to ask. I know, in the day, when a quilt got too worn, they used that quilt as batting and made a new top and backing, then tied the quilt. Would the BIL consider that?? It is why some old quilts are so heavy, multiple layers. Will the quilt, once repaired, have a loving display on the back of the couch or will it be used in the back seat of the car so the dogs don't mess up the upholstery??

I agree with filling in the hole and patching it on both sides, but I also suggest covering the top with wedding tulle and tacking it down with fairly close ties or machine knots. I repaired such a quilt for our church organist and the repair is hard to find.

I would like to see a picture of the whole quilt.

If it is only one or two areas that have holes or tears, that is one thing.

But if it is really worn out - would the remaining fabric even be able to support new sewing?

I agree that you will probably have to cut out a whole piece and 'insert' a new piece. What about making a statement with the pieces? Such as piece this with a heart shaped and mark it like a label - made by grandmother. Or make a square but applique something on the top block. Is there a special memory of the grandmother? maybe teacup or flowers? I would take whatever fabric I was planning on using and wash it several times to soften it - or maybe fabric salvaged from an old dress or shirt.