I want to make a picnic quilt...Something that we can take along to toss on the grass when we to go picnics or concerts or whatever it will be needed for...OUTSIDE. Any suggestions? Perhaps a heavier fabric, certain batting, what about the back, any certain fabrics??? Please help! ! ! Thanks so much!

I'm making one out of old jeans.

I have gotten as far as the old jeans, but wondering what to put as batting. Thinking maybe just flannel. Then next issue is what kind of backing--maybe jeans on both sides, but it would be awful thick and stiff. Watching this thread intently. I love it when someone else actually does my thinking for me. :) Thank you in advance!

Denim on one side and doubleknit on the other, tie it with no batting between. Can even stitch around the edge, turn right side out and edge stitch before tying. I did this with a bunch of denim I stumbled onto, then kept them in the car to give to needy homeless I came across when running errands, etc.

Here's a cute one from JoAnn's projects. Picked up the freebie hand out one day, and hope to make it sometime.

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/projectdetail.jsp;jsessionid=18193717D93939F2A75176CD0BA8EC1B.a6p1? projectFlag=true&CATID=cat13853&PRODID=prod572363& subCatName=quilting+%26+patchwork

we have made many picnic/beach quilts- we make wonderful-colorful fun tops...a nice cotton back- dream poly batting
poly batting doesn't shrink- and wears like steel- holds up nicely to multiple washings/drying-- they are lightweight- easy to pack
great fun!

The one I've used for years is made of poly-cotton front and back. It's really smooth so leaves, etc. don't stick to it and it launders perfectly. It also isn't too heavy to carry around. I've probably been using it for 20 years and it's still in great shape.

Thanks, love this - added to my mile long 'to-do' list!

I have jean rag quilts that are at least 15 years old now, I didnt use batting and bought denim yardage for the backs. I tied them with red yarn, We still use them all the time.They get better with age:)

I have a quilt that I made for soccer games, picnics, etc. I used black backing, warm and natural batting and make it a scrappy quilt on top. Works beautifully and washes up so nicely! I keep it in the trunk of the car and it comes in so handy.