Questions about wheelchair quilts
 

I'm in the midst of making a fairly large quilt and have decided that I'd rather it became two or three smaller quilts. I thought that the block pattern might be appropriate for wheelchair quilts, but have a couple of questions:

1. How big should a wheel chair quilt be, ideally? My blocks are 18" square.
2. Do you make them square or rectangular?
3. I've read that flannel is a good backing for them - what is your experience with this?
4. Any other tips or good ideas would be very, very welcome!

Thank you!

Our guild has been making them as a charity project. We make them no larger than 36. X. 36

Sandy

I say this as a person who has never made one but I would want mine a little longer so that I could cover my toes. My feet are always cold and a quilt that only comes down to my ankles while sitting wouldn't get used very much. I want enough to tuck my toes under. Some people only have socks on when sitting in wheel chairs and I always think their toes must be chilly. I would say it would be more of a rectangle than square and I think flannel would be perfect--again I am always on cold side so I think everyone is cold :-)

Can't wait to see your projects

Tammy

I just want to say how nice it is of you to make these instead of a big quilt. You are very generous. What goes around comes around!!

My sewing group got together in Nov. and we made several for a Nursing home here. We made them 36 by 45. We were told that there were 11 people in a local Nursing Home that had no one, no family at all. They never had visitors or received gifts or anything. We made them quilts and jackets from sweatshirts, and gave them things like socks, and a few goodies.

i agree that flannel is a good idea... it tends to help keep the quilt from sliding off. if the quilt is for a specific person, ask them if they'd like it long enough to tuck under the feet. if i were the one in the wheelchair, i'd like it long enough to pull up around my waist and go down to under my feet. jmho.

This was just posted a couple days ago:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...t-t211567.html

Just a question or thought really. If a person put ties on one side then it could be tied to rails of wheelchair to keep from sliding off. What about a pocket of sorts for feet tuck on other side. If would have to be for the residents that can't get out of their chairs to keep from tripping Do yall think that would be welcome for the staff? I'm sure the staff would have to like them or they wouldn't get used

Our guild made wheelchair quilts about 42" (width of available fabric) X 48". We put a pocket on the back thinking some residents might fold them up like a quillow when not in use but some of the residents used the pocket for their feet. That kept the quilt in place and it didn't get caught in the wheels. I would never have thought of a foot pocket.

ITA that the flannelette backing would be good to help them stay in place.
Likewise ties could be a good idea ... or put velcro on for a quick attachment and release.

If you're making them as generic gifts to a facility, you'd be best to ask them if there are any specifics re size, types of fabrics, etc. As items owned and used by the home, they may have requirements to be met knowing what has worked in the past for their residents and staff. Better to ask up front, than to be disappointed when your kindness is turned away.

As suggested, if making for a specific individual(s), let them guide you in their wish list!!

Congratulations for your thoughtfulness.