There are no rules for quilting. You can do what you want. If you want to use clothes, go right ahead. I redid a quilt for someone a while back that the whole top was polyester clothes. It has a sheet for the back and was hand tied. The sheet was falling apart so she sent a new sheet for the back and I quilted it for her. The polyester showed no wear at all and she used that quilt for over 20 years. It was her favorite quilt and she always used it.

Hi hperttula123, I really like your beautiful and colorful quilt. I want to learn how to make these types of quilt. So please give me more information.

I do crafts and sewing with the 3 neighbor girls. I am the unofficial "neighborhood fair coach". Well, the fair finished last week, so we are now in the "build our sewing, cutting, pinning skills phase" until at least after Christmas. Our next project will be a team quilt - Little House on the Prairie quilt. We will cut up men's shirts (plaid helps for cutting straight if you are 7 years old). The 9 year old will have the opportunity to improve her sewing skills. The idea of using clothes for making quilts fits the concept of a pioneer quilt. We will use 6.5" squares, and I will applique a big Holly Hobbie over the top of it. I think we will kill several birds with this stone!

Dayle

I wish we had a "like" button! Good ideas Dayle!

Barb

I made three pillow covers for my friend this summer from her husband's shirts. The brightest one also has some fabric from some old pants we found. Of course I can't get pic to upload. I'll try sending it in PM.

There is a lady in the UK who has created a business buying clothes from second hand shops etc., wash and cutting into strips and charms.... It is called worn and washed. She is so successful, Libertys of London stock her fabrics...... So go for it!

hugs

Caroline

I would rather save aside money to buy quality fabric to make a quilt and make fewer quilts. Sorry, but if your choice is between buying fabric and buying food, I'm not sure you are in a position to be buying old clothing to make quilts.

Sure, I've made quilts from old clothing that is no longer wearable, but still has some usable parts. The quilt doesn't last that long in comparison to one using new materials. I chose to tie rather than quilt. You are still spending thread, batting, and binding, not to mention electricity to make that quilt. Bonnie Hunter, I love her, but she is using primarily barely used clothing to make her quilts - looks great, but ultimately costs as much as fresh yardage from Joann's (do the math).

If you absolutely are determined to use old clothes, then be a buddy to you local thrift store. Leave the stuff for those who need clothes to wear until the end of the season. At the end of the season, they are trying to sell off all the seasonal clothes to make room for more. If you show up on the last day of the sale, everything is often marked 75-95% off. They just want it gone. If your store manager knows you need a bunch of shirts, s/he might even give you a better deal. Last Spring, I let the manager know and was able to buy several boxes of sweaters for $8. My sister serged the sweaters into zippered cases to allow for padding. In turn, the finished cases were given to a rural animal shelter to keep the animals war and cosy while they await adoption. Obviously, you can make a similar deal for shirts.

Keep an eye out for estate sales. Quilters pass away suddenly and sometimes family members are too overwhelmed and simply let the stuff go for $5 a box.

I have cut up and used clothing for quilts. As long as the material is still good why not? I made a pair of beautiful throw pillows for my daughter out of an jacket that was made from a taprestry type material. I always take off all the buttons from used clothing. My grandmother used to make me clothes from men's suits she bought at rummage sales. She always saved the buttons and zippers. In these economic times perhaps we could all take a lesson in reusing items instead of throwing them away.

I say use whatever you want to use. Or, can use. I attended Quilt Congress in Harrison, AR this past weekend. And was very lucky to see a presentation by Elsie Campbell. She was friendly, entertaining and engaging. One of the many quilts she showed was a beautiful string quilt she said she had gone to the thrift store and bought 40 (45?) plaid shirts for. She said the shirts were both cotton and blends.

I especially like the "Hawaiian" style shirts with a lot of hibiscus and bright flowers. Have friends I go thrift shopping with and we find some great fabrics. Some of the older fabrics are a lot nicer quality than what the fabric stores have now.