Using Twill Realtree® Camo and Orange Fabric
 

I am an inexperienced quilter with a whole lot to learn. I have been reading the boards for days before posting this thread regarding my questions. I have also "Googled" for hours. I am unfamiliar with working with Twill fabrics. My son (15yrs old) has been asking for a camo quilt. He doesn't want it pieced, etc. just solid piece of fabric on the front and back and quilted together. I was delighted that he asked but disappointed in how he wants it done as I just couldn't see making a quilt without the art of piecing and the such. With this being said, I have rethought this opinion being that cutting this fabric would take away from the design. Here are the fabrics: http://www.quiltingboard.com/newthre...=newthread&f=1 and http://store.realtree.com/realtree-c...-the-yard.html They are made of 7-ounce poly/cotton twill fabric, 60 inches wide. I have already purchased the orange and still need to get the other. I find it a very stiff fabric like it has been done with a heavy starch; almost like a light denim. BTW: WOW at the bold orange!!!! hmmmm… that's what he asked for I suppose. (shaking my head)

Here is my QUESTION: Will it soften up once washed? I hand sew/quilt so the stiffness will help but worry about it being rough as he uses it.
My other QUESTION: What do you think of a French Braid around the outside like as a border and bringing the orange back around for the binding and an orange strip on the sides of the braid?
Last QUESTION: Any specific quilt pattern do you think would go well with this fabric? I plan to use a medium loft batting.

Thank you in advance for any knowledge or opinion.. I tend to get a bit overwhelmed with my lack of "know" despite how much I read.

I feel that your son is asking for a "blanket/throw" rather than a "quilt" as you know it.
He doesn't care about it being pieced.
He chose the fabrics and their feel.
Who knows what he'll do with this once he has it....it'll be sturdy as all get-out and can be dragged all over the place (as in a son's mind - outside, on the grass, dirt, lake, truck, picnic, treehouse, whatever).

Personally I'd never dream of doing handwork on such a piece, and if you fancy-piece a border, it'll be for your pleasure not his. Perhaps you should rethink your work and design on this particular item and just make it exactly as he's described and machine-quilt it all the way. He'll be delighted; you'll be much less frustrated; and you can make him a "real" quilt for birthday or Christmas, taking your time (and pleasure)to design and work on it.

Just my point of view; that and a couple dollars will get you a cuppa coffee.:)

Jan in VA

What Jan said...
In addition, you can add some of your creativity to the 'quilt' with your quilting. Choose some designs that represent his hobbies/activities, or how you feel about him :)

Do I read from your initial post that you intend to hand quilt the twill
If so.....my only comment is OH MY!!.........that is unless you do a really big stitch. Need strong needles, good thimble, strong hands. Or tie the quilt.

I also agree with what Jan said!!
If that is how he wants it ,then please him, give him a great gift, and watch him light up,

I'd just make the quilt the way he wants it and tie it--not try handquilting through the twill. If you're worried about it being stiff or rough, use a fabric softener when you wash it. Even if it is a little rough/scratchy, you made it the way he wants it. Besides, he's a teenager--he's tough. :D

Twill is tough to hand quilt, and poly cotton adds to the difficulty. I would tie it, it is difficult to make something that just "doesn't float your boat" - so make him his blanket and then put together a camo quilt for his room as a surprise for him. Just my suggestion.

I would tie it too! don't try hand quilting it at all. it's too thick. good luck.

I use my "ilet' sp.maker on my sewing machine to tie the quilts...fast, easy and hold up well with wear and tear of kids. Just mark where you want them with chalk, pencil or what ever you have handy. Hand quilting twill will only cause you pain and frustration. Make it like he wants it......I know sometimes that is harder than we thought it would be but after all it will be his quilt. I agree make him a special one for Christmas.

Thank you ladies for your input and helping me feel better about this. I'm thinking tying it sounds like a great idea! Orange yarn or thread (fear of being a crazy question)? I am still doing some batting research as I continue to learn. Yes, I hand sew due to my machine and I do not have a good relationship, lol. We do not get along too well. I plan to do a backstitch with 1/2" seam allowances to piece the big pieces together. I am choosing 1/2 instead of 1/4 due to the heaviness of the fabric. I know I have so much to learn but we all have to start somewhere. :) I have always had a passion for quilts and am so grateful for this board and everyone here! Thank you all again for your generous help.