Quilt from acrylic sweaters
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Here are some tutorials:
http://seamstresserin.com/sweaters-blanket-tutorial/
http://yellowsuitcasestudios.com/201...nket-tutorial/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Cash...uilt/?ALLSTEPS
Here's a Youtube video that shows some examples (no sound):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wBIG_LRgqY
The last tutorial shows how to use strips of fusible on the edges so the seams don't stretch. I like that idea. You would not have to buy pre-cut strips, although the strips sold to join battings would work. You could also cut your own strips out of fusible nylon tricot or other fusible. I would experiment with ironing the fusible onto scraps of the sweaters first to make sure it will adhere properly.
Instead of strips, I would be inclined to see if a very lightweight fusible could be used on the entire back of the sweater pieces. Once the sweaters are de-constructed (there are Youtube videos and online tutorials in how to de-construct a shirt; a sweater would be similar), I would iron the fusible on the sweater pieces before cutting into the shapes for the quilt. This is the fusible I would be tempted to try first (can be purchased in smaller sizes; I think Walmart and JoAnn's sell it by the yard):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
http://seamstresserin.com/sweaters-blanket-tutorial/
http://yellowsuitcasestudios.com/201...nket-tutorial/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Cash...uilt/?ALLSTEPS
Here's a Youtube video that shows some examples (no sound):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wBIG_LRgqY
The last tutorial shows how to use strips of fusible on the edges so the seams don't stretch. I like that idea. You would not have to buy pre-cut strips, although the strips sold to join battings would work. You could also cut your own strips out of fusible nylon tricot or other fusible. I would experiment with ironing the fusible onto scraps of the sweaters first to make sure it will adhere properly.
Instead of strips, I would be inclined to see if a very lightweight fusible could be used on the entire back of the sweater pieces. Once the sweaters are de-constructed (there are Youtube videos and online tutorials in how to de-construct a shirt; a sweater would be similar), I would iron the fusible on the sweater pieces before cutting into the shapes for the quilt. This is the fusible I would be tempted to try first (can be purchased in smaller sizes; I think Walmart and JoAnn's sell it by the yard):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
Last edited by Prism99; 02-04-2016 at 09:11 AM.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: kansas
Posts: 6,407
never done this, but think it could be done if first stablized with a fusible--I would do more than just the edges cause it will reduce the stretching when actually quilting. But my one concern would be that the sweaters may be different thicknesses and wonder what the results would be (ditto the tightness of the weave being different.)
#6
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Farmington Hills, Michigan
Posts: 266
I didn't read any of the tutorials or watch the video and I've never done anything like this, so if this has been addressed, forgive me.
My first thought is that using fusibles on acrylic might be a bad idea - wouldn't it melt? I know there's something that knitters do called "killing" the acrylic with heat to make the knitted fabric less stretchy and drape better (I think. I don't knit, it's just something that I read.)
It seems that applying enough heat to actually fuse something might ruin it.
But if I'm talking through my hat...never mind!
ETA: Ok...I went back and looked at the tutorials - they were using wool, not acrylic, sweaters to make their blankets.
My first thought is that using fusibles on acrylic might be a bad idea - wouldn't it melt? I know there's something that knitters do called "killing" the acrylic with heat to make the knitted fabric less stretchy and drape better (I think. I don't knit, it's just something that I read.)
It seems that applying enough heat to actually fuse something might ruin it.
But if I'm talking through my hat...never mind!
ETA: Ok...I went back and looked at the tutorials - they were using wool, not acrylic, sweaters to make their blankets.
Last edited by SherylM; 02-05-2016 at 03:35 PM.
#7
I have worked on a few projects w/ deconstructed sweaters (mostly chicken clothes for my naked chickens) and have combined fabric quilts w/ crocheted blocks.
When you deconstruct the sweaters do not cut them at the seams take the time to remove the stitching.
One big problem will be the irregular shape. You should get 4 good size pieces to work with, front, back, 2 sleeves.
If I were going to try and turn them into a quilt from there I would measure all my pieces and decide on a size square to work with ( as large as they would accommodate).
I would cut fabric squares to size and perimeter stitch probably a double row w/ small stitch length, leaving a turning spot, then cut extra sweater away (use the finished edge of the sweater as the "turning edge").
You will now have same size squares w/ sweaters on one side and fabric on the other all raw edges will be turned in. I would join those squares w/ a whipped stitch or X by hand w/ yarn, or a wide zig zag by machine.
When you deconstruct the sweaters do not cut them at the seams take the time to remove the stitching.
One big problem will be the irregular shape. You should get 4 good size pieces to work with, front, back, 2 sleeves.
If I were going to try and turn them into a quilt from there I would measure all my pieces and decide on a size square to work with ( as large as they would accommodate).
I would cut fabric squares to size and perimeter stitch probably a double row w/ small stitch length, leaving a turning spot, then cut extra sweater away (use the finished edge of the sweater as the "turning edge").
You will now have same size squares w/ sweaters on one side and fabric on the other all raw edges will be turned in. I would join those squares w/ a whipped stitch or X by hand w/ yarn, or a wide zig zag by machine.
#8
A friend of mine uses preownef sweaters to make gorgeous full length coats. She serges all the seams and allows them to become design elements (similar in look to a rag quilt). You might consider this method as an alternative.
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