Ranchwife

A former student of mine's 4 year old little boy drowned a few weeks back. She asked me last night if I would make a clothing quilt for her so she can still hug her little guy. My heart breaks for her and I will likely say yes, but I have never made a quilt from clothing. I want to do a really good job, but am nervous about how to go about making it. I googled children's clothing quilts and would be able to make a quilt if I am able to cut up the clothes. I am comfortable adding embellishments from the clothing to the blocks. I have been sewing (garments and quilts) my whole life, but have never sewn on knits. How would I use knits? Do I need a stabilizer/fusible interfacing for the knits? What can I do if she doesn't want the clothes cut up? I'm asking here first before I say yes, because I want to make sure I can do the quilt justice for her and the little boy. Any help, websites to go to, books for help, etc., would be greatly appreciated. The mama has had a very messed up life and is a trauma victim herself even before this happened. If I can help her, I will. Thanks for the help.

pchp

For knits, I think you might want to look up how people stabilize t-shirt quilts. I haven't done one, but that's the first thing that comes to my mind.

humbird

I have seen quilts, mainly for baby, that has the whole garment stitched to the quilt top. Perhaps that is something you could do. My condolences to your student. The loss of a child is heartbreaking.

Iceblossom

How kind of you to consider this project.

Yes, you can use knits but you will want to stabilize them first.

You need to ask her how much can you cut up the clothing. Infant clothing can be pretty easy to incorporate into a quilt, but 4 year old is getting a bit big.

I found this overall description pretty good, it has a link in it particularly about baby clothes:
https://www.toocooltshirtquilts.com/...ssed-loved-one

nativetexan

I am thinking too about her wanting the clothing intact. put some thoughts to her on that and see what she is leaning toward. Good luck .

Jordan

I have seen quilts with the clothing intact. She may not want the outfits cut up tho' and you are kind to ask her what she would prefer. I am so sorry to hear this. Hope she does well in life and how kind of you to make her the quilt to give her memories and be able to touch the clothing.

Ranchwife

Thank you all for your help. I really don't want to make this quilt, but my heart won't let me say no. I have to remember that everyone grieves in their own way and if this helps her and keeps her from stumbling back into her old ways, then it is worth it.

betthequilter

I don't think anyone on this board envies you this project. How very kind of you to do it.

cashs_mom

I would definitely talk to her about how she wants the clothing handled. It will be a bit hard to incorporate a 4 years olds clothing into a quilt in tact so you do need to clarify this with her.

Jane Quilter

ask her, of course. But I would keep the clothes recognizable. In other words, don't cut them up to use just the fabric. I think i would try to mount the clothing on a block, even if it is 1/2 of a sweater and one sleeve. Or the front of pants with' the waistband, zipper, and pockets but no crotch or legs. Capture a t-shirt with a the logo or cute saying "daddy's little man" etc. But do not wash any of it, before or after. A big part of the memory is the smell of the child's garments and maybe food/grass stains . Bless you for taking on this important project.