Sweater quilt ???
#1
Sweater quilt ???
A friend asked if it would be possible to make a quilt from her late husband's sweaters. Have any of you done this? I have seen pillows made from sweaters, but not quilts. I think that if a fusible interfacing was ironed on the back of the sweaters before cutting, that it might work? Or if the sweater was sewn onto a backing, like maybe muslin?
Any thoughts that you have will be appreciated.
Any thoughts that you have will be appreciated.
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,659
First, take a look at the sweaters to see what she wants you to work with.
My mom sewed together chunks of knits with a zigzag stitch so it ended up being more like a knitted afghan than a quilt made of woven fabric.
if the stretchiness of the knits are approximately the same, i would draw squares or rectangles on the fabric, then stay stitch on or inside the lines to prevent " un - knitting" - and then cut the pieces out. I would then overlap the pieces by 3/8 to 1/2 inch and use a multistage zigzag or serpentine stitch on the edges. Sew two seams.
My mom sewed together chunks of knits with a zigzag stitch so it ended up being more like a knitted afghan than a quilt made of woven fabric.
if the stretchiness of the knits are approximately the same, i would draw squares or rectangles on the fabric, then stay stitch on or inside the lines to prevent " un - knitting" - and then cut the pieces out. I would then overlap the pieces by 3/8 to 1/2 inch and use a multistage zigzag or serpentine stitch on the edges. Sew two seams.
#3
I have not made a full size 'quilt' with sweaters but have made a lap blanket for a memory afghan. I used a stabilizer to the back then used my serger to sew the pieces together. I made squares. I did not put a backing on the coverlet. It worked well, but I would not call it a quilt.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,243
I have made a couple of scarves out of blocks cut from old cashmere sweaters. They were machine washed and dried before I cut the 6" squares. I then simply sewed them together without stablizer, making a long tube. The resulting scarves are really warm and cozy, and I think they would make a nice quilt with some batting in the middle. Not sure about other knits, though.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,568
Due to the sentimental value of the sweaters I would decline. She may have something in mind that may not be possible and look like what she envisions. I'd offer to take a few and make pillow covers, use the sleeves as a bow tied in front. I've seen shirts done that way and the pillows were really cute.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 2,093
You can make Denim Stars or Brick Work or Windows Denim Quilts with sweaters. The sweater piece gets wrapped inside the denim, so holds it from stretching or un-ravelling. If you wanted a softer quilt, you could use flannel instead of denim.
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,538
You would need to know the sweater fiber content. Acrylic wools may melt or get stiff if you use a hot iron to back with a fusible. I have made a few things out of knit, I sewed a zig zag stitch around the edges of the shape before cutting.
#8
Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: OH-IO
Posts: 49
I've made some sweater quilts. Hope my picture uploads, we"ll see. Cashmere and wool will felt up when you wash them in hot water and dry them in a hot dryer. Then you can cut and sew then like fabric. I've only done 1 out of acrylic. I just used a wide enough seam and a short stitch. I think it's stayed together so far. It was made out of my dad's sweaters and 1 of them had my dad's name embroidered on it. I gave it to my brother and I think he's stored it away so nothing can desecrate it. lol
Oops! Just previewed my post and my pictures did not load.......now I have to read the directions.......((heavy sigh)))
Oops! Just previewed my post and my pictures did not load.......now I have to read the directions.......((heavy sigh)))