earthwalker

Matching the weights is probably the most important and I agree with "Mad" a bigger seam. I am in the process of creating a doona cover with quilted elements (continental quilt) and I am using a heap of "found" fabric...some of it offcuts from a curtain store (not backed). I always prewash to see how any unusual or non-traditional fabrics come up. Saves drama later. Look forward to seeing your work...and keep in mind, it's supposed to be fun and be bold, you can step outside the square (something I have to keep reminding myself!).

amma

The only thing different that I would recommend, is to use a 1/2" seam allowance on all of the fabric that isn't 100% cotton, or even then if it is a looser weave.

BlueChicken

The other thing I've done while using clothing for blocks is iron on a stabiliser on the back.... like a very lightweight iron-on interfacing. It stops the square shifting and becoming a rhombus! :-)

Iron it on before cutting the squares out.

isnthatodd

I like the idea of ironing on stabilizer. I made a diamond Christmas table runner and all the sides were not on grain. I had a few stretch a little too much to ease properly. When I make my grandaughters their birthday quilts, I will think about doing that, especially on the fabrics that are showing signs of ravelling. Thanks for the great hint :)

Bev

When I make a utility quilt, I get down to real basics. I cut large squares, usually 6 or 8 inches, using a square ruler to measure.
I use old clothes that are the same weight, but never too heavy. I found out from my grandkids that used jeans are REALLY heavy, especially if you use an old blanket for batting.
I sew half inch seams and try to press them open whenever possible. I do not worry about matching colors, or fabrics, here again only the weight rule applies. I straight stitch every seam, no fancy stuff at all. I make the quilt as large or as small as is needed by adding or subtracting squares. When everything is all stitched together, I tie the quilt, sometimes I use buttons in the tying for a little something special. The backing is usually a sheet, the size that fits the bed, with some overhang. Then I bring that sheet overhang to the front and bind the quilt with it. No muss, no fuss. I can do one of these in a few days. They are great when the winter is miserable like this year. They're also great later for floor sleeping, pet beds, beach blankets, or giving to relatives who don't make quilts. Everyone knows they're getting what granny used to make back in the day, and they all love them. The idea is, use them, don't expect a great deal of beauty. Except somehow these quilts always seem to have their own kind of beauty. That's what I love about them.

cumberlandquiltchick

http://quiltville.com
Bonnie Hunter
Scraps and Shirtails
Great book!

Otherwise, keep it basic.
Use 1/2" seam allowance.
I still put a thin cotton batting in mine.
Just cut up clothes and pretend it's pieces of fabric you bought and make like normal.

Bev

[quote=cumberlandquiltchick]http://quiltville.com
Bonnie Hunter
Scraps and Shirtails
Great book!

I'm curious about the book you mention. But when I went to the site, I couldn't find a review or any information on it other than how to order it.
I don't like to buy a book before I know I'm really going to be able to use it, so could you tell me a little more about it?
Thanks.

Scissor Queen

All the utility quilts I've ever seen didn't have blocks. They were just strips or squares or a mix of the two sewn together.

Needles in SW OR

When a youngster in Indiana, we made the utility quilts for warmth in an old unheated, well barely heated, farm house. We cut 8 to 10 inch blocks, sewed them together and used an old worn blanket [sometimes 2] for batting.
We cut the blanket in half and sewed the outside sides together so the worn part was on the outer edges of the finished quilt. We used flannel for the backing.
Because most of the fabrics were dark, we then tied them with red yarn.
They were the warmest and I yearn for their warmth.

cumberlandquiltchick

[quote=Bev]If you click around on her site and look at her various works, you'll see she pretty much ONLY uses jeans, flannel shirts,goodwill finds or "UGLY"sale fabrics nobody wants,etc. It's a very frugal method of quilting and she has made some beautiful quilts. The book in the front has her formula for cutting as you go basic size blocks and making your stash. Kind of like how to rip apart stuff and get certain size blocks stockpiled and create your stash and then there's patterns of course and showing what her quilts.
I only suggest it because as far as I've found it's the only book out there like this. I have absolutely no connection to her, I just felt that it fit the question.

It shows you how to make utilitarian quilts like in the old days step by step, but also in an organized way if you're really into doing it. Sort of cut up as you go and then you can go right to your cut pieces and work from those.

She's going to be at Jacksonville Quiltfest teaching this year. It's the whole "GOING GREEN" thing.
You can probably get it at your library.
Also on her site are MANY FREE patterns using her method.