quilts for teenage boys
 

Okay, a bit of history here. One of our guild members is gathering quilts for boys 13-18 at either a Boys' Ranch or an orphanage just for that age boy. She needs 30 quilts to have enough for each boy. She asked for these early in the summer, and it looks like she will end up with about 26 quilts, if what I heard yesterday is correct.

I had decided not to make a quilt for these, as I actually don't like making bed sized quilts, and, in my heart, I figure a teenage boy doesn't care one bit about a quilt. However, I sure want each boy to have a quilt. (I think it is for Christmas....see, I really didn't listen too well, as I decided I wasn't going to make one, that's why I am not sure if it is an orphanage or a boys' ranch.) I understand the boys will own the quilts, that they will go with them when they leave.

She is collecting the quilts Dec. 1, at our next guild meeting.

I have decided to make one or two. I am looking for info on what you think a teenage boy might like. Nothing in my stash aims towards a boy (I lean towards purple, turquoise, or daisies), so I will be buying fabric. I will look for focus fabric, maybe sports or motorcycles? I really like checkerboard quilts, so I probably will make one of those...and then I was thinking of a rail fence, as that is also quick.

So...if you were making a quilt for a boy this age with not a great deal of time to make it in, what would you go for? Or what colors would you put in a rail fence for a boy, as a focus fabric wouldn't really matter there.

I will be buying fabric tomorrow, but I sure will be listening for advice until then. :) Thanks.

Dina

Purple and turquoise would go for a checkerboard. I sent 15 quilts last Christmas for teenagers in the local hospital. I don't do flowers so all the patterns were plain fabric. The boys enjoyed the bright colours.

I think stripes and plaids are really good for teenage boys' quilts. Maybe a large scale Chevron?

Have fun!!

PS -

There's a much easier and quicker way to make the Chevron quilts. I found a great tutorial by Crazy Mom Quilts.

http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-to-make-zig-zag-quilt-without_30.html

Really quick & easy. She has several other tutes that might be good for your project - - -

ALL of the young men in my family LOVE their quilts! Modern, colorful, bright or woodsy. There are lots of outdoorsy fabrics out there and simple patterns are great.

Plaids, chevrons, chambray, denim looking fabric, corduroy, anything like that. I saw a beautiful quilt that had plaid squares on point, alternating with a gray, textured fabric of squares. There was also a darker green one instead of the gray. Remember, boys that age will outgrow a theme quilt quickly.

I agree with yngldy, except the guys I know have never outgrown their love of sports, cars or anything that has a motor and/or makes lots of mess & noise!

A lot of boys that age are into sports - for a quick easy quilt I would find a sports team. Being that you are in Texas, the Dallas Cowboys would be a safe bet and the San Antonio Spurs, but you could choose any Texas team, depending on where you are located. The fabric is 60 inches wide. My friend that is a 49'er fan I used their fabric on one side and a bright red flannel on the other and quilted it with wavy lines in and out of the pattern on the fabric, I had made it ia bit bigger with a 2inch border and then a binding all in 49ers colors. My daughter has a close friend that is an Oakland Raider fan so I did the same thing. Both love and use the quilts a lot.

Thanks for the good ideas! I really appreciate it.

Dina