bkay

Our Guild has recently received a request for lap quilts from one of the homes where we donate. I've been looking online for some easy, quick to make tops. However I seem to end up going down a rabbit hole where they want to sign me up for something or another.

I believe there is a site for community service quilt patterns, but I don't remember what the web address is. But, like I said, I end up in that same rabbit hole where you have to sign up to get the pattern..

Anyone have some easy patterns that are quick to make that they can share?

bkay

GingerK

How about some of the project linus patterns like warm wishes. Or rail fence or just ask your members to check out their orphan block boxes (you know we all have one!!) and see what could be put together with sashing and borders. I think the fabric prints and colours could generate a lot of interest in the residents.

Iceblossom

I had a similar request earlier this year and put down a few options like Project Linus in this thread:

Free (baby) Quilt Patterns

ElaineCovid

If you have some lovely focus fabric, you can just add a border and call it done! Sometimes the fabric itself can be the feature.
Also, some of the three yard quilt patterns are available free.
And EQuilter.com has loads of free patterns too.

abc123xyz

My suggestion would be to talk to the person at the home who might be in charge of such an item. There can be a lot of difference in the size they wish for the quilts to be. Some might like the quilts to go just below the knee while others might wish to have quilts that would extend farther down the legs of the patient. They may have suggestions for you regarding size, construction of the quilt, etc. Some quilts can be extended to cover the shoulders and there is a possibility that they might like to receive some of the busy quilts which are made with aippers, pockets, etc for dementia patients. Following your visit with personal from the home it seems like it would be a simple matter to go ahead and make whatever combination of prints you chose to make the dimensions of the quilt. Backing could be pieced in such a manner that it could be used reversible if they so desire. What kind of batting do they prefer between the layers of material? If you stop and ask a few questions before you start your project will be much more successful. Keep nots regarding your project and you will have it for reference should you be asked to make additional quilts. These are just a few things that come to mind as you begin your project. Have fun!

Iceblossom

In that previous thread I linked, the Speedy Baby quilt has been working on my brain.
https://web.archive.org/web/20091007...peedyBaby2.pdf

I'm always looking for things that can use a large scale print, but it would also be a way to use those misprinted or miscut panels. I have a couple different fabrics in the stash that are small panels, and I will use the concept of framing/cobblestone to put those into a project.

LGJARN52

Bkay...as a long time Project Linus maker with over 80 quilts donated so far, any pattern will work for lap quilts. It isn't necessary to make all the blocks a pattern calls for, pick out one design for a block and follow those directions as many times as needed to achieve the required size. I have found that Villa Rosa Designs has many patterns with unique blocks you could pick out and use for lap quilts. Good luck and remeber to have fun!
I also like the Speedy Baby Quilt mentioned by IceBlossom!

WMUTeach

Ditto to what LGJARN52 said. Find a single 12" or 14" block you like and that you can assemble easily and add sashing and you will have a good start. If the site has a size requirement you may need to make 12 or more blocks. I made two quilts this spring for a hospice center and they wanted quilts that were longer and more narrow because they would be used on hospital style beds and did not want additional over hang on the sides. So.... I made my center and added HST rows and coordinating strips to the top and bottom and Ta-Da. Done!

MawMaw B

Also, to add to this thread, you might consider putting flannel on the back, {maybe not even putting batting}. The flannel will keep the lap quilt from falling off the lap.

bkay

Actually, the administrators don't last long. These are Medicaid financed homes. Their job is so difficult that the administrators usually leave after a few weeks. It's my opinion that they don't really ever learn what's needed.

So, whatever the last guy told you goes down the drain. Sometimes they go weeks without an administrator. It's a thankless job.

You have some good points, though. Thanks.

bkay