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Sunday, January 9, 2011

Jeans Quilters - Please Advise

Whew - the holidays threw my quilting plans for a loop!  But here's my next project:  

This is the "before" picture.  Don't know what the "after" picture will look like.  It'll be big enough for a twin bed.  Other than that, I'm gonna make it up as I go.  

I've made jeans quilts in the past.  (Type "jeans" in the search bar at the top of my blog to  see them.)  Most had a denim patchwork top, low loft batting and fleece backing - tied together with yarn.  These have been very heavy, warm quilts. 

This time I want to do a rag style quilt, but am stumped how to proceed.  If I use flannel in place of batting, it'll reduce the bulk somewhat.  Still, every seam will a have total of 6 layers of fabric.  Yikes - I can't imagine how I'd join the rows and sew through all that bulk.  Maybe I could use flannel batting and backing?  I have a lot of recycled shirting that might work as backing squares.  It would be three times as much cutting...but no quilting or tying.  Will have to experiment.  I know there are special scissors needed for fraying the edges.  Anybody know what they're called?

If you've ever made a jeans quilt, please drop me a line.  I'd love to hear about it!

4 comments:

Barb said...

I think jeans made into a rag quilt will look wonerful...

free indeed said...

I have an UFO for a jeans quilt using a 'faux' cathedral windows style. It was easy and less bulky than the types you've talked about. Just google it...I could find a link if you have trouble.

SueWis said...

The first quilt I made was a jeans quilt for my husband. It is backed with a heavy plaid flannel. I sewed with the raw edges toward the outside (raggy style). If you finger press your seams open, you won't be stitching through so many layers at once. I didn't use special scissors, I just snipped and snipped. Email me if you have more questions. :)

Diana LaMarre said...

I want to make the faux cathedral window raggy jeans quilt. I have seen a few online, but am not sure how to actually do it. They look way less bulky than the Ohio Star jeans traditional denim quilt I made (and never use because it's too heavy).

Maybe you could make that one and show us step by step so I can make it, too!