Project Examples for Quilting with Recycled Fabrics
January 1, 2025
Hi!
And Happy New Year!!!! There’s an article in this month’s Online Quilt Magazine on quilting with recycled fabrics, and we wanted to add a little more detail, and share a few more ideas on the types of quilt projects that you might like to have a play around with making, from your recycled fabrics.
Let’s look at some options:
1. T-Shirt Memory Quilt
What You’ll Need:
A collection of T-shirts (10–20 depending on size), lightweight fusible interfacing, and coordinating fabric for sashing or backing.
Transform sentimental T-shirts into a cozy keepsake quilt. This project is perfect for preserving memories from sports teams, concerts, or travel adventures. Cut large squares (12”x12” or larger) from the T-shirts, stabilize them with interfacing to prevent stretching, and assemble with sashing for a polished look.
Pro Tip: Use contrasting sashing to make each T-shirt block pop!
2. Denim Picnic Quilt
What You’ll Need:
Old jeans in various shades of blue, contrasting fabric for binding, and batting.
Sturdy and stylish, a denim quilt is ideal for outdoor adventures. Cut jeans into squares, rectangles, or even triangles for a patchwork design. The heavy fabric is durable, and the mix of light and dark denim adds visual interest. Add a pop of color by using a vibrant print for the binding.
Pro Tip: Skip the batting for a lightweight option or use flannel for a softer picnic blanket.
3. Crazy Quilt with Scraps
What You’ll Need:
A mix of fabric scraps in various textures, colors, and patterns, foundation fabric (muslin or an old sheet), and embellishments like embroidery floss or lace.
This project is perfect for those leftover bits of fabric you just can’t part with. Sew scraps onto foundation fabric in a random, overlapping style. Finish the quilt with hand or machine stitching and embellish with decorative embroidery, beads, or buttons for a truly eclectic look.
Pro Tip: Use darker scraps around the edges and lighter ones in the center for a cohesive yet freeform design.
4. Heirloom Linen Quilt
What You’ll Need:
Vintage tablecloths, embroidered pillowcases, or handkerchiefs, plus a solid neutral fabric for contrast.
Give old family heirlooms a new purpose by incorporating them into a delicate quilt. Use neutral solids to highlight the embroidery or lace details of your linens. Arrange them in a grid or frame them as focal points.
Pro Tip: Handle delicate fabrics gently and consider using lightweight interfacing to stabilize fragile pieces.
5. Scrappy Log Cabin Quilt
What You’ll Need:
Strips of recycled fabric in varying widths and lengths.
The classic log cabin block is perfect for showcasing a variety of prints and textures. Start with a small square of fabric, then sew strips around it in a spiral, alternating light and dark fabrics for contrast. Arrange your blocks in traditional layouts like Barn Raising or Chevron.
Pro Tip: This is a great beginner project since it’s forgiving of imperfect seams.
6. Patchwork Pillow Covers
What You’ll Need:
Small fabric scraps, and a pillow insert.
For a quick and satisfying project, turn leftover scraps into patchwork pillow covers. Mix and match patterns to create a vibrant, cozy accent for your home. These are perfect for experimenting with new techniques or trying out quilt blocks without committing to a full quilt.
Pro Tip: Add a zipper or envelope closure for easy washing.
7. Baby Clothes Quilt
What You’ll Need:
Outgrown baby clothes, lightweight interfacing, and soft backing fabric.
Turn your child’s first outfits into a cuddly quilt filled with memories. Cut squares or rectangles from the clothing, stabilize stretchy materials, and piece them together. Use fleece or flannel for a soft, snuggly backing.
Pro Tip: Add a label with your child’s name and birthdate for an extra special touch.
That’s just a few ideas to get you started! There’s wonderful quilts to be made from old neck ties, men’s shirts, and so much more. If you’d like a refresher on crumb quilting, check out our older post at https://blog.onlinequiltmagazine.com/2020/04/21/playing-with-waste-scraps/ and you’ll find even more ideas there!
Now that you have a good reason, it’s time to get tidying up – sort your old fabrics, and go through your closets, and see just what you can find to repurpose so you can get quilting with your recycled fabrics!
Enjoy!
2 responses to “Project Examples for Quilting with Recycled Fabrics”
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From my daughter’s baby and toddler dresses I made a Sunbonnet Sue, using fabric cuts for the dresses and trims (hat bands), tiny pockets, buttons (balloon shaped), a Sesame Street sign, a tiny violin case, etc. If I knew how to attach a photo you’d see.
I was very happy with the resulting quilt.
Sounds lovely!