7 Ways to Repurpose Old Quilts

Whether you have old quilts that are tattered but treasured family heirlooms or just can't pass up an old quilt from a recycle store, there are many ways to repurpose old quilts. Regardless of the warm feelings we have for handmade quilts, sometimes they become worn beyond repair. This doesn't mean an old quilt that holds hours of labor and year of love, has to end up in a landfill. Instead, these "cutter quilts" can be repurposed into practical or decorative pieces that still bring joy.

Repurposing Old Quilts into Pillow Shams

Upcycling old quilts into pillow shams is great way to keep them on the bed even if they have retired from being a full bed cover. If you want to cheat on this sewing project, as I usually do, you can simply sew the sections of the quilt fronts onto existing pillow shams for a beautiful vintage touch for your bedroom.

Repurposing Old Quilts to Dress the Cook

A beautiful way to repurpose and old quilt front is to create a "dress" apron for yourself or your favorite cook. Alternatively, you can also use small sections of old quilts to add decorative pockets to an existing apron. (Or for that matter, an existing dress, tote bag or coat.)

Repurposing Old Quilts into Christmas Stockings

What a beautiful way to go vintage with your Christmas decorating. You could make several quilt Christmas stockings from one old quilt to hang together or give as handmade gifts. You can download free Christmas stocking patterns from Craft and Fabric Links.

Repurposing Old Quilts Quilted Picture Frames

I absolutely love this green crafting idea from Linda Riggs, Featured Crafts and Hobby Writer. She explains how to upcycle old quilts and old books into beautiful picture frames in How to Make Quilted Picture Frames.

Repurposing Old Quilts into Quilted Christmas Ornaments

One of my favorite upcycling magazines is Mary Janes Farm. The December-January 2010 offered a wonderful idea for repurposing old quilts into Christmas ornaments in simple shapes such as a star. Before cutting out the shape, they suggest covering with Modge Podge and letting it dry which will make cutting the shape easier and it also means no sewing because the Modge Podge will keep the edges from fraying. Thanks for this heart warming green Christmas craft Mary Jane.

Repurposing Old Quilts into Table Fashions

An old quilt can add an elegant touch to a table when it is upcycled into a tablecloth, place mats or table runner. If you can't find kitchen chair cushions to love, consider covering the rejects with tops from old quilts and giving an old quilt a seat of honor at your table.

Repurposing Old Quilts by the Books

Another beautiful and easy way to repurpose old quilts is to use the tops to cover scrapbooks, journals, guest books or special family albums. With a little fabric glue and some select sections of an old quilt, you'll want everyone to judge your book by the beautiful cover.

Sources:

Personal experience

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5976936/how_to_make_quilted_picture_frames.html?cat=24

Mary Janes Farm magazine, December-January 2010 issue, p.19