Easy Quilt Crafts

Few things are as treasured amongst families as a homemade quilt that a favorite Aunt or Grandma made. The only problem with collecting these wonderful heirlooms is that they take up quite a bit of space. Favorite quilts are often used to the point of no return and frays grow larger by the year.

When you realize all of the time and effort that is put into making a homemade quilt, it can be heartbreaking to have to let it go. Often the materials used to make the quilt bring back happy childhood memories. Those moments when we look at a quilt and remember, are the very reason they were stitched together in the first place.

If you find yourself overwhelmed with stacks of quilts you have collected over the years, yet do not want to let go of them for the joyous memories they bring you, there is a solution to your problem. Consider recycling your homemade quilts into something new. You can reduce a large quilt into a small item and still see it and enjoy the memories it brings.

The next time you have time to spare, consider opening up some closet space by taking on one of these craft projects. Here are a few of my favorite ideas for recycling quilts into lovely new items. Each of these projects are very simple and require only a few items to create.

Quilted Pet Bed :
For this project you will need only your homemade quilt and a few easy to find items.

1. A shallow rectangle shaped box
2. Double faced tape
3. Scissors
4. A Pillow
5. Needle and Thread

To get started, center your box on your quilt and cut the quilt around the box. Leave enough extra material on all sides to fold it over the edge of the box and have an inch of material to spare. Line the box with double sided tape. I found the perfect tape for this project here. Cut the corners of your quilt so they easily fold neatly into the box. Fold and flatten the quilt one inch over and press it firmly on to the tape.

Secondly, center your pillow on another section of your quilt and cut enough to fully cover it. Sew the edges together and stuff the pillow into the case. Close it up with a few stitches and stuff it firmly into the quilt covered box. Your dog or cat will love this original pet bed and you will enjoy seeing your homemade quilt keeping your pet comfortable and warm.

Quilt Wall Art :
This is the most simple way to recycle and admire your homemade quilts. You will only need three items for this project.

1. Scissors
2. Needle and Thread
3. Wall Hangers

Decide first where you would like to hang your quilt art and how large you would like it to be. Lay out your homemade quilt and cut it to size, leaving just enough extra on the edges to stitch them tight. You will want to cut slits into each top corner of the piece you are going to display. Stitching around the edges of the slits will give the piece a more finished and professional look.

Measure the space between your two slits. Make marks on your wall the appropriate distance from each other. Simply mount your wall hangers to your wall and then slip your quilt onto the hangers. You can make your own wall hangers or consider looking at the ones I found here. Displaying your quilt as art is a wonderful way to recycle heirloom quilts.

Quilt Potholders and Place mats :
This idea is wonderful for recycling extra thick homemade quilts. You can also double up quilt fabric to make the potholders thick enough for protection. You need only two items to make these kitchen crafts.

1. Scissors
2. Needle and Thread

Start by choosing the thickest quilts you have that you would like to recycle. Cut out two identical mitten shapes for each potholder you would like to make. Simply turn the fabric inside out and stitch together all the edges excluding the bottom. Fold over and stitch across the bottom edge of each side to give the potholders a finished look.

Use the same quilt or a complimenting quilt to add a decorative touch to your kitchen table. Cut either a simple rectangle or any other shape you would like for your place mats. Remember to leave enough spare material to sew a border or stitch and edge around. Your kitchen will look absolutely gorgeous with your homemade quilt place mats and potholders displayed. This is a perfectly easy way to hang on to the beautiful memories your quilts bring to you.

Quilted Picture Frames :
I love how simple this project is. It is probably my favorite for recycling quilts because you can add a picture of the person that originally made the quilt. You only need three items to create a quilted picture frame.

1. Scissors
2. Hot Glue Gun
3. A Plain Wood Picture Frame

The key to keeping this project simple is in how you cut your quilt fabric. Fold the quilt material over to give it a double cut with an uncut edge. Cut out two L shapes that will slip perfectly over the edges of your picture frame.

Use your hot glue gun to line half of the picture frame and attach the L shape on the front side. If you do not have a glue gun, consider the one I found here. Do the same with the back side and hold the material in place until it is fully secure. Next do the same with your second piece of material from your homemade quilt, attaching the front side first. Fold the material over the edge and glue it to the back, holding it until it is fully secure.

To make this picture frame extra special, add a picture of the person that originally made the heirloom quilt. You will never forget the effort that was put into making something special for you and you can be proud of the effort you made to honor and treasure it.

All of these projects are sure to free up plenty of space for you while giving you a way to preserve an heirloom. Homemade quilts are special for so many reasons. They are a part of our family and our history. Finding ways to recycle and preserve these wonderful gifts will surely bring joy to your heart.

If you enjoyed these ideas, consider looking at my profile page here for more of my craft project ideas.

Source :

http://www.michaels.com/art/online/home