I'm making my first quilt - a recycled denim jean quilt... I cut 5" squares... is this too small?

Question

I probably should have done the research before breakin' out the scissors. Most patterns call for an at least 6" square. Oops...

Any other tips for a denim quilt?

Answer 1

I have seen, and done quilts that range from 1" squares to 14" squares and everything in between. All a 5" square means is that you will have to have more squares to make up your quilt than you would have to have to make a quilt of the same size with 12" squares. Most quilters will measure out their squares by 5 1/2 inches x 5 1/2 inches to get perfect 5 inch squares once you take a 1/4 inch seam on each side. And most quilters do a 1/4 inch seam though, I do know a few that do a 1/2 inch seam.

Remember as much as some expierenced quilters would like to pretend there are hard and fast Rules to quilting...in the end, you are the artist and you go by what you want, desire and feel. This is what makes quilts so individualized...you and I can make the exact same quilt...same measurements and all but, mine will look completely different because, of the choices I make and the choices you make. So, if you cut your squares at a perfect 5 inches then remember that you finished square is going to be more like 4 1/2 inches once you allow for seams...not wrong...just uinque.

The main thing to remember when Quilting or Tying the quilt is that the reason we quilt or tye the quilt is to keep the batting in place. The batting will tell you on it how close it must be tyed or quilted...usually at least every 4 inches...so if I were tying a 5 inch square...I would put a tye on each corner and one in the middle.. Quilting you want no gaps bigger than your fist usually.

One thing I think is fun to have on a Jeans Quilt are Pockets. And Belt Loops...which (the latter) can be added at the end. Are you going to actually quilt the quilt or Tye the quilt? Remember the more heavy matieral and the more layers you have to go through at the end can make for much harder Tying or Quilting later.

Answer 2

Your 5" square will wind up 4 1/2 " by the time you sew the blocks together. Remember that all seams are normally quarter inch . This is standard. I always make sure that I allow half an inch to what ever i am making. if i want a solid number for size. I hope this helps. Also, remember, that a denimn quilt will be really heavy if you make it all denim, which means it will slide alot ....I would suggest alternating the blocks with another fabric....But, there are really nice denimn quilts... good luck..

Answer 3

Unless you actually intend to quilt the thing, it'll be a comforter (if it has filling) or a coverlet.

If you aren't decorating the squares, you don't need to line it. If you're obsessively neat in decorating the squares, you might leave it unlined just to show off.

You have the option positioning the the seam allowances on the back, on the front or half each way! It's your choice. To the front, they become a "design feature". :-)

You can reduce stitching hassles by avoiding pile-up where corners join. Assemble (assemble = stitch) either vertical or horizontal rows, then off-set the seams 1/2 block when the strips are joined together. There will be some extra bits to trim, but you probably have plenty of material to spare.

If the article will be lined, you may choose to bind the edges with another fabric, it's plausible to also use that same fabric for any blocks that would be trimmed

Answer 4

you make the squares anysize you like- I would use a 1/2" NOT a 1/4" seam allowence unless you're serging the edges as it frays easily.
3 layers is whay you need for it to be a "quilt" But larger ones get quite heavy.
You can use the squares to make totes or purses also.
about.com has pics of nice quilts on their site.
Just type in jean quilts in a search engine - there are ALOT of free patterns out there for your use. :)
Also if you want to alernate another fabric it must be the same weight of the jean- so regular cotton quilting fabric won't work as an alternate but other heavy fabrics will. You want the fabric to be the same so it wears the same during use.

Answer 5

Hi fellow quilter, my name is Carol of squaw_valley_quilters.
I hope you were told that any size you want to use is just perfect. Sure there are some standards but these can be broken. How about making the seams on the outside of the quilt block and let it shred, this looks great after it is washed. Place other color blocks in between your denim blocks. Include a back pocket or two for effect. Carol [e-mail]

Answer 6

You can use whatever size you want. A good guide is to figure how large a quilt you want ie: 80x100 for example. then find out how many squares you would need. remember that there is a seam allowance so if you cut them at 5 inches, when sewn with 1/4 inch seam it will finish at 4.5 inches. 10 squares across would be 45" or 20 would be 90" etc. that is how you would proceed.

Answer 7

As you can see from these answers, quilting is an adaptable sport. Your quilt with its uniquely-sized squares will be beautiful. Just add more squares if you think it's going to come out too small.
.

Answer 8

Your quilt can be any size you choose. I'm sure someone has made them 2 or 3" square.
Have fun.

Answer 9

no