How to Make a Commemorative Quilt

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";} Since our nation's infancy, commemorativequilts have been a part of our national conversation. From American flag quiltsto double wedding ring patterns, quilts have been used as a platform to make astatement. Quilting declined after the 1960's, as women entered the workforceand their spare time was eaten up. Since the Great Recession began in 2008though, sewing of all types is on the rise. Our nation is once again picking upan old American tradition. Unfortunately, quilting is no longer taught to us aschildren, so it is up to us to learn as adults. If you follow these steps youcan begin to learn the intricacies of quilting.   1)       Choose a quilting pattern that commemorates thelife event, political statement or holiday that you are trying to memorialize.There are dozens of websites where free quilt patterns can be found. Fabricstores also carry patterns. 2)       Choose an appropriate fabric. Most quilts aremade from quilting cotton, but other fabrics can be used too. Crazy quilts, forexample, are often made from satins and velvets. You will want to choose afabric that will not fade or shrink and can stand up to normal wear and tear.Don't forget to buy batting and fabric for backing. The thicker the batting,the warmer the quilt. Your backing material will need to be at least 4 incheslarger than your quilt face. 3)       Cut out your quilt blocks. Be sure to cut outenough blocks of each color to complete your quilt. The more colors you choose,the more complex the pattern. 4)       Iron your blocks and crease the edges with a1/4 inch fold. Be sure that the fold is straight. Sew your blocks together instrips. Set your sewing machine to 1/4 inch seam allowance. Most beginnersdon't realize there is a difference in the seam allowance of clothing andquilting. The 1/4 inch seam allowance will ensure that your quilt has a smoothsurface. Now sew your strips together to form the face of the quilt. 5)       Lay all three layers of your quilt out on topof each other. The backing material should be laid down on the bottom; yourquilt face should be laid face down on top of the backing and the battingmaterial on top. 6)       Sew together your layers using a sewingmachine. Sew three sides of the quilt together completely, but on the fourthside, leave a two foot opening. Turn your quilt right side out and finish theedge by hand. 7)       Sew the layers together using matching orcontrasting thread. Begin in the middle of the quilt and work your way out. Youcan do this by hand or by machine.   The Patchwork Heritage quilt is an excellentexample of a modern day commemorative quilt. To learn more about the PatchworkHeritage quilt and how it helps charity, visit <ahref="http://www.blanketamerica.com">blanket</a>.

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