Denim Jeans Quilts

Hi Pat. I just finished a jeans quilt for my oldest son a couple of weeks ago. All I did was cut the jeans into 6 1/2 in squares because that way I could use more of the jeans as I didn't want to include the seams and also I happen to have a 6 1/2 in square ruler that made cutting easy. The quilt itself is twin sized with just the blocks birthed with flannel, no batting. I wouldn't want the quilt much bigger (unless you are making a picnic quilt or something like that) as it is pretty weighty. I didn't have a plan either when I started, just figured using my small square ruler to cut was easy and I could use more of the pants leg so that's what I started cutting, and I think that they were a good size for me. It gave me a nice variety of shades in the quilt without me having to piece together a ton of squares. I currently have a small pile of squares started for my DS#2.

HTH

Charlotte: At first I thought that 6.5" would be best, for same reasons. But I could NOT find my 6.5" x 24" ruler ANY place. So I used the 6" x 24' ruler, to make this go fast as possible. I was working in the kitchen, while workers were installing new carpet upstairs, including sewing room. When they were returning the furniture to the sewing room, one carefully propped that 'missing' ruler against the wall where the file cabinet would go. I said, "Oh, I've been looking for that ruler!" and he said, "It was right here behind the cabinet when I moved it." Good to have the ruler again, but I will just continue with the 6" size. BTW: do you know how many squares you used? (WHY was he putting it behind the file cabinet instead of asking if I wanted it there again? Mind boggling. I mean, who stores things behind heavy cabinets? OTOH, they admired my quilts and asked if I ever made them to sell!)

Thanks, PAT

Charlotte Hippen wrote:

Some people just don't think things through. At least you now have the ruler back. I was originally thinking 6 in. squares myself, but my ruler is

6 1/2 and I didn't want to buy a 6 in. one just for this, so I just went with it to make it easier for me. I used 3/8 in seams and made it 11 x 15 squares. So 165 total squares, making the finished quilt about 63 X 86in.

That is because you are moving those rooms! Good luck with the rest of the project. Hope it continues to go smoothly for you.

I had a bunch of these as well. My solution was to trim the seams, front pockets, waist bands and zippers off. DH calls them jean "filets" - just the flat denim is left with the back pockets intact. If there are any terribly worn spots, those are trimmed off also. It does save some space, but probably not as much as the finish trimmed squares. Lorraine in La Center

I make jean quilts for the dogs in rescues all the time. They love them and they wash and wear well. I do use a thin batting and also off set the rows. You guys have given me an idea though, maybe I should make them for my nieces and nephews for Christmas this year. What size should I do??? Jill

Critter Comforts: Quilts for Homeless Animals

Bigger than a dog?

The ones I made for the grandchildren are about the size of a generous beach towel. I know, I know. That measurement is vague. Try to imagine the recipient tucked under it on the sofa on a chilly night. That project cost me one hand and one shoulder for a few weeks, and quite a few rotary blades. If you can - do the cutting in little doses so you won't temporarily disable your body. End of the story - the quilts are very loved and should last forever, more or less. Polly

My 6 1/5" square is from Quilter's Rule...I love it... Pami

I woud thnk thr denim would also make a nice picnic quilt...and line the back with something water won't come through it from te ground when you lay it down. Pami

Nice job Marissa! Clean undies I hope? LOL