6 Steps to create the perfect baby clothes quilt

I have had so much interest in my baby clothes quilts I thought I'd put together a brief guide on how to make one for yourself. This will show you how to make a baby clothes quilt with a squares design.

Step 1 - Cut your baby clothes in 6 1/2 inch squares and interface to stabilise

The first step is to get your baby clothes and lay them out to find the most interesting pieces. I use my 6 1/2 inch ruler and rotating cutting mat to find my favourite feature and cut out my square. I look for writing, embellishments, ruffles etc. anything that will create interest in the finished quilt. I then cut 6 1/2 inch squares from light weight fusible interfacing and per the manufacturers instructions fuse to the back of each square. This helps stabilise the fabric when you join them together. I choose light weight as I want my finished quilt to still feel soft and snuggly.

Step 2 - Layout your squares into rows in a pleasing design

I use my design wall or floor and layout my clothes into rows to balance out the colours in the quilt. Don't worry there are so many different fabrics and colours in the quilt it is meant to look scrappy I just make sure that all my pinks (for example) are not on one side or in one corner.

Step 3 - Sew your squares in rows with your sashing

 

For my quilts I chose a sashing width of 1 1/2 inches but chose whatever width you feel comfortable with. Be careful when sewing not to pull the fabrics to much and use lots of pins to avoid stretching and warping. 

 



Step 4 - Sew your rows together with your sashing to form the quilt top

 

Similar to the above be careful and take your time sewing on the sashing strips and pin, pin, pin. The interfacing does help stabilise the fabrics, especially those stretchy ones but as it is lightweight only they is still quite a bit of stretch.

Step 5 - Add your borders

For this quilt I used a boarder cut at 7 1/2 inches wide to frame the quilt. The customer had requested purple sashing so I needed a print to tie the pinks in the clothes and the purple sashing together.

Step 6 - Quilt as desired and add your binding to complete

Till next time.....happy sewing....

xxx Jenny

Tutorial - DIY Strap Covers

Today I thought I'd share with you a simple yet effective tutorial for strap covers. These can be used to protect the straps of your pram, car seat, high chair and baby carrier from drool, food and the like. They are also effective in the car to stop seatbelts from rubbing on your little ones neck.

Materials:
14" x 20" 100% Cotton Fabric
14" x 20" Minky Fabric
14" x 20" 100% Cotton Batting
10.5" x 1" Wide Velcro
Scissors
Tape Measure
Pins
Sewing Machine

Step 1. Out of each of the cotton and minky fabric cut two 7" x 10" rectangles. From the batting also cut two 7" x 10" rectangles. For the Velcro cut two 5 1/4' strips.

Step 2. Put one cotton piece on top of the minky piece, right sides together. Place one batting piece on top of that. Pin all together.

Step 3. Sew 1/2″ from the edge all of the way around leaving a 2″ opening.

Step 4. Turn the rectangle right side out and top stitch 1/4″ along the edge, closing the opening as you go.

Step 5. Stitch one Velcro strip “loop” side to the right side of the strap cover. Flip the rectangle over and repeat using “hook” side of the Velcro.

Step 6. Repeat steps 2 -5 for second strap cover.

You are finished. To use simply wrap around the strap you are covering and fasten the Velcro at the back. By using Velcro you are also able to adjust the width of the covers to fit your desired straps. To clean simply throw in the wash and line dry.

 If you're not the crafty type, I've made a few and listed them in my Etsy store here.

Till next time....Happy Sewing....