How to Make a Memory Quilt from Clothing (and What to Do with Old Quilts)

Excerpt from BLOCK Magazine, Volume 9, Issue 4

Every quilt tells a story. This much we know for certain. But some quilts have an extraordinary essence of nostalgia ingrained in every stitch and fiber. A loved-one long past may be remembered through a quilt constructed from their favorite shirts or aprons, or a child’s youth captured in a fun graduation present created from their baby safety blanket or a well-loved stuffed animal. Or perhaps the item is not a quilt at all. Maybe what started as a great- grandparent’s vintage-looking quilt takes on a new form as an admired throw pillow. These are the creations we tend to hold closest to our hearts. Making a quilt from nostalgic fabrics or making a new project from an old, worn quilt passed down for generations is the perfect way to honor memories.

However, sometimes these projects are the hardest to start. Sometimes it’s difficult to determine what should be included in these memory quilts or recreations. But have no fear – Missouri Star quilting expert and BLOCK Editor in Chief Natalie Earnheart is here to give us tips, tricks, and inspiring ideas on how to start these memory-filled masterpieces!

Key Takeaways

• ➤Memory quilt fabric can come from anywhere: clothing, aprons, hand towels, handkerchiefs, scarves, sheets, even draperies — anything you can sew through is fair game.
• ➤Choose the pattern around the fabric weight: thick knits, denim, and corduroy work best in large pieces or a rag quilt, where bulky seams aren't a problem.
• ➤Stabilize according to purpose: stretchy or lightweight fabrics need support, and how much depends on whether the finished piece hangs on a wall or gets used every night.
• ➤Embellishments add memories: embroidery, applique, buttons, beadwork, and keepsakes can be added last, usually by hand.
• ➤A worn quilt doesn't have to be the end: repurpose it into pillows, coasters, stockings, or framed art, and patch holes with applique so the story keeps going.

Part One: How to Make a Memory Quilt from Clothing

What Fabrics Can You Use in a Memory Quilt?

Now, let’s begin by talking about how to transform those nostalgic materials into a beautiful quilt that can be cherished for generations to come. Where do we begin? Let’s start this like we would any other project: with a pattern we love or with the fabrics that inspired us in the first place. But what kinds of fabrics can be used to make such a nostalgic quilt? According to Natalie, we can use just about anything!

“Cotton, Cotton-poly blends, knits, denim, flannel, rayon…the possibilities are endless,” Natalie says. “I have used all types of clothing (yes, even underwear), sheets, draperies, handkerchiefs, scarves, basically anything that you can sew through is fair game.” As stated, the sky is the limit! Time to grab those old jammies and socks!

If still stumped on what to use, don’t worry. Natalie has some more sweet and fun ideas on how to gather the materials needed to start a memory quilt, even if access to a loved-one’s sock drawer or coat closet is limited.

“I would suggest looking for things that remind you of that person and incorporating items, colors, or textures that help keep their memory alive,” Natalie says. “For example, if they loved to grill, you could incorporate an apron or favorite hand towel. If they loved to paint, find a paint rag or their favorite paint shirt. If their things aren't readily available, search out a thrift store or ask friends and family for items they were planning to donate. 85% of the clothing and textiles that are produced will end up in a landfill, so reusing these items is always a good thing!” So collecting these fabrics is not only going to help preserve a loved-one’s memory, but it’s also a step towards a greener future. Those saved fabrics are going to make one important and nostalgic quilt!

Choosing a Memory Quilt Pattern for Mixed Fabrics

Next up, we need to consider a pattern (if one hasn’t already been readily waiting in the wings). Almost any pattern will work for these types of quilts, but Natalie reminds us to think about the weights and textures of the fabrics we plan to use.

“As far as patterns go, the world is your oyster,” Natalie says. “You can use these fabrics in many existing patterns. I would stick with larger pieces though if your fabric is heavy because those seams will be extra bulky. If I am using large knits, corduroy, denim, or fabrics that don’t fray terribly, I will do a rag quilt because the seams might be too thick to machine quilt through easily. Thick fabrics should be used in large pieces, and thin or cotton fabrics can be used in smaller pieced blocks.” If unsure of what patterns would work best with the fabrics selected, perhaps try to freestyle it. Freestyling blocks might include crumb piecing, wonky piecing, or simply piling up material and reaching for each piece one at a time to create a scrappy, memory-filled quilt.

Stabilizing Stretchy and Lightweight Memory Fabrics

As we begin to stitch up these sweet and sentimental masterpieces, we also need to consider stability. Think about how the quilt will be used or displayed. Stretchy, thin, or extra lightweight fabrics may need to be stabilized if there is any worry about stitching them to other fabrics. Our expert has a nice tip for considering the quilt’s stability.

“I guess my best tip is to think about the project and its purpose,” Natalie says. “If a project is going to hang on a wall, it may not need as much stabilizer, or you can add lots of embellishments. If it's meant to be snuggled you may want to do a lighter stabilizer.” Think: How is this beautiful quilt going to be admired? Then stabilize accordingly. We are free to use our best judgment.

Mixing Keepsake Fabrics with New Fabric

Here’s another tip as we reminisce and quilt along! Don’t be afraid to experiment and mix it up. Memory quilts don’t have to consist of all harvested fabric. Natalie mentions this during a discussion about the quilts she has made in the past from harvested fabrics.

“I have made T shirt quilts (using sweatshirts, denim, knits, etc), denim quilts, and memory quilts using mens shirts, baby clothes and blankets,” Natalie says. “I have mixed antique quilt blocks with new fabrics and used vintage sheets for backings.” This offers another helpful idea: back quilts with bedsheets! Saves the wallet and can give the quilt a classic feel.

Memory Quilt Embellishment Ideas

Now that we’ve covered all the basics, let’s talk about something optional: embellishments! Though these aren’t necessary, they can add fun elements to our designs! It’s also a fantastic way to add even more memories to the quilt. Natalie shares some fun examples to help get those creative juices flowing:

“Embroidery, applique, beadwork, fabric paint, permanent markers, lace, etc…you can add anything that you can sew through or over,” Natalie says. “I have seen amazing quilts that have toys, keychains, buttons, bottle caps, all sorts of things added to them. I would suggest that you add these things last, and typically by hand unless you can machine quilt over them.” These items can add a little more texture, personality, and heart to the finished product. Again, adding embellishments such as these is not necessary, but it certainly presents a fun conversation piece!

Part Two: What to Do with an Old Quilt You Can't Repair

Giving a Worn Heirloom Quilt New Life

Now that we’ve covered how to transform those nostalgic shirts, aprons, rags, sheets, and other materials into a quilt to honor those who have touched our hearts, it’s time to talk about how to give a worn quilt new life. Many of us have taken on quilting as a hobby because our grandparents, aunts, uncles, or great grandparents used to quilt. These important people in our lives often leave behind pieces of their souls in the form of a quilt. But what do we do when that quilt is beyond patching? It’s old, tattered, worn, torn, but still has the potential to live on as something new.

Good news! We can breathe new life into these vintage masterpieces by turning them into something beautiful, decorative, and/or useful. But we understand that making the decision to take apart a family heirloom can be tough. Many quilters who have had to do this know the struggle, but like Natalie, they also know how amazing and rewarding the outcome can be.

“For me, the bottom line is to think about all the possibilities for this particular quilt,” Natalie says. “Is it destined for a museum or will it end up in a landfill? If it belongs in a museum, send it on its way. But if not, I can give it new life and spread joy to others. I am always willing to try that because I would rather take a chance on it, then send it to a landfill.” As quilters, we waste very little. We keep scrap bins and unused cuts and harvest them into new projects. An old quilt isn’t much different. We can still use the beautifully constructed blocks and vintage fabrics to make something new, and the story from that quilt will continue on.

Old Quilt Repurposing Ideas: Pillows, Stockings, and Framed Art

If these words have inspired anyone to let that well-loved quilt live on as something else, Natalie has a few ideas on how to achieve this. That quilt can be transformed into so many different projects, big or small.

“Although there are many ways to patch and repair quilts, these quilts can be unique opportunities to make a multitude of fun projects,” Natalie says. “I have seen pillows, framed art, coasters, jackets, stuffed animals. skirts, Christmas stockings, furniture, etc.” But the potential doesn’t stop there! Some other ideas include quilting shams, Christmas tree skirts, table runners, placemats, upholstery for a favorite chair cushion…the list goes on and on. Again, the possibilities are endless! Why not get creative with those memories?

How to Patch Holes in a Vintage Quilt

Sometimes when an old quilt sits for too long, isn't stored properly, or is used so often that the stitches pop and the fibers start to break down, it’s harder to incorporate those parts of the quilt into a fresh, new project. There are only so many times we can continue to patch a quilt before a decision must be made. Luckily, Natalie has some fun tips on how to keep these holey pieces going for a fresh start.

“You can appliqué new fabric “patches” over holes, or replace the missing fabrics,” Natalie says. “You could also put patches under the block so the new fabric shows through. Embroidery, hand quilting, thread painting, and other embellishments can be fun as well.” So even if the part of the quilt we want to use is beyond fixing, it can still be made new again. Don’t give up hope. Find a fun workaround to keep that piece of history alive. Natalie’s suggestions here also help us give the new project a piece of our own style, like we’re adding our own stories to make a sweet compilation of generations of love.

Start Your Memory Quilt

Feeling inspired yet? No doubt we all have something special in mind now to carry on the family legacy! So what are you waiting for? Gather those materials and stitch up something that can be loved over and over again, for years to come. Our loved ones have made their mark, now it’s time for us to make our mark, to tell our story while retelling theirs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Memory Quilts

What is a memory quilt?

A memory quilt is a quilt made from fabrics that carry meaning — a loved one's shirts, aprons, or handkerchiefs, a child's baby blankets, or blocks salvaged from an older family quilt. The fabric itself is the keepsake, so the quilt tells a specific story rather than simply following a pattern.

What fabrics can you use in a memory quilt?

Almost anything you can sew through: cotton, cotton-poly blends, knits, denim, flannel, and rayon all work. Clothing, sheets, draperies, handkerchiefs, and scarves are all fair game. Match the piece size to the fabric weight — heavier fabrics in larger pieces, lighter cottons in smaller blocks.

How many clothing items do I need for a memory quilt?

It depends on your block size and finished quilt size, but a lap-size quilt from 12" blocks typically takes about 20 garments. Gather more than you think you need — seams, ribbing, and pockets reduce how much usable fabric each item yields.

Do I need to stabilize knit or stretchy fabrics?

Usually, yes. Stretchy, thin, or very lightweight fabrics need interfacing so they don't distort against the sturdier fabrics beside them. How much you use depends on the purpose: a wall hanging needs less support than a quilt that will be washed and snuggled.

What pattern is best for a memory quilt?

Large, simple pieces are the safest choice, especially with heavy fabrics. Rag quilts work beautifully for denim, corduroy, and knits because the seams don't need to be machine quilted through. Freestyle approaches such as crumb or wonky piecing also suit a mixed collection of fabrics.

What can I do with an old quilt that's too worn to use?

Repurpose it. Worn quilts can become pillows and shams, framed art, coasters, jackets, skirts, stuffed animals, Christmas stockings and tree skirts, table runners, placemats, or upholstery for a favorite chair cushion.

How do you fix holes in an old quilt?

Applique new fabric patches over the holes, replace the missing fabric outright, or slide a patch underneath the block so the new fabric shows through. Embroidery, hand quilting, and thread painting can also cover damage while adding your own style.

Can I mix antique quilt blocks with new fabric?

Yes. Combining salvaged antique blocks with new quilting cotton is a common and beautiful approach, and vintage sheets make lovely backings. Blending old and new lets you honor the original maker while adding your own chapter.

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• ➤Upcycling Denim with Amy Barickman's Treasured Threadz
• ➤How to Wash a Quilt Without Ruining It — Machine, Hand & Vintage Methods
• ➤Find the Best Quilt Storage Bag for Your Heirlooms
• ➤The Joy of Quilting Magazines: Your Guide to Endless Inspiration

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