Make an Outdoor Quilt That's Ready for Adventure: Picnic Blankets, Patio Throws & More
You love your quilts. Which is exactly why you wince a little when someone sets a potato chip bowl on one. If you've ever hesitated to take a favorite quilt to the park or beach because you couldn't bear to see it grass-stained and sand-filled, you're not alone — and we have the solution: make a quilt that's built for the outdoors from the start!
A dedicated outdoor quilt is one of the smartest projects a quilter can have in their repertoire. Think picnic quilts spread on summer lawns, patio throws tossed over a chair at dusk, beach quilts that survive a day in the sand, and cozy blankets unrolled for outdoor movie nights. These quilts are made to live outside, get dirty, and get washed over and over again — and they look good doing it. Here's everything you need to know to build one.
Why Make a Quilt Specifically for Outdoor Use?
Your heirloom-quality quilts deserve to stay inside where they're safe. But that doesn't mean the outdoors is off-limits — it just means choosing the right materials for the job.
A dedicated outdoor quilt completely solves the anxiety. You can shake off the crumbs, toss it in the wash, and let it dry in the sun without a second thought. Unlike repurposing a beloved quilt, an outdoor quilt is designed with washability as a top priority, durability built in through reinforced seams and denser quilting, and practicality over preciousness — bold, high-contrast prints that hide grass stains and look great even after a season of use.
Best Fabrics for Outdoor Quilts
Choosing the right fabric is essential for a durable quilt that can withstand the elements. 100% Cotton Quilting Fabric is your best bet, as it’s tightly woven, breathable, and retains color beautifully. For backing, heavier fabrics like Denim, Canvas, and Duck Cloth are fantastic choices—they’re robust and resistant to abrasion. Additionally, consider Outdoor or Performance Fabrics with moisture-repellent treatments for extra protection, especially for quilts that will be on dewy grass. With these materials, your quilt will be both stunning and resilient—perfect for any adventure!
No matter what you choose, make sure to prewash everything before you cut to prevent future shrinkage and lock in colorfastness. Browse our Fabric by the Yard collection for durable quilting cottons, and check out Precut Fabrics for an easy, coordinated start.
Best Batting for Outdoor Quilts
Polyester batting is an ideal choice for your picnic quilt. It dries quickly, repels moisture, and is naturally mildew-resistant. Choose a medium-loft polyester for the perfect balance of body without added weight. If you prefer a blend, consider an 80/20 poly-cotton mix for extra softness and faster drying. Additionally, naturally antibacterial bamboo batting is another excellent option. However, avoid using high-loft cotton or wool batting for outdoor projects, as they tend to retain moisture and can promote mildew. Check out our fantastic selection of quality quilt batting today!
Construction Tips for a Durable Outdoor Quilt
Creating a durable outdoor quilt is an exciting project that just needs a bit of extra care! For stronger seams that can handle the elements, we suggest using a shorter stitch length of 2.0–2.2 mm. To finish it off, quilt densely, anchoring the batting every 1 to 2 inches to keep it secure and prevent shifting during washing. A straight-line grid or diagonal crosshatch is not only quick but highly effective! When it comes to binding, cutting it at 2.5 inches and securing it with double stitching will really pay off—those edges face a lot of wear and tear outdoors! Don’t forget to backstitch or lock every seam to avoid unraveling. You can find all the necessary supplies like thread, rulers, and binding clips in our comprehensive Quilting Notions collection.
Quick Project: Jelly Roll Strip Picnic Quilt
Get ready to create a stunning outdoor quilt with ease! A Jelly Roll strip quilt is one of the quickest and most rewarding projects you can tackle. Its bold patterns are perfect for outdoor adventures, making it both eye-catching and fun to piece together!
What you need:
➤1 Jelly Roll (40 strips, 2.5” x 44”)
➤4.5 yards of backing fabric (canvas or quilting cotton)
➤1 package of 60”-wide polyester batting (lap or twin size)
➤Binding fabric (or use leftover strips)
8 Simple Steps to Create Your Jelly Roll Quilt:
1. Get Your Fabric Strips Ready: Start by sewing together your Jelly Roll strips end-to-end in sets of four! Make sure your seams are neat and leave a small allowance for the most beautiful finish. Once you’ve sewn each set, press the seams to one side—this little step will help keep everything nice and flat, making your quilt easier to handle.
2. Cutting the Strips: Now that your strip sets are done, it’s time to unleash your inner artist! Grab a rotary cutter and ruler, and carefully sub-cut each long strip to your preferred width. A width of about 60 inches is perfect for crafting a cozy picnic blanket, striking just the right balance between spaciousness and manageability.
3. Assembling the Quilt Top: Let’s bring your quilt to life by sewing those cut strip sets together! As you piece them, take time to alternate the colors and values thoughtfully—this will create a stunning visual effect. Whether you prefer a random splash of colors for a contemporary vibe or a more traditional arrangement, the choice is yours!
4. Pressing for Perfection: Once your strips are sewn together, give them another good press to ensure your quilt top lies perfectly flat. This step not only keeps your project looking sharp but also helps prevent puckering during quilting.
5. Creating the Quilt Sandwich Layers: Now comes the fun part! Layer your quilt top with batting and a lovely backing fabric - we recommend a durable denim or canvas. Smooth out any wrinkles and carefully align the edges to get everything just right.
6. Quilt Basting: To keep everything securely in place, use safety pins or basting spray to hold those layers together. This important step will prevent any shifting while you quilt, ensuring everything turns out wonderfully!
7. Time to Quilt: Let's get into the groove! Use your sewing machine to create a lovely, dense straight-line grid pattern. Not only does this add fantastic texture, but it also keeps your three layers securely in place. Feel free to choose your grid spacing to enhance your design and maintain visual harmony! Pro tip: our edge-to-edge machine quilting services will add a professional touch to any quilt project!
8. Binding the Quilt: After you’ve finished quilting, trim away any excess batting and backing fabric. Now it’s time to prepare and attach a sturdy double-fold binding around the edges for that perfect finishing touch! This binding isn't just charming; it’s sturdy enough to withstand regular use, making your quilt both beautiful and practical.
Finished Size: Your finished quilt will measure around 60 inches by 70 inches, making it a delightful size for two adults to cuddle beneath at a farmers market or outdoor concert.
And don’t forget, as you embark on this wonderful project, explore our wonderfully coordinated strip sets available in our Jelly Rolls collection. Shop your favorite colors, designers, and themes!
Care & Washing Tips for Outdoor Quilts
To keep your quilts looking their best, wash them on a cold or warm setting instead of hot—this really helps prevent shrinkage and color bleeding! Opt for a gentle cycle; front-loading machines treat quilts with extra care. If you're using a top-loader, a mesh laundry bag can do wonders. For drying, a low tumble dry or line drying allows fresh air and sunlight to work their magic while being gentle on the batting. For added fluffiness, toss in some clean tennis balls! After each use, give your quilt a good shake to remove crumbs and grass before they settle in. Finally, store your clean, dry quilt in a breathable cotton bag at the end of the season—avoid plastic to prevent mildew.
Go Make Something You'll Actually Use
Creating something that truly gets used and cherished brings such a warm joy! An outdoor picnic quilt is the perfect project to bring your vision to life. Begin with a Jelly Roll in your favorite colors, select some cozy polyester batting from our collection, and choose a sturdy backing from our huge collection of Fabric by the Yard. Your dream picnic quilt is just around the corner, ready to accompany you on all your summer adventures!
