How to Sew a Cotton Gift Quilt

This quilt is for those of us who are “sewing impaired” but who would still like to make something “homemade” as a special gift. It is ideal for babies as a floor blanket, and the not so young as a knee quilt. Sewing your own gifts is personally satisfying knowing your quilt is totally unique in design, pattern and type of fabric.

A Simple Project

For those with allergies choosing your own fabric is a good idea. For example these two baby quilts were made using 100% cotton material and lining as well as a 100% natural cotton white batting. This is an easy afternoon project when using a serger. The tufting is to keep the fabrics from moving during cleaning. These quilts are so easy to sew why not make two! Change the material to suit the age of the person you are making the quilt for.

Materials required for one baby quilt

1. One piece of material for top - 46 “ wide by 54 inches long (100% cotton)
2. Backing – same size as for top fabric (100% cotton)
3. Batting 100% cotton – 90 inches wide by 54 inches (cut in half to match 1 & 2)

Other items

• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Yarn (for tufting)
• Bodkin (or large eye needle)

Directions

• Place right sides of both top and backing material facing each other on a large table making sure they are correct
• Add backing on top of these two (on either side but not between them)
• Making sure all edges are even pin (and tack if you wish) through all three layers
• Serge the outside edges on all four sides leaving a 6 to 8 inch gap at the beginning
• Pull the quilt through this gap
• Hand sew the gap to close quilt
• Iron before tufting

How to tuft a quilt

• Cut yarn 12 lengths (matching colour to quilt or black) approximately 6 inches long
• Measure rug and to sew tufts in place 12 inches apart
• Thread large bodkin with yard and pull through and tie knot
• Knot loose ends of wool as well so as no to unravel during use and laundering

Quilt can be used for a baby's cot, pram or lying on the floor. Great sense of accomplishment from sewing an item which is so functional and looks very professional.

Extra notes

• By choosing three layers of cotton material it was not necessary to pre-shrink the different fabrics
• All three fabrics chosen can be cleaned in machine washer and dryer (not required to dry clean)
• White bleached batting was chosen specifically for :
• a) appearance as the white batting helps lighten the quilt
• b) bleaching eliminates the “oily seed” contained in natural cotton which can stain fabrics
• If you have a source of organic cotton material that's the eco-friendly way to go
• This afternoon project should take approximately 3 to 4 hours
• When giving a homemade gift of any sort, clothing or food, always add a label of contents, ingredients and care
• Cotton is perfectly safe for a new baby (under six months)
• Easy to sew and tuft a quilt when obvious patterns such as the jungle animals square fabric
• Using washable cotton fabric helps reduce allergens in your home