How to make your Community Service Project - BABY QUILTS!

The guild provides "kits" to make Baby Quilts. Included in our "kits" are a light weight flannel for the backing and an appropriately printed cotton for the front of the quilt. These approximate 1 yard pieces are used as a single piece of fabric for the front and back rather than using pieced work.  If you have the opportunity to wash the fabric, that too, is helpful though not absolutely  necessary.  Also, batting is included.

If you are using a "kit" you will probably need to adjust the sizes of the three layers since they aren't always exactly the same. Use the smallest piece as your guide to straighten the fabrics so they all measure the same in width and length.  (Finished sizes vary between 36" x 45" square or rectangle shaped.)

Sewing:

1. Place the two fabrics, right sides together and place the batting on top.

2. Turn the whole sandwich over, batting on bottom, and pin edges all around (if you wish).

3.  Sew the layers together all around the perimeter with your choice of seam allowance (1/2" is good). Leave a 10"-12" opening for turning.

4. Turn right side out and close with the method of your choice. First turn the seam allowance of the opening and pin. You might want to top-stitch by machine very close to the edge (1/8th" or so).

5. Although optional, it is very effective to stitch around the quilt again about 1-1/2" or 5/8" from the edge to create to look of a binding and to secure the batting. Either square or rounded corners can be used.

The actual quilting of the blanket varies from one person to another. Options include: hand quilting, hand tying, machine quilting, or machine tying. REMEMBER -  KEEP IT SIMPLE! Two things to remember about the quilting: keep it loose so that the quilt will be soft and drapey and this can be your grand opportunity to improve your free motion quilting skills.

If you tie your baby quilts, please tie every 6(six) inches. Every six inches will take care of most battings so they won't bunch when washed.

Please sew a guild "Quilt Label" that is provided in your kit to the back flannel side near a  corner.  If you need a label, please contact one of the chairmen.

Some members choose to donate fabric to make these baby quilts and choose not to use a "kit". This is an option Some members like to piece them, you can be as intricate or simple as your time allows. The babies will love them!

Thank you for your participation.

Candace and Lel

Back to Baby Quilt page.