How to make a simple up-cycled quilt!

So it's cold now and I felt my "lap" blanket was lacking some warmth and size. Rather than feeling like I was being kept all snug and safe in my lap blanket I was feeling a little bit exposed and cold around the edges....

I really didn't want to buy a brand new lap blanket so I thought, aha! Surely you can use old sheets and blankets to make a new improved blanket? Turn to my friend google to see what I can find.

After a little bit of searching I found Craft Stylish Do check it out. The author of this tutorial, Diane does an amazing job to explain how to go about making this quilt!

It is actually super super easy to make - my crafternoon girls can vouch for this ;) I pretty much followed the craft stylish instructions - she sets it out so well with pictures and in plain english! So I give you only the summarised version below:- if you are keen on making one definitely check out craft stylish for help.

1. Get 3 layers for your quilt. The 2 outer layers and the warm bit which will be sandwiched between them.

As you can see, I have an old quilt cover (the white layer with embroidered bows on it), flannel sheet for warmth and a single sheet I picked up at the red cross store for $2.

After you've ironed them (it is very important to do this!) Place the two outer layers right sides together then the warm layer on top.

2. Now use safety pins and pin all three layers together. I put them close to the edges at regular intervals.

Now trim the edges to be the same size.

3. Sew all three layers together. Remember to leave a gap in the fourth side - kind of like a duvet cover, this will mean you can turn it the right way out.

4. Now clip the edges and trip your warm layer right back - if this is your thickest layer just to take bulk out of the edges. Because I'd used a flannel sheet there wasn't that much bulk so I just neatened the edges up, then ironed out the seam.

5. Turn the right way out and ladder stitch the opening shut. It was rather exciting at this stage as it began to look quite nice!!

6. So because you have 3 layers, you want to stop them from flapping about.

If you had quilting skills or this function on your sewing machine you could probably do a simple pattern to joint he layers together. But if you have never done any quilting or have this function on your machine like me then use the technique called "tie quilting".

Essentially you are using a thicker thread here I used 4 ply wool, threading it through the three layers and tying a knot. I left about 2cms of wool above the knot.

Lucky for me the white sheet had these embroidered bows in regular intervals so I used these as my configuration for the ties. You could use any pattern you like! If you have a plain side you will see the little indents of where you have placed them.

7. You're done! And now have a wonderfully warm and pretty up-cycled quilt made of old and lifeless sheets and blankets you may have considered chucking out. I am very happy with my new quilt! :)

Let me know what you think!

xx cherry xx