What To Do With Old Quilts? 9 Ways to Repurpose and Reuse
Your quilt or doona has seen better days.It has been collecting dust in the closet for years.You might want to rethink what you plan to do with your quilt.
Australia, according to the Australian government, is the second largest consumer of textiles in the world per capita, behind only the United States of America.Every Australian discards 23 kg of clothing waste every year.
You can reuse old quilts in a variety of ways.We have scoured the web and selected some of the most creative and meaningful ways to reuse or repurpose your old quilts.
You can turn your quilts into bunnies teddy bears, or even hearts if you are handy with needle and thread.Even a doona-square was turned into a stuffed apple by someone.You’ll only need your old quilt, some scissors, thread and pillow stuffing.
2) Accent Pillows
It makes sense since quilts and doonas are usually square in shape. You can easily turn them into accent cushions.Pinterest user made a pillow out of quilt material and attached it to a bench for a porch swing.Etsy has another example of a repurposed pillow made from a quilt.
For this project, you will need to know how to use a sewing machine or needle and thread.There are many YouTube videos that will guide you through the process of making a quilted cushion, such as this one.
3) Christmas Stockings
Turning old quilts into Christmas stockings will allow you to reuse them and repurpose them for your entire family.This project doesn’t require a doona with a Christmas theme.You can use any quilt that holds a special meaning for your family.
This blogger has created a guide that will show you how to make your own Christmas stockings from an old quilt.The bloggers recommend that each member of the family choose a piece from the quilt that they like in advance to make it even more personal.You can find more detailed instructions on YouTube, which also comes with a free pattern.Your Christmas stockings are sure to be a focal point for many years.
4) Create a Dog Bed
Quilts can be used to make dog beds.You only need to measure your dog, and then cut the quilt according to its size.You can make an oval or rectangle.Sew the quilt and fill it with batting, or an old pillow.You’ll enjoy repurposing a quilt for your dog, and they will love it.
5) Repairing Any Damage
You may not want to cut into the quilt or doona you received from your mother or grandmother.If it has seen better days, there are ways to make it look as good as it did when it was new.Find a fabric that matches damaged squares.If you cannot find a fabric that exactly matches, that’s fine!No matter what you do, you can always make it work.
Blogger demonstrates how to fix several problems that may arise with a quilt, such as repairing a hole or a small one or repairing a large hole.Make sure to have the fabric, needle and thread at hand before you begin.
An Old Sewing Machine With Quilts
6) Framing the piece
If you are willing to cut up your old quilt, another option is to put some pieces in frames.You can also hang a large piece in a window frame.It’s a wonderful way to reuse a family quilt that has seen better days.
Buy some frames, or window frames, that you like. Then, choose a quilt and start cutting.Be sure to measure your fabric first, so that you don’t run out.
For a completely different look, you could also glue or staple the quilt squares onto canvas.Do what you think is best for your home and yourself.By the end, you will have some beautiful pieces that can be hung on your wall or used to create a gallery.There are so many possibilities!
7) How to Make a Tote Bag
Reusable shopping bags can be made from old quilts.Sew the quilt at the bottom and sides, but leave the top unstitched.Add handles or straps to make it easier for you to carry.This is a great way of reducing your plastic bag usage and recycling an old quilt.
8) Ornaments
You can use an old quilt, doona, or blanket to make ornaments. They are great for Christmas trees or to display in a place you see every day.You can create an endless number of shapes from a single blanket. If you wanted to, you could make a Christmas tree full of quilt ornaments.You could also give them to your family so that they can carry a bit of history wherever they go.You can also create string ornaments that you can hang during the holiday season.You can make as many Christmas ornaments as you want if you have enough quilts or doonas.
Although thistutorial does not repurpose a quilt, it will give you an idea of how to make a fabric ornament.
9) Clothes for Baby and Adults
It’s a cute way to reuse quilts that have been collecting dust.The quilt material can be used for many options, including jackets and sweaters.You might be able to make matching sets for the baby’s parents or siblings depending on the quilt.What a cute idea!You can create matching outfits by buying clothing patterns that are similar to what you want.
10) Coasters
Old Quilts on a Basket
You could make as many coasters out of an old quilt that you don’t use anymore, just like you can with ornaments.This is a project that has been referred to in several YouTube videos as an easy one. It could be a great place to begin if you are a beginner.You don’t need to do only squares. You can also make different shapes if you wish.This video shows the many shapes that you can create from quilts and doonas.If you’d like, the patterns can be found in the video description.Enjoy your sewing!
11) Quilted oven mitts or pot holders
Pot holders or oven gloves are another easy way to reuse an old quilt.Simply cut out a rectangle or square, sew around the edges, and add a fabric loop to hang it up.Make a matching set to dress up your kitchen.
12) Giving it to a family member
The last option does not involve any sewing.Many less-crafty people will be breathing a huge sigh.
Find a family who would appreciate a quilt that you have in a box or closet.Perhaps they will get more out of it, and appreciate your thoughtful gesture.You’ll save yourself the guilt of putting off a project that you said you would do and the doona will find a new home.You can also avoid donating the doona to someone who may not understand its history.
Final thoughts
As we mentioned at the beginning of this post, there are many ways to reuse and repurpose your old quilts.If you want to replace an old quilt, you can always buy a brand-new one and use it in a new project.You can donate an old blanket to a charity in need of warm blankets if you do not have any emotional attachment.It’s not a good idea to throw away an old doona because someone else could use it.
