Wrap Them in Love - Making Baby Quilts

What a whirlwind!

 

 

The last two weeks have been filled with anticipation, preparation, and organization to get ready to welcome our two new baby girls to this big world.

 

 

But the desire to love and welcome them makes it all worth while.

 

Even when one has to borrow a sewing machine (since hers is broken), one has extra furry help (though it is not requested), and one has to shuffle to meet all those little deadlines so all could enjoy the parties.

Baby quilts are my favorite gift to make for newborns. The last go-round included several boys, so this crafter was excited to add some pink and flowers!

 

 

Love them, snuggle them, wrap them in quilts.

 

Congratulations mommy's, daddy's, sisters, and brothers

(and grandmas and grandpas).

 

Wrapped in love. 

 

Way to go, Amplify!

How to Make a Baby Patchwork Quilt

I love making patchwork quilts for newcomers to our world. I'm not a perfectionist, but the babies seem to love them regardless.

Step 1: Make a template from cardboard for the size of squares you want to use (or rectangles, which I do) and cut out MANY squares. My template is about 4x6 inches. I say about because it is MIA right now.

Step 2: Decide on a background fabric. I usually buy 1.5 yards and cut at least 2 rows of squares to add to the quilt top pattern.

Step 3: Place your quilt back on the floor. Arrange squares on top of it in whatever pattern you wish. I love working diagonally. If I place them side-by-side to cover the quilt backing fabric, the quilt top size is almost perfect once it's sewn.

Step 4: VERY carefully stack rows. I pin each row together, working from right to left (with the left square being the top of each row stack.) I add a safety pin to the very top left quilt square. That way I can always see which is the top of the quilt. Something weird happened last time to my perfected organizational techniques and I had to pick out 3 different rows! I do not like picking out. That is why I have a very specific way to organize. Think maybe the kitties messed me up? Hmmmm.

Step 5: Sew the rows. Iron all seams open. Stack on top of each other (I do this for the sake of space - you could always put it on the floor in order to watch it grow). I sew 1/4" seams.

Step 6: Sew rows together. Trim uneven edges around the entire quilt top, which shouldn't be too much.

Step 7: Place the quilt top on your quilt batting (your choice). Trim to fit.

Step 8: Carefully fold the batting and quilt top in quarters. Spread out the quilt backing and unfold the other two on top. Smooth and pin in place.

Step 9: Fold over backing to make a decorative binding on the front of the quilt. Pin. Sew. I like to do one seam close to the edge, then a second seam 1/4" beside it.

Step 10: Spread the quilt on the table. Use a curved needle and white baby yarn to tie the quilt pieces together. I tie it every other square, alternating on the rows. I also add a "Made by" label. Just in case they forget!

Extra special step: Always, always, enlist help. Furry four-footed help is best.