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Make a Bandanna Quilt

21 June 2009 9,532 views 10 Comments

by heather

Make a quilt in an hour or so by using readymade bandannas as squares! This would be a great outdoor or picnic quilt, or a cute covering for a tween's bed (in their favorite alternating colors). Made by Mrs. D. Lightful, and found by U Create. [~~click here for instructions~~] [updated: new instructions because old link doesn't work now]

Notes on materials: for batting, you can use your 40% off coupons from your local fabric store (JoAnn's always has one if you sign up for their mailing list), or use a recycled blanket/comforter from thrift store - launder in hot water before using). Backing: you can use a thrifted sheet for the easiest backing. Overdye with RIT (cotton & cotton blend sheets) to fit color scheme, if necessary.

This is a great quilting project for a beginner, so if you have always wanted to make a quilt, this is a good project to start with. It's just sewing in straight lines. Bandannas are awesome if you want to just sew and go with little cutting and measuring! Bandannas are a great non-intimidating way to go when making a quilt, but they are NOT the cheapest way, so if you want to go cheaper (but a tiny bit more work), fabric by the yard or recycled sheets are a better choice.

I have a lot of experience making quick patchwork quilts so if you need more info, comment here and I'll comment/email back to help you (or perhaps our readers will assist in the comments)! If there's a demand, I can create a step-by-step tutorial (but probably not until later in July).

Project estimate:

Bandannas, $1 each (you'll need at least 12, depending on the size of quilt you want)
Thrifted sheet, $1 and up
Batting, $2.50 a yard (2 or more yards)

Total: $18 and up

10 Comments »

Kathryn said:

This would be great for a dorm quilt – I love how colorful it is.

# 22 June 2009 at 6:19 am

Wendy Starr said:

Awesome and even easy enough for a sewing noob!

# 23 June 2009 at 2:29 pm

CJ from Article Writing News said:

Oh, this is just too awesome! I have a granddaughter for whom I haven’t made that special quilt yet, and she’s starting to outgrow the juvenile prints I generally use. THIS IDEA IS PERFECT for her! Thanks you so much for sharing it here!
~cj

# 24 June 2009 at 3:06 pm

Paige said:

I am a new to sewing and wanted something easy to try. I think this will work out. I am going to hunt for a sheet at a local thrift shop first, then try to get bandanas to match it. Once the top is sewn I will need help with assembly. I have never made anything w/ my sewing machine. :-) Thanks for posting.

# 24 September 2009 at 6:47 am

lea-ann said:

Too cute. Will start picking up bandanas at the thrift store! Was going to make a denim & bandana patch quilt – never thought of using real bandanas!

# 20 October 2009 at 8:23 pm

Laci said:

This is perfect for my 8yr. old son. He’s into crafting and making usefull things for the family. You’d be suprised how well children pick up things…. Thanks.

# 10 January 2010 at 4:55 pm

To Sew List « Good Grace Crafts said:

[...] Bandanna Quilt from Dollar Store Crafts [...]

# 7 July 2010 at 8:37 am

Shannon said:

I think I am going to make a baby quilt with this idea….The link doesn’t work?

# 13 April 2011 at 5:53 am

heather (author) said:

@shannon, looks like the site is gone. I found another set of instructions: http://www.ehow.com/how_6712890_make-bandana-blanket.html

# 13 April 2011 at 8:25 am

Shannon said:

Heather, thanks so much! I made my baby quilt and it turned out pretty good considering it is my first quilt that I have made by myself. Now to make a queen sized one :O)

# 24 April 2011 at 2:59 pm