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
13 Comments
Kathryn
This would be great for a dorm quilt – I love how colorful it is.
Wendy Starr
Awesome and even easy enough for a sewing noob!
CJ from Article Writing News
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
Paige
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.
lea-ann
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!
Laci
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.
Shannon
I think I am going to make a baby quilt with this idea….The link doesn’t work?
heather
@shannon, looks like the site is gone. I found another set of instructions: http://www.ehow.com/how_6712890_make-bandana-blanket.html
Shannon
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)
Kim
When you sew them together do you first sew the right sides together of each one, or just lay them flat side by side overlapping a little and then pin and sew? I love this! But don’t want to mess it up thanks.
heather
@kim, usually, you would do right sides together, but either way will probably be fine!