Jun 4, 20244 min read

Memory Quilts - What Are They?

What is a memory quilt? Why would I want one?

A memory quilt is a blanket sewn together using various items that have special meaning to commemorate achievements, milestones or memories.

These make great gifts for loved ones in honorarium, or to preserve memories of special times. For example, a quilt highlighting all the clubs your child belonged to throughout school, special vacation squares from T-shirts collected over the years or a collection of shirts with special meaning collected during one’s lifetime. Just about anything can be used as a theme for a quilt. You can be creative as possible. Check out some examples!

What kind of stuff do you incorporate in a memory quilt?

The most common items we see are clothing – T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, patches, activity badges or sashes, sayings/phrases or anything that could be sewn into a fabric square. We’ve even managed to incorporate old hunting licenses and senior pictures into a quilt. If you have an idea, we’d love to see how we can add it to the project.

Is there a size requirement? Smallest – largest?

There are no requirements. Just remember a baby blanket is about 2’x3’ so anything smaller than that might not have the effect you’re looking for. The average quilt is what we call a 4 x 5 (squares); meaning 4 squares across by 5 squares down. With an average square being around 14” along with a border, you would end up with a 5’ x 6’ quilt. However, there is no limit to how many squares you can have. Our biggest so far has more than covered a queen-sized bed. Typically, one of our first questions is ‘how many T-shirts or items do you have?’ From there we can talk about what a finished size might be.

What are some unusual things people have requested?

One customer requested an embroidered quote for the back side of her quilt. We found a local embroidery shop and worked with them and the customer to determine font and size. In the end it really summed up the whole theme of her quilt. It didn’t take much extra work, but it really added a uniqueness and made the quilt “complete”.

On another one we added a leg from a pair of jeans and sewed patches from hats to it, and added a dress shirt and clip on tie – items the gentleman had worn most of his working life as an engineer in an office.

One of the most unique was a request for pockets behind some of the squares, almost like an advent calendar – a place for hiding special things!

Is there anything you cannot put in a quilt?

We do our best of incorporate everything, but we try to avoid sharp and solid objects. The items need to be fairly flat so they can be sewn onto fabric. It really comes down to how you plan on using the quilt and whether or not you plan on washing it.

Are quilts for girls?

Well, most of our quilt requests do come from Moms although a few have come directly from guys themselves. However, we have made more guy themed quilts by a 2 to 3 margin.

What is the process (steps)?

Normally we get a request via Messenger or via email. From there we will contact the customer and discuss what they are looking for – total size, number of shirts/items, discuss various options and give them a ball park on the pricing. The next step is to get the T-shirts or other items along with a deposit. We also go over colors of backing material and quilt thickness. We have a standard form that the buyer signs which recaps their selections. We then take the items, fold them into squares and create an arrangement. The customer is sent a picture of the arrangement for approval or to make changes to the design. Once approved, the sewing begins. After the rows and columns are stitched together, the customer will get another picture for their review. Again, we wait for approval and then move on to sewing the batting to the top, outlining each square, changing thread color as needed for the top thread to match the fabric color of the square. Next the fabric chosen (fleece, cotton, microfiber, etc.) for the back is sewn to the top 2 layers. Next, the binding is pinned to the border, and another picture is sent for the customer’s approval. This is then sewn around the edges making the border. The size of the border can be anywhere from 1 inch to 5 inches, customer’s choice. This completes the quilt and a final picture is sent. We really try to make the customer a part of the process.

How long does it take?

Quilts typically take at least 3 weeks if we don’t have a backlog but can take longer depending on the items being used, as well as the color/material and availability for the back side of the quilt. We do our best to let each customer know what to expect from a timing standpoint prior to starting the project.

How are your quilts different?

Our quilts are individually made with various sized squares/rectangles, not one standard size for all the “squares”, so it is not mass-produced and the patterns are different every time. Due to the variations, color and material choices, as well as customer involvement, we think our quilts are very personalized and custom to each buyer. Customers also have a choice of color and type of backing/border material - fleece or cotton are standard choices, and they pick the size of the border. We try to involve them as much as possible, so they feel that it is truly "their" quilt