14 Best Memory Quilt Ideas to Make and Cherish

A memory quilt made from clothing items is the best way to use those fabric items while also creating a family heirloom you’ll cherish for years to come. These 14 memory quilt ideas will help you create an amazing and unique quilt.

Do you have a pile of old clothes lying around that you can’t bear to part with? Maybe you cherish t-shirts from your school years or have all of your baby’s clothes in a storage tote. maybe you’ve lost a loved one and want a great way to remember them.

You can use any kind of shirt, or other fabrics that hold special meaning to you. There are so many creative ideas to make an amazing memory quilt that go beyond just shirts. Some memorial quilts are made from neckties, denim jeans, fabric scraps, and more. 

Memory quilts make great gifts for:

• weddings
• graduations
• moving
• births
• retirements
• fundraisers

A memorial quilt is also a heartfelt gift to give after the bereavement of a loved one.

These memorial quilt ideas will inspire you to get creative and make a special memory quilt for a friend, loved one, or yourself. 

What is a Memory Quilt?

A memory quilt is far more than just a blanket. A memory quilt can look like a beautiful piece of textile art, but it holds many precious memories in its stitches. 

Memory quilts are often tangible reminders of people we love and memories we cherish. They also make great conversation starters that allow you to share your memories with others. 

A memory quilt is a true labor of love, so if you are lucky enough to be gifted with one, treasure it!

What Do You Put in a Memory Quilt?

There are a ton of different fabrics, materials, and techniques you can use for your memory quilt. It depends on your quilt’s purpose and the beautiful pattern you choose. 

Here are a few memory quilt ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• T-shirts–put your t-shirt collection to use and create a unique quilt to love! You may use shirts that hold special memories for you. Use your old t-shirts that feature your high school name, favorite sports team, or shirts from special events. 
• Baby clothes–it’s hard to let go of those sweet little clothing items your baby wore. Incorporate them into a one-of-a-kind baby quilt.
• Photos–a photo quilt is a really fun way to remember a special event, person, or family member. Find a company that prints photos onto fabric, then create your quilt blocks.
• Other shirts–one of the most popular types of memory quilts involves using the clothing of someone who has passed. You can use whatever type of clothing has a special meaning, including, flannel shirts, dress shirts, work shirts and blue jeans.
• Signatures–signature quilts make perfect gifts and are cherished family heirlooms. Friends and loved ones write their names or short messages on a piece of fabric that is then added to the final project for a stunning memory quilt. 
• Applique–adding an applique piece to a memory quilt block is a beautiful way to create a special quilt. 

How Many Shirts Do You Need to Make a Memory Quilt?

The number of shirts you need to make t-shirt quilts depends on the size of your quilt, the size of your shirts, and the pattern you chose. but here are some general guidelines:

• For a twin-size quilt made out of t-shirts, you’ll need about twenty if they are all cut to the same size. However, this may vary depending on the design of your quilt, and if your shirts are trimmed to different sizes or shapes.
• If you’re making a double-sided memory quilt, you’ll need twice as much fabric, since you’ll want the quilt to be the same size on both sides.

These numbers will also vary if you add sashing or borders to your quilt. Always make sure you measure carefully beforehand. You can’t replace those shirts once they are cut, so properly measuring is vital for your finished quilt. 

Supplies Needed to Make a Memory Quilt

The supplies you need to make a memory quilt will vary depending on the materials you use and the pattern. Here are a few basic supplies you should have on hand:

• sewing machine
• thread
• ruler
• rotary cutter
• cutting mat
• scissors
• seam ripper
• interfacing
• fabric

14 Free Memory Quilt Patterns and Tutorials

Are you ready to start making your own beautiful quilt to hold special memories? Here are 14 free patterns and tutorials that are great for making diy memory quilts. Give them as gifts, or keep them for yourself so your favorite memories are never far away!

Autograph or Friendship Quilt

A friendship quilt is the perfect going-away gift for a friend who moves. This free pattern for a signature quilt is simple and allows plenty of room for friends and family to write their names and messages. It’s also easy to personalize with favorite fabrics.

Signature Quilt Tutorial

A signature quilt makes a great gift for a wedding, baby shower or retirement party. This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make a signature memory quilt with five different block variations. Guests or family members write messages on squares of fabric that are then joined together into a gorgeous one-of-a-kind gift quilt.

Photograph Quilt Tutorial

Photo quilts are great quilts for graduates, grandparents or friends moving away. This tutorial for making a photo quilt will show you exactly how to create a memorable quilt that will become a favorite family heirloom for years to come. 

T-Shirt Quilt Tutorial

Sewing with t-shirts is a bit different than using woven fabrics because they are made of stretchy material. This t-shirt quilt tutorial will show you step-by-step how to cut, prep and sew your t-shirts the right way for a quilt that turns out great without any guesswork on your part. 

Memory Quilt from Shirts

Using shirts to create a memory quilt is a creative way to hold onto memories of a special family member or friend. This tutorial will show you how to use pre-loved shirts to sew up a quilt to remind you of someone you love. 

Easy Memory Quilt for Beginner Quilters

If you’ve not been quilting very long, you can still whip up a gorgeous memory quilt! This 3-step tutorial will show you how to make an easy quilt or memory pillow to treasure or give as a beautiful gift. 

Baby Clothes Quilt Pattern

Baby clothes are adorable, and it’s hard to let them go when the baby outgrows them! Instead of donating or selling them, make a baby clothes quilt! Here are 3 easy patterns for baby clothes quilts that will help you keep those memories forever. 

Memory Quilt from Old T-Shirts (Double-Sided)

Make the most of your shirts by cutting squares of clothing from both the front and the back. This tutorial will show you how to create a double-sided quilt using the front of your shirt for the quilt top and the back of your shirt for the quilt backing. It’s a fun twist on a traditional quilt block.

Vintage Hanky Quilt

Vintage hankies are so pretty, and you can often find them at thrift stores and garage sales. Not sure what to do with them? Use this free vintage hanky quilt pattern to turn them into a mini quilt or baby quilt. 

Men’s Tie Memory Quilt

Men’s ties are unique and they can hold a lot of memories. This free quilt pattern using men’s ties is one of the most creative ways to reuse ties. 

Family Memory Quilt with Photos

Make a quilt the whole family will love with your favorite fabrics and memorable photos. This tutorial will show you how to get your photos printed on fabric and use them to create a one-of-a-kind family heirloom to pass down for generations. 

Modern Memories Quilt Pattern

If you want a memory quilt with a modern twist, try this fun pattern! It’s a free download, so all you need to do is print it out. 

Triangles Memory Quilt

This quilt is called “Triangles at Play” and it looks amazing with striped or plaid fabrics. It’s a great idea to use up men’s shirts. The triangles aren’t difficult to make, but the effect is stunning when they’re all put together. 

Half-Square Triangle Tutorial

Here is another quilt pattern that uses triangles and works great with plaid shirts. It uses a mix of clothing and fabric scraps to create a unique quilt with a country or antique look. 

Make Your Own Memory Quilt

As you can see, there are many different ways to create a memory quilt to cherish. Use one of these memory quilt tutorials or free patterns for different clothing fabrics, including t-shirts, ties, jeans, shirts, or whatever you have. 

Use one of these memory quilt ideas to make a unique gift or special keepsake you’ll treasure. 

Read More…

• How to quilt your t-shirt quilts
• Sewing with knits tips
• How to make a fidget quilt
• Fidget quilt ideas

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