skip to main content

Blue Jeans Quilt

15 years ago

OK, this is a fine time to ask since I am within a week of finishing it......but how big is too big? I'm famous for flying by the seat of my pants on projects, and should have thought about these issues before I started, but since it's a simple pattern (doing them like laying bricks, so the seams don't coincide when stitching the rows together) and I'm pretty much doing it in sections so I don't have all that bulk to deal with as I stitch on each row, I figure the ultimate size was something I could decide when it felt like I was reaching it.

Several things concern me, however. I know several of you have already done them, because your pictures are what inspired me. Somebody mentioned (and I laughed out loud) that they are so heavy it was like hoisting an X-ray apron. Yeah! I can see that now.

My g'son (whom I have in mind to give to, unless I fall in love with it myself) is a large kid, sixteen, over six foot and over two hundred pounds. He is a farm boy and outdoorsman and I can see him using this for his car, his bed, taking on hunting trips. So, I'd like it to be multi-functional. He won't have to worry if the dog jumps on it, or about grass stains. But, will a washing machine handle a jeans quilt if it is as large as a full sized bed quilt?

I was thinking about making it just large enough to cover the entire top of his mattress, without an overhang. Is that overkill? What sizes have other people done?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

salijo
15 years ago
I've never made a denim quilt, but I can understand all your concerns.

As far as laundering goes, most laundromats have extra large heavy duty machines that could probably handle a larger, heavier quilt.

But if the goal is to keep the quilt multi-functional, I, personally, wouldn't make it extremely large, as the weight would be heavy to carry around, even for a strapping boy. Is the quilt a surprise for him? If not, you may want to go ahead and ask his opinion and do it the way he would like to have it.

Salijo
nanajayne
15 years ago
I made a jeans quilt for my grandson when he graduated for him to put in his car but he told me he uses it in the dorm. It was about lap size as I remember. Here's a pic of it. It waa pretty heavy. If you make it too big for you washer will you beable to rag it at the laundormat? Jayne
Related Discussions
Lakeside Blue Jeans, Little Doll, Quilting Bee, Sunpower
Q
Comments (2)
I just love my Little Doll too - what an underappreciated and under planted hosta that it. It is one that I will ALWAYS have in my garden Alexa
...See More
children's rooms
Q
Comments (18)
Hi Midwest and all~ My son's room is still an ongoing process, he's 13 months. I like vintage stuff so it takes a while to find the right items. Mid what does the denim quilt look like? We did my son's room in a cowboy theme.. with a bit of Americana thrown in. I found great denim curtains at Walmart. Here's a link, (this is my first time posting here, hope this works!) Here is a link that might be useful: Cowboy room
...See More
Q for you re blue jean quilts
Q
Comments (16)
I've been trying to remember how I made the only one I did.....it's been about 30 years ago. I do remember I used those big red bandana handkerchiefs for a backing and made them section by section sewing the jeans not quite to the edges of the bandana, crazy quilt like, then sewed the edges of the bandanas together and over-lapping the jeans to cover the bandana seams. I don't remember exactly, but might have rolled the red bandana over the edges as binding. My but that's been ages ago. I gave it to my niece (she is now 46) and she took it with her to North Dakota when she did her pharmacy internship on an Indian reservation in the winter time! I think I might have even used some filler as it was really heavy, but don't remember what it was.
...See More
Blue Jeans Bags
Q
Comments (2)
Rene, those are too cute. I love the one with the garden gate. DD#2 has a new puppy, about as big as a coffee mug. She wants a bag made from her old jeans to carry it in. I think I have some good ideas now. thanks beverly
...See More
carolek
15 years ago
I suspect it might not get a whole lot of washing, so the occasional laundromat trip shouldn't be to rough on it. It sounds like the perfect choice for an outdoorsman. Carole
calliope
Original Author
15 years ago
I checked out the closest laundromat, and I think there are only two of them in town (we live in the country) and it doesn't have a washer any larger than one you'd find in a home. LOL. I'm not so concerned about ragging it, as I am the little fellow finds a way to wash it. Knowing him, he'll hose it off outside.

Yes, it's a surprise because I don't think most teen-aged boys would get too excited about getting a quilt, until they see one like this they won't think is too fussy. My dd, my son, and my mother's best friend have already gotten one of my quilts, and now I'm working on the g'kids and steps.

Thanks for your suggestions. I am really leaning on not making it much larger than it is right now. It'll be large enough to cover the whole top of his full sized bed, so he can flop on it and not have to worry about messing up a fancy spread, and also small enough to throw in his truck.
rosajoe_gw
15 years ago
I made one for my BIL years ago that weighed 17&1/2 pounds. He wanted one big and heavy to use camping and stuff. It is at least 15 years old and shows no signs of giving out soon.
I took it to a laundromat to wash and dry it before giving it to him.
Denim has a ton of lint so I did wash mine first in a tub outside and let it dry. They have also had it in the river, and used a hose to wash it. He'll find a way!!
The 2 nephews are 18 and 20 now and they fight over who is going to get the quilt.
I guess I need to make another one!! All of the males in my fam love quilts.
Weight it and let us know how much it is.
Rosa

Related Stories

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Inspired by Boyfriend Stripes and Blue Jeans

Fashion staples come home with furniture, textiles and decor

0

COLOR Nature’s Color Wisdom: Lessons on Blue From the Great Outdoors

By Laura Gaskill

Take some cues from the sea and sky to find a blue to match any taste and mood

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Brilliant Blue

By Jace Interiors & CreateGirl Blog

Navy, Turquoise and Indigo Make a Splash in Cool-Hued Pieces for the Home

ART Show News: Rare Quilts Get Museum Time

By Vanessa Brunner

See 6 intricate designs from a California exhibition and get tips for building your own quilt collection

DECORATING GUIDES Celebrating the Great American Quilt

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

They speak of family, history and beauty. Is it any wonder quilts transcend design styles?

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: 20 Modern Quilts for Kids

By Elaina Verhoff

Change up the look of your child's bedroom with one of these new quilts

ART Barn Quilts Piece Together a Community

By Mary Jo Bowling

One man with one beautiful idea transforms Wisconsin’s Shawano County

BEDROOMS Dreaming in Color: 10 Beautiful Blue Bedrooms

By Jennifer Ott Design

Whether soft and sleepy or bold and splashy, see why blue can be the perfect hue in your bedroom

COLOR 9 New Ways With Red, White and Blue

By Jennifer Ott Design

With subtle adjustments to hue, tint, tone or shade, this patriotic color combo works for more than just the U.S. flag

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Chase Away the After-Holiday Blues

By Melissa de la Fuente

Cheer up the home this winter with flowers, color and more harbingers of spring

Sponsored

High Point Cabinets

21 Reviews

Columbus' Experienced Custom Cabinet Builder | 4x Best of Houzz Winner

More Discussions

I came across an oriental fan pattern.....

5

And another one……..

6

3

Children's cancer quilt

4

Well, it's finished, and my husband loves it

3