12 Memorial Quilt Ideas

A memorial quilt is a beautiful way to honor a loved one’s memory and an easy way to keep them close. Memorial quilts come in all shapes and sizes and have tons of designs associated with them. Whether you’re looking for a quilt made of a loved one’s favorite shirts or a quilt with favorite photos, this article provides a handful of beautiful memory quilt ideas to get you started.

What is memory quilting?

Memory quilting, also known as make memory quilts or memorial quilts, is a form of quilting that involves creating a quilt to commemorate and celebrate the life of a loved one or to preserve special memories. It typically involves incorporating clothing, fabric, photographs, and other items that hold sentimental value.

I want to make a memory quilt from the deceased’s clothing. Where can I find memory quilt patterns for this?

One of the first places you can visit for help with finding patterns is your local craft store. Simply let a member of their team know you’re interested in making a memory quilt with pictures, clothing, or other elements and they can likely help you find patterns to get you started.

Another place you can look for patterns for quilted memories is online. Stores such as Fat Quarter Shop, Keepsake Quilting, and Annie’s offer patterns online that you can use when memory quilting.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Creating a memory quilt can be a meaningful way to honor the memory of a loved one. Here are 12 ideas to inspire you:

1. T-shirt memory quilt: Collect and use t-shirts that belonged to your loved one to create a cozy quilt that showcases their interests, hobbies, or favorite memories.
2. Photo memory quilts: Incorporate photographs of your loved one onto fabric squares and arrange them in a collage pattern to create a visual representation of cherished moments.
3. Patchwork quilt: Use clothing items or fabrics that hold sentimental value, such as a favorite shirt or a special blanket, and piece them together in a patchwork style.
4. Handwritten notes quilt: Transcribe heartfelt messages, letters, or notes written by your loved one onto fabric squares and sew them together for a touching tribute.
5. Appliqué quilt: Use fabric or iron-on transfers to create appliqué designs representing significant memories or hobbies shared with your loved one.
6. Memory square quilt: Cut fabric squares and attach personal mementos such as buttons, jewelry, or small keepsakes onto each square, symbolizing cherished memories.
7. Embroidered quilt: Add delicate embroidery to the quilt, stitching names, dates, quotes, or meaningful symbols that hold significance to your loved one.
8. Signature quilt: Ask friends, family, and acquaintances to sign fabric squares with personal messages or memories of your loved one, creating a quilt filled with love and support.
9. Memory pillow quilt: Combine fabric squares with small memory pillows, each containing a personal item, such as a watch, a piece of jewelry, or a handwritten note.
10. Story quilt: Create a narrative quilt that tells the story of your loved one's life, incorporating fabric illustrations, embroidered text, and key moments depicted in various squares.
11. Family tree quilt: Design a quilt that represents your family tree, using fabric squares to symbolize each family member, with photographs or embroidery to represent your loved one.
12. Quilted wall hanging: Instead of a traditional quilt, consider creating a smaller wall hanging using fabric squares, photos, and other meaningful elements to commemorate your loved one's life.

Remember to personalize each idea according to your loved one's interests and personality and the memories you want to cherish. It's a creative and heartfelt process that can help you honor their memory in a special way.

If you’re feeling at all overwhelmed or would like some guidance or assistance, there are several resources available to help you along the way. Here are a few options:

• Local quilting guilds or clubs: Check if there are any quilting guilds or clubs in your area. These groups often have experienced quilters who are willing to offer advice, support, and even hands-on assistance to beginners. They may also organize workshops or classes specifically for making memory quilts.
• Quilting classes and workshops: Look for local quilting classes or workshops offered at community centers, craft stores, or sewing studios. These classes can provide step-by-step instruction, guidance, and a supportive learning environment.
• Online quilting communities and forums: Join online quilting communities and forums where you can connect with experienced quilters and seek advice. Platforms like quiltingBoard.com and ThequiltingForum.com are great places to ask questions, share your progress, and receive helpful tips from seasoned quilters.
• YouTube tutorials: YouTube is an excellent resource for visual learners. Search for memory quilt tutorials or specific quilting techniques to find step-by-step videos that guide you through the process. Watching someone demonstrate the techniques can be immensely helpful.
• Quilting books and websites: Explore quilting books and websites dedicated to memory quilts and beginner-friendly quilting projects. Books like "Creating Your Perfect Quilting Space" by Lois L. Hallock or "Memory quilts in the Making" by Rhonda Richards can provide detailed instructions, memory quilt patterns, and inspiration.
• Local sewing or fabric stores: Visit your local sewing or fabric stores and inquire if they offer classes, workshops, or have knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance for making memory quilts. They may also have books, patterns, or quilting supplies specifically for memory quilts.
• Professional quilters: If you prefer a more hands-on approach or want someone to create the quilt for you, consider hiring a professional quilter who specializes in memory quilts. They can guide you through the process, help you design the quilt, or even create it based on your specifications.

Remember, making a memory quilt is a personal and heartfelt endeavor, and there are resources available to support you at every step. Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance, guidance, or inspiration from the quilting community or professionals who can help bring your vision to life. If making a memory quilt turns out to be too much, don’t worry! You can purchase memory quilts online through sites like Etsy.

Step by step guide on how to make a memory quilt

If you’ve never quilted, the process can actually be quite complex and require a lot of materials. This of course does not mean that you won’t be able to make a memorial quilt if you’ve never done so, but it can help to watch a few guides before jumping right into it if it’s your first time.

If you’re new to quilting, here’s a brief overview of what to expect:

Learn to make a Memory quilt With Jenny by Missouri Star

Once you’re ready to get started, here’s a step by step guide on how to make a memorial quilt:

Step 1: Gather Materials

T-shirts, clothing items, or fabric pieces with sentimental value. Scissors Fabric for backing and borders. Batting (the middle layer of the quilt for added thickness and warmth). Sewing machine or needle and thread. Pins or clips. Embroidery thread, if desired. Photos, buttons, mementos, or any other items you want to incorporate.

Step 2: Prepare the Clothing/Fabric

Wash and iron the clothing or fabric pieces to ensure they are clean and wrinkle-free. Cut out the desired sections of the clothing or fabric that you want to include in your quilt. You can use the front, back, or any specific design elements.

Step 3: Create a Design/Layout

Lay out your fabric pieces on a flat surface to plan the design of your quilt. Experiment with different arrangements until you're satisfied with the overall look. Consider the size and shape of each fabric piece, as well as any additional elements you want to incorporate (photos, mementos, etc.).

Step 4: Cut and Arrange

Cut the fabric pieces into uniform shapes (such as squares or rectangles) to create a cohesive quilt design. Arrange the fabric pieces according to your planned layout. Pin the pieces into place to keep them organized as you quilt. If desired, incorporate additional elements like photos or mementos. Attach them securely to the fabric pieces using pins, clips, or temporary adhesive.

Step 5: Sew the Quilt Top

Once you're satisfied with the arrangement, start sewing the fabric pieces together. Place two pieces right sides together and sew along one edge using a ¼-inch seam allowance. Repeat this process until all fabric pieces are sewn together, forming rows. Sew the rows together to complete the quilt top. Press the seams flat with an iron.

Step 6: Prepare the Quilt Sandwich

Lay the backing fabric on a large, flat surface (face down). Place the batting on top of the backing fabric, smoothing out any wrinkles. Finally, place the quilt top on the batting, right side up, aligning the edges.

Step 7: Baste the Layers

Pin or thread baste the layers together to secure them in place. Start from the center and work your way out, spacing the pins or stitches every few inches.

Step 8: Quilt

Quilt the layers together to add stability and decorative stitching. You can quilt by hand or use a sewing machine. Choose a quilting pattern that complements your design, such as straight lines, free-motion quilting, or stitching around the edges of each fabric piece.

Step 9: Trim Excess Fabric

Once you have finished quilting, trim the excess fabric, batting, and backing so that they are all the same size.

Step 10: Add Borders (optional)

If you want to add a border to your quilt, cut fabric strips to the desired width and sew them around the edges of the quilt.

Step 11: Finish the Edges

Create a binding by cutting fabric strips, folding them in half lengthwise, and sewing them around the edges of the quilt. Alternatively, you can use a binding tape or bias binding.

Step 12: Add Final Touches

If desired, add any final touches such as embroidery, additional photos, or mementos.

Step 13: Complete the Quilt

Trim any loose threads and give the quilt a final press.

Remember, this process can be adjusted and customized according to your preferences and the specific materials you have.

Creating a memorial quilt is just one of the many ways you can honor the life and legacy of someone who has passed away. One way to memorialize someone who has passed is through a memorial website. Memorial websites on Ever Loved are simple, easy to use, free, and allow you to collect photos, donations, memories, and share event information with your friends and family.

Create a memorial website