Hi Casa,
I have this awesome idea to make a quilt out of sari fabric. I found a couple listings on eBay for lots of sari fabric. Problem is, I don't know how to make a quilt. Do you have any suggestions for websites or books I may be able to use to help me?

Thanks!
Valova82

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Hi Valova82,

Quilting isn't as hard as you might think, especially if you're sewing on a machine. I made my first quilt when I was 17, using velvet block patches and a sewing machine, and finished it fairly quickly. It's pretty addictive, actually, to be able to make such an impressive and large object, especially if you're making it as a gift, so be prepared to possibly give in to the desire to keep making quilts for years to come!

For a beginner quilt, you can get away with a minimum of materials. You'll need saris for the top, cotton batting for the interior, and more saris for the backside of the quilt, or, for an easier option, a pretty sheet. Instead of stitching through the layers, you can tie embroidery thread or yarn through the layers at evenly spaced intervals. However, this is just one method. There are many more!

I love the idea of upcycling saris into a new quilt. Since you're working with such large pieces of fabric, you have the option of creating a larger patterned quilt, like this silk scarf quilt. This might be the easiest place to start for you, as a newbie quilter, since the bigger pieces will cut down on your work time, and also be easier to work with.

A good place to start reading about quilting is at Quilting 101. It'll give you a good background for your project. Quilter Denyse Schmidt's Quilt-It Kit is also a good resource. You can find some free beginning patterns here.

Good luck on your first quilting project!

Casa

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