Here in the Pacific Northwest, it seems like the grass is always wet. Even in the middle of summer with no rain in weeks, I never feel safe sitting on the grass for more than a few minutes for fear my behind will be wet when I stand up. Ever since I moved here I've been wanting to make a denim picnic quilt--one that would be sturdy and comfortable for picnics, fireworks, etc.--that could also keep me dry. I found a great idea for a snap-on bottom to use when the grass is wet, but that can be removed when you wash your quilt.
I found this great vinyl tablecloth in just the right size (60" x 84") for $5 at WalMart. I've been collecting denim since last summer, and I think I'm about ready to start my quilt.
Anyone want to join me? I thought I'd give you a heads up in case you're interested in completing this project before picnic weather. So if you want to make it along with me, start collecting old denim jeans and find a vinyl tablecloth! I can't say exactly how many pairs of jeans you'll need, because it will depend on the size of quilt you'd like to make. Just get as many as you can. Go through your family's closets for jeans that are too small or too big, have holes, or are hopelessly out of style, ask friends and family for cast offs, and check your local thrift store. I'll give you a couple of weeks, then I'll start posting how to make this cool quilt. Who's with me?
Here are the supplies you'll need:
*8-12 pair denim jeans--enough to cover whatever size tablecloth you're using
*Vinyl tablecloth in whatever size you want your final quilt to be
*Rotary cutter and mat, long quilting ruler (mine's 24" x 6")
*Gold jeans thread and sewing machine (make sure you have a "denim" needle)
*Fabric for binding--I'm using about 3/4 yard flannel, but your amount will depend on the size of your quilt and the width of binding you use
*14 heavy duty snap fasteners (mine are 5/8", but any size would work) and the setting tool
*Enough 1.5" wide twill tape to go around the edge of your vinyl tablecloth
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70 Responses to “making a denim picnic quilt -- wanna join us?”
But would a project like this be appropriate for a beginner... or would you already have to have quilting basics down pat? I've never done a quilt before, but I have many pairs of jeans I'd love to put to use!
Christine
I am a very bad "whatever-along" partner!!! But will love to see your quil and maybe I'll join it anytime in the middle, lol...
I have four boys and two walmart bags FULL of jeans with holes in the knees waiting for a purpose! Count me in!! I can't wait!!
have never made a quilt, but I would love to join! It would be perfect for using at the daycare where I work for story time when the littles don't want to sit in the grass cause it's "prickly".
I'm in too! I have a growing 14 year old and my brotherinlaw and sisterinlaw are huge "festival" goers.....they'd LOVE this as a gift!
Dang! I just gave away 3 sacks of denim to another quilter friend........ ok, time to hit the thrift stores again........ I love the idea of the vinal on the bottom; I'm in!
I'm game! I just got a bunch of Jeans from my boy, never thought about putting a bottom on it! now it's multifuction!!
I have been collecting my old jeans for such a project - what a great idea - I never thought about backing a quilt with a tablecloth... I'm with you!
This sounds fun! But I am with Christine...would this be an appropriate project for a beginner??? If not maybe I can enlist some help from a friend of mine who sews :)
I just cut up about 12 pairs of jeans last week. I have been wondering what to do with them. I just might have to join you.
I've been collecting denim forever but still haven't turned it into a quilt so your post has got my interest! When do we start?
this is a great idea! i will definitely be following along:)
My husband is constantly putting holes in jeans, This sounds like fun!
I'm with Christine, I have quilted before but I would consider myself a beginner. Would this be a good choice for me?
I have never made a quilt before... It sounds like fun. I think. lol Its a great idea for sure. I think having something like this in the car would be FANTASTIC.
My husband has wanted me to make one for about 3 years. This might be a good time to start. Please post directions. I'd love to follow along.
I made a quilt like this about 5 years ago. I had saved all the jeans that my son had put holes in and made a "kindergaten and first grade pants quilt". He loves it! I backed it with red flannel. It is by far the warmest blanket in the house.
I definitely want to make one!
I can't wait to see what you come up with, I made a couple jean quilts already (ragged kind), but never seen one done with a table cloth too, I just might have to make another one; I do have a whole box full... Can't wait.
I like this idea. I'm in.
I've been waiting for something to inspire me - I'm totally in. Got the jeans, just need the tablecloth.
I have been wanting to make the exact same thing but didn't want to use expensive PUL to line it - I'm so in on this!!
Oh yay! I have been gathering jeans for YEARS to make one, I am in! Thanks for the motivation!
Oh, hooray! I haven't been able to bear throwing out my family's jeans when the get holy. I just knew the perfect project would come along. No more wet bottom...
I am in... I have tons around my house all in boxes that my husband would be glad that I have a reason to use them... I am ready to start when you are!
I wanna play too!
...but...
...along with the other commentators, I'm a newb. And I don't have a machine.
I do have a box full of denim that I have been saving for denim quilt though, and I have lots of enthusiasm and really really really want a denim quilt...
...so can the newbs play too?
I would love to try this! Count me in... I have never quilted, but this sounds like a great starting point. (I hope!)
I would love to join you! I started one years ago, but never finished it because I didn't quite know how to put it all together. Can't wait to see your ideas!
Great idea! Even if you don't need it for picnics in the park it would be great to keep in the car for just in case moments. I may not have the jeans to make it but I would love to see your progress. :)
I love this idea! And, since we're head that way for summer vacation this year, it'll be perfect. Definitely count me in.
I was just going through old clothes today to donate..I'll save the jeans now..this sounds great as we just had a picnic today and a heavier blanket would have been perfect. I'm in !
Angelique
I'd love to join along..I've got a few pairs in the garage..I'll just collect some more..can't wait for more details..
I've been wanting to do this for a couple years now and have been saving all our old jeans. I'm just not sure where to start. I'll be so glad to join in the fun!
I've been saving jeans for...??? I've never done a quilt either, but love this idea! I'll give it a whirl...
Julie
Another NWer here and this sounds like a great idea, I'm in. Looking forward to your instructions.
I'm in!
One very bad quilt is all I ahev made, but as a follower of your blog I am IN!!!!
Me Me ME!! I have three quilts that I have been wanting to make. One with my Hubbys old baseball shirts (get them out of the closet)
One with my kids old clothes (that I am too sentimental to give away)
And a denim quilt because I LOVE THEM!!
Im in! I just made 4 flannel rag quilts for my 4 kids for Christmas-I'm thinking this denim would make a cool rag quilt too-I can't wait to see your ideas! I'm starting my collecting!
Sounds like fun! Will keep my eyes peeled as I do hubby's laundry for "fabric." I am sure he could part with a few jeans.
I am ready to go! Got the jeans and the vinyl tablecloth. Do you have your own method or are we just cutting and piecing? I haven't seen a pattern with vinyl before, very smart!
I am less than a beginner and I simply love your blog. I might try making one, if it is simple! will closely follow your posting anyways.
I just ruined a fairly new pair of jeans by splashing them with bleach, and I was trying to think of something to do with them. This is great idea, and something I could use with my kids! Thanks for this idea. Do you use all of the blue jeans, or just parts? I can't wait to see how this comes together.
I would love to make this quilt...what a great idea for picnics before the summer symphony conerts. Knew I was saving jeans for some reason!
I've been saving our "wholey" jeans for sometime now and have a vinyl tablecloth just waiting for a purpose! count me in!
I would love to finally use the stash of old jeans i have saved for years - please count me in. I would also consider myself a beginner, i hope this isn't a problem.
What a perfect idea, esp. with the vinyl! I just removed many pairs of too small jeans from my kids' rooms, so I'm in! Can't wait!
I would love to make one with you. When do we start?
I would love to join in. I have a whole tote bucket of boys jeans with holes not to mention the twenty-something pairs my husband refuses to get rid of because they don't fit! I bet he won't even know they are gone.
I have been wanting to make one of these and have saved the jeans! I can't wait!
awesome count me in too.... I have TONS of jeans that don't fit me!!
pick me pick me!!!! That sounds fabulous ... I am going to start collecting!!
I'm in! Already have a stash of jeans and everything!
I'm in as well! Can't wait. I've had a basket of jeans sitting for almost a year waiting for me to make a quilt out of..I like the vinyl side idea!
I'm in, I'm in!! Can't wait!
I don't think I'll be able to do it this time, but I will definitely file it away for the future. I'd love to hear how well the vinyl tablecloth works.
I started cutting squares out of our jeans a couple years ago. Did I finish? NO! I want to make a family jean quilt. I'll be very excited to see what you make with yours and maybe I will get back to it with mine. :)
I love making quilts out of old jeans & never thought to use a vinyl tablecloth. I would love to see it & try it myself.
I have been wanting to try my hand at quilting and if this is an easy one to start with I am game! I will keep an eye on your blog for further instructions.
Thank you for the invitation!
Sarita
Sounds great! I like your idea with the tablecloth, I am ready to learn! I have jeans stacked up from wanting to this for the past 2 years! I also plan on making a memory jean quilt for my mom with all her grandchildren's outgrown jeans as patches and using printable fabric to put their pictures on a patch.
I'm in too! I have been collecting my old jeans for such a project When do we start?
Sherri
sounds great! i'm in!
What a great idea!! You have so many cute things on this blog. I'm gonna have to thank my friend for sending me to it. I am definitely going to be a loyal follower of your blog!
I'm thrilled to have found your blog! I have been hoarding old jeans for years with the plan of making one of these- I love the vinyl idea too. I'm in.
I would love to make a quilt with you! I actually found the same vinyl tablecloth in WalMart and have plenty of jeans...so I'm ready to go!
I have a jean quilt! It did give me something to do with all those outworn jeans! I've had it for years and absolutely LOVE it! I figured out the biggest size blocks I could get out of them and made a template and cut this out of as many pairs as I could. Then I made blocks that were smaller in increments of 2 inches and kept cutting until I was down to 2 inch squares. I love all the different size patches! Fun fun fun
Can't wait to start . . . the denim is piling up! Ha!
I can't wait!!!
I will have to pick me up a vinyl table cloth.
I think I have enought denim for this project.
Love it! I'm in.
Just got done cutting up denim I got for free. Can't wait to start!
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