Jean Quilt
There are several jean quilt patterns out there (google "denim jean quilts", you'll find them) and this is my version. It was made at Greg's request and he wanted all parts of a pair of jeans included: the back pockets, the front pockets, the fly, the side seams... So here's how I made it with the tips I learned along the way.
***Tip*** You are going to need more jeans than you think. I used parts of seventeen pairs of jeans for this quilt. Most of the useable denim is in the thigh and calf area. Try to avoid the knee part because it is the most worn and stretched, it won't lie flat in your quilt.
1. Determine what size finished quilt you want. The above quilt measures about 60"x 84". I cut 7" squares out of the jeans and used a 1/2" seam, making the finished showing blocks 6". You can use smaller squares but it may be trickier to include back pockets because most are 5 to 6 inches high. This quilt is 10 x 14 squares.
***Tip*** If you want a "fly", use a kid's pair of jeans (I used boys size 5). Most adult jeans will be too large for a 5-7" square. To get the top 1/2" seam, stitch a 3/4" scrap of like colored fabric (more denim would be too thick) to the very top of the square (remember to cut the bottom 1/2" shorter). When you stitch this square into the actual quilt, use the extra fabric for the seam allowance, sewing as closely as possible to the denim so the fabric won't show in the finished product.
2. Lay out your squares to determine what your finished quilt will look like. I like to mix up the dark and light colors with lots of medium shades inbetween. It's also easier to sew the quilt if you avoid placing "special" squares (pockets, etc) directly next to each other. On the same note, I didn't put any "special" squares on the outside rows either to avoid issues with a smooth binding. As seen in the picture, I used post-it notes to remind me which row was which.
3. Start by sewing the rows from left to right, making sure you have all the pockets and "special" squares facing the same direction (unless that you plan it otherwise). Use a jean or thick material needle and I found regular thread still works well. Once you have the rows together, start sewing them together. I sewed 3 to 4 rows together and then started another set of 3 to 4. It's easier on you and the machine if you can avoid having too much material at one time. Eventually you'll have to sew all the sets together but it's better to do one pass to make 4 and 4 eight, instead of dealing with 6 then 7 then 8 rows (and so forth) at one time.
***Tip*** Since this isn't a regular quilt, it's not as easy to press the seams like you normally would. I caught all the seams in the same direction as I sewed on additional rows and called it good.
4. This quilt definitely does not need batting as the denim makes it a very heavy quilt on its own. I used flannel but any light weight material would work well. If you do want it thicker, use fleece. Make sure you preshrink (wash and dry) the backing first, especially flannel since it often shrinks a noticeable amount. With a large quilt, you'll probably have to sew lengths of fabric together to make it wide enough, remember to match any patterns if necessary. While it may be possible to machine quilt the layers, I personally couldn't do it. Besides a jean quilt is a bit rustic in the first place, I think hand tying it is best (I used a thick crochet thread). Basting spray is a huge help here and I put the knots in each corner of the squares with the "tails" to the flannel side. Then just trim up your edges and sew on a coordinating bias tape binding to finish.
Read my blog post about this quilt
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