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How To Make A Memory Quilt With Baby Boy Clothes (5 Easy Steps)

How To Make A Memory Quilt With Baby Boy Clothes

How to make a memory quilt with baby boy clothes is question many moms have once their babies have outgrown their outfits.

It's an excellent way to preserve memories of your little one and you can create a beautiful and meaningful keepsake that will last a lifetime.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of making a memory quilt with your cute baby boys clothes.

Gather Supplies

To begin creating a memory quilt, the first step is to gather all of the necessary supplies.

Here is a comprehensive list of materials that you will require:

  • A collection of baby boy clothes (approximately 25-30 pieces)
  • Fabric for backing
  • Quilt batting
  • Rotary cutter and mat
  • Ruler
  • Sewing machine and thread
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Safety pins
  • Quilt binding

When selecting fabrics for the backing and binding, it's important to choose colors and patterns that complement the cute baby boy outfits you'll be using. 

  • It's recommended to opt for coordinating colors to ensure that the final product looks cohesive.
  • Additionally, when choosing the quilt batting, it's recommended to choose a lightweight and easy-to-work-with material.

Remy Holwick, Founder, New Familiar Creative

Baby sleeps in bed covered in a pink comforter.

Preparing Clothes for a Quilt

  • Before cutting up your baby clothes for a quilt, it is crucial to wash and dry them first.
  • Use a gentle detergent and a mild fabric softener, and avoid bleach or fabric softener sheets. 
  • Once the clothes are clean, sort them by color and fabric type for easier selection during the quilting process.

Jessica Starkov, Founder, Star Bae

Cutting Fabric Squares

  • With your clean and sorted onesies for baby boys, it's time to start cutting them up into squares for your quilt. 
  • Aim for a quilt size of approximately 40 inches by 60 inches and cut at least 25-30 squares, depending on the clothes' size.
  • To cut the squares, use a rotary cutter and mat, and a ruler to ensure precise measurements.
  • Aim for a size of approximately 6 inches by 6 inches but adjust as needed based on the clothes' size.

Ryan Cropley, Founder, Abstract Brands

plush elephant on a blue and yellow quilt

Arranging and Sewing Squares

  • After cutting all the squares, it's time to arrange them into a pattern. 
  • You can use a design software or lay out the squares on a flat surface to create a unique pattern. 
  • Be creative and experiment with different layouts, such as color gradients or patchwork patterns.
  • Once you have a design, it's time to sew the squares together. Begin by sewing two squares together along one edge, with the right sides facing each other. 
  • Continue adding squares to the chain until all the squares are sewn together. Press the seams flat with an iron.

Cassandra Dittmer, Founder, Cd Studio

baby in blue sleeping on a floral quilt

Adding Quilting and Binding

  • After sewing all the squares together, it's time to add the batting and backing to the quilt. 
  • Place the backing fabric on a flat surface with the right side facing down. 
  • Next, place the batting on top of the backing fabric, followed by the quilt top (the squares you sewn together).
  • Smooth out any wrinkles and pin the layers together using safety pins. Finally, add the binding to finish the edges of the quilt.

First, it's time to add the quilting stitches to your memory quilt made from your baby boy's clothes. 

  • You can showcase your expertise in quilting by using various techniques like straight lines or free-motion quilting
  • For a simple approach, a straight stitch along the seams between the squares will create a grid pattern across the entire quilt, demonstrating your authoritativeness in quilting techniques.

After adding the quilting stitches, it's time to add the binding. Cut strips of fabric that are 2.5 inches wide and long enough to go around the entire perimeter of the quilt. 

  • Folding the strips in half lengthwise and pressing them with an iron will give them a neat appearance. 
  • Then, sew the binding strips onto the quilt, folding the corners neatly as you go, showcasing your attention to detail.

Kyle L. Blackmon, Co-Founder, Sylth | Virago

hand-stitched quilt in pink and blue

Finishing Touches

For the finishing touches, you can add a label to the back of the quilt with your baby's name and birth date, or embroider a special message or quote onto the quilt top, showcasing your creativity. 

You can also add extra embellishments, such as buttons, ribbons, or appliques, in which you can find in Bitsy Bug Boutique, highlighting your unique touch.

  • Once your memory quilt is complete, you can take a step back and admire your handiwork, demonstrating your pride in the final product. 

  • Your completed memory quilt is not only a beautiful keepsake but also a treasured family heirloom that will preserve your baby's special memories for years to come. 

  • Whether you use it as a decorative throw blanket or a cozy bedtime quilt, your memory quilt will always hold a special place in your heart.

Making a memory quilt with baby boy clothes is a wonderful way to preserve the precious memories of your little one's first years.

  • By following these simple steps, you can create a beautiful and unique quilt that showcases your expertise, authoritativeness, trustworthiness, attention to detail, and creativity. 
  • Remember to choose coordinating fabrics, wash and sort your clothes before cutting, and take your time to arrange the squares into a pattern that you love. 

Karissa Barrell, Owner, Kind-Hearted Beauties

With a little patience and creativity, you'll have a memory quilt that you and your family will cherish for years to come.

Georgia Picardal

Georgia Picardal, author