Use a Vintage Tablecloth for a Quilt Backing
I am frugal and I rarely buy fabric. I collect vintage, mid-century tablecloths and they have stacked up. A few years ago, I was at a loss for a quick backing, so I thought ‘why not use one of these tablecloths”? I did and it’s now my favorite backing! Last week in that, IT’S AFTER CHRISTMAS AND I GOTTA ORGANIZE SOMETHING mood, I started in on my vintage tablecloths to put some order to the mess. When I saw these beautiful colors, I HAD to create a top to go with it, of course! I set out to quickly cut some appropriate blocks from my stash and thought I’d whip up a simple 4 patch quilt. Well, the top grew, then I had to add borders to the tablecloth, then border the top. Each kept growing and finally I was ready to quilt the whole thing.
I sure didn’t mean for this to be a week long project, but it quickly “asked” for more! I never know what a quilt will be until it goes on the longarm frame. They start talking back once they arrive!
I further complicated my quilting life by adding this flange. Super cute I thought when I was sewing, but a bit of a pain in the you-know-what once I started quilting! This required lots of ditch stitching and ruler work. Thankful for my favorite 9″ Slim Ruler to make this job enjoyable! Honestly, I do love ruler work.
This quilt is a mix and match of a computer digitized motif and free motion quilting. The white blocks are done with the Handi Quilter Pro-Stitcher computer. The 4 patch blocks and outer borders were done with rulers and free motion quilting.
I love this double sided curvy ruler by Jane Hauprich. You can order it on her website.
A quilted top begins to take on a personality, if you can call it that, very quickly. At the end of a day I stand back and take it all in. Something about that texture is just exciting to me!
Probably the best part of the adventure is the end! I flip it over my back rail to get a good look at my stitching. I’ve learned over time to take a moment and study it all. There is nothing worse than taking a whole quilt off the frame and then realizing you missed a spot and have to put it back on, UGGGHHHH!!! Isn’t she a beauty!!!
Much better to see in natural light! I always take my photos in front of my front door, snapping the photo TOWARD the light. You get incredible shadowing over your quilt this way and don’t we want to show that off?!!
Details on this quilt…….55″ square, Hobbs 80/20 batting, and Glide thread. I quilt on a Handi Quilter Forte with Pro-Stitcher, new to me this year. Before that, I quilted on a Handi Quilter Fusion. I love this new machine with all it’s bells and whistles! The digitized design is called Serenity, by Christy Dillon, My Creative Stitches is her website.
The question I keep getting most on my Facebook page page is, “how did you center the back to the front?” The real answer is, I don’t know!! Really, I did a quick eye ball and then winged it! I know, not very helpful, but I figured it would end up as a kids’ quilt and they really aren’t too picky. Where WILL this go, you ask? I’ve added it to my trunk show collection for a great, ‘use a tablecloth’ example. I hope you’ve enjoyed this quilt as much as I have! Enjoy your day folks!
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Eileen Bayda
January 9, 2019
You give me inspiration to tackle the cedar chest that is about 3/4 full of vintage linens! Most are from my family as they passed on but some are purchased. This piece is beautiful. Thanks for letting us see the process and the finished product.
Kelly
January 9, 2019
Awesome Eileen! Do it! Imagine how many linens in the world are in the same boat! Or cedar chest as it may be. 😉
Rhinda Dort
January 9, 2019
I love this! You’ve given me some crazy ideas about some of my vintage tablecloths!! Thank you…I think… 🤣
Kelly
January 9, 2019
Thanks Rhonda! Giving you an idea is a big deal!! 😉
Tami Von Zalez
January 9, 2019
I too try to be frugal with fabric using thrifted remnants. Love what you did with the vintage linens. The quilting is the bomb!
Kelly
January 9, 2019
Thanks Tami, I love it too!!
Nancy Morneault
January 9, 2019
You sure make it look easy! So cool!
Kelly
January 10, 2019
Aww,thanks Nancy! It really is, just a process and one thing at a time!
Kathy in WV
January 9, 2019
“She” is INDEED a beauty….I love it when quilts are reversible. The 4-patch colors are a perfect foil for the tablecloth. Well done!
Kelly
January 10, 2019
Thanks Kathy, yes, this turned out better than expected and a double treat!
Patricia J Williams
January 9, 2019
This Quilt is truly gorgeous in every way!
Kelly
January 10, 2019
Thanks Patricia!
Lesley
January 10, 2019
That’s more than a ‘back’, it truly is reversible, I can’t decide between the two, both great, will be on the look out for those vintage table clothes.
Kelly
January 10, 2019
Thanks Lesley! I can’t decide which is best either!
Gail Thompson
January 15, 2019
Another beautiful piece of work Kelly. 🙂 I wanted to say I got your ball point needles and am impressed with them. I’ll be spreading the word to my quilting friends. Thank you.
Julie
January 25, 2019
Hi Kelly, What a wonderful job you did. Love the whole process. I would have thought you would have even considered a curved edging to finish it all off! Truly wonderful achievement for an expert!
Kelly
January 25, 2019
Thanks Julie!