If you use your favorite search engine for free denim quilt patterns, you will likely uncover reference to a rag quilt. Rag quilts are sewn with the seams on the top of the quilt. Snipping the quilt seams, then washing and drying the quilt give the desired ragging appearance. Most people consider it a "shabby chic" style.
Rag quilts are very popular and denim's natural fray would be an added accent to your denim rag quilt. If you are looking for free denim quilt patterns, there's good news. You can use any quilt pattern to create your denim quilt. While you will find many free quilt patterns online or at your local library, there are few quilts designed specifically for denim. Denim is a fabric like any other. So, you may use it in any quilt you feel like trying! If you plan to use denim in your quilt patterns, there are a couple of things you will need to keep in mind.
First, will your quilting project be made entirely of denim or will denim be a featured piece in your quilt pattern? Second, will you be using light or dark colored denim? Denim fabric comes in more colors, not just light and dark. There's stonewashed denim for an extra worn look, and even colored denims. You will need to consider the weight and colors of your denims as you create your denim quilt. Patterns may not have instructions for denim use so you will have to rely on your judgement.
If your quilt is to be solely of denim, perhaps a nine-patch style, you will need to make sure to use denims of the same weight range. Interspersing a heavy weight denim with a light weight one without putting some planning into it, could leave you with an awkward quilt. You wouldn't want too many heavy denim quilt pieces on one side or the quilt's final weight would be awkward.
Likewise, if you are planning to use denim as an accent fabric in your quilt, keep the weight of the other fabrics in mind, too. Mismatched fabric weights can ruin your quilt. As important as the weight of your denim pieces, the color of your denim fabric is also important. if you are appliqueing an "Overall Sam" onto a quilt that uses mostly cotton fabrics that portray an old, worn look, crisp dark denim overalls would look out of place. Weight of the denim in the same example would also be an important consideration. If you are recycling your old jeans for your quilting project, maybe there are extra ways you can be creative.
Depending on the quilt you are creating, maybe you could cut away the back pocket of your jeans to appliqué onto your new quilt. If you happen to be making a throw, the pocket could become a handy remote control storage stitched right onto the throw! Maybe you could even recycle the belt loops. Sew them around the top and bottom border of your denim quilt and run a ribbon "belt" through them as an added decorative touch.
Applique quilts are a great way to use old jeans. Your old comfy jeans will transfer nicely to create a brand new comfy quilt for yourself or someone else. Have fun with your denim quilt project, whether you are starting with brand new pieces of denim fabric or simply finding a way to use your old jeans!.
Penny Halgren http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com Penny,a quilter for more than 27 years, enjoys exploring all aspects of quilting sharing her knowledge with all quilters.For a variety of resources for quilters of all levels, check out http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
