Memory quilts are a wonderful way to preserve your most treasured memories in a beautiful, usable work of art. Memory quilts are made by incorporating cherished fabrics or clothing in a way that can be used for many years to come. People appreciate receiving a quilting craft made from fabric that holds sentimental value. We compiled the most heartwarming patterns to make in your weekend quilting project!
Free Memory Quilt Patterns – Top Picks
1. T-shirt Memory Quilt
Don’t know what to do with your old T-shirts? Well, why don’t you turn them into T-shirt blanket quilts? These memory quilts from clothing are easy to make, which makes them perfect for beginner quilters. The combination of shirt fabrics highlights an artistic and unique quilt. Not to mention that they have carried unforgettable memories for you. You will only need your old T-shirts and your choice of fabric for sashing that will serve as the base for the quilt. Aside from a blanket quilt, you can have five different sizing options you can choose from in making memory quilts made from t-shirts :
- 12 shirts will make a throw-size quilt, approx. 48″ x 64″ – 3 across x 4 down
- 20 shirts will make a twin-size quilt, approx. 64″ x 82″ – 4 across x 5 down
- 30 shirts will make a full-size quilt, approx. 82″ x 96″ – 5 across x 6 down
- 36 shirts will make a queen-size quilt, approx. 96″ x 96″ – 6 across x 6 down
- 42 shirts will make a king-size quilt, approx 110″ x 96″ – 7 across x 6 down.
2. Neck Tie Memory Quilt
Learn to be creative with your old ties by replicating this quilt pattern! They can easily be reused into a distinctive and quirky memory quilt. Quilters of all levels will find themselves enjoying recreating this quilt pattern. It is originally designed by Jenny Doan. Jenny outlined the step-by-step process in a video tutorial.
3. Baby Clothes Memory Quilt
Don’t throw away your little baby’s outgrown clothes. Instead, be creative and reuse them as a memory baby quilt! This beginner-friendly memory quilt from baby clothes idea is designed by Olena serves as a walk-down-the-memory lane quilt as it will exhibit the various stages of your baby’s growth. It is adorable and tear-jerking to be reminded of your child’s precious baby memories. When your child grows up, they will thank you for keeping their baby memories with a quilt!
4. Men’s Handkerchief Quilt
A handkerchief is a sentimental but sometimes overlooked item of clothing. It's used to wipe away your hard work’s sweat and painful or joyful tears. This charming handkerchief quilt designed by Claudia Porter will remind you of your father. Artistically sewing these handkerchiefs evokes various emotions. Memories of your father are bundled up in this simple yet discerning quilt. Quilters of all levels will surely appreciate recreating this quilt. The finished size measures 28 inches x 28 inches.
5. Graduation Memory Quilt
Feel free to reminisce about all your late study nights and fun school memories! Use your uniform, certificates, classroom pictorials or certificates that remind you of your school memory. You can print your chosen photos and certificates on printer fabric sheets. Then start assembling them all together to create your very own keepsake quilt! It is straightforward that is perfect for beginners and expert quilters alike.
6. Signature Memory Quilt
This special quilt can be used as a graduation gift, a wedding gift, a birthday gift, an anniversary gift, etc. It highlights the pattern of stars where anyone can write their heartfelt message. The unique messages make it even more sweet and endearing.
Printable Memory Quilt Patterns To Download From Online Shops (Paid)
1. Making Memories Quilt
Do you already miss the magical sensations the Christmas holidays bring? This quilt from Annie’s craft store will plunge you into the breathtaking magic of Christmas. The red and green colors made it even more festive. It can be used as a table topper. You may use this as an annual table decoration during the holiday season! The finished size measures 36 inches x 36 inches.
2. Necktie Memory Pillow Cover
Unleash your artistic self with this eccentric quilt by Heather Butler! Reusing old neckties from your loved ones can easily piece a charming pattern resembling a flower. It is another way to commemorate your dad, uncle, brother or husband. If you are a beginner quilter, this is perfect for you. It is suited for quilters of all skill levels. The finished size measures 18 inches x 18 inches.
3. Labrador Memorial Quilt
A man’s most loyal best friend imprints a special memory on anyone’s heart. For thousands of years, dogs have been our best pals. This heartwarming quilt by Janelle Lombard will always remind you of your unconditional love for your dogs, whether they are alive or not. Dogs will always have a special place in our hearts, and duplicating this beginner-friendly quilt pattern will always honor their life and memories. The finished size measures 54 inches x 54 inches.
Memory Quilt Ideas from ILQF Facebook Group Members
1. Equine Show Ribbon Quilt by Susan Dano Torisky
“This quilt is an Equine Show Ribbon Quilt I made for my niece, Jordan, when she turned sweet 16. The finished size is 45” X 84”. She has been competing in barrel racing and pole bending for 12 years now and she’s only 22. She had seen a quilt made out of show ribbons and asked if I could make one with her ribbons. She showed me a design she liked. My biggest challenge was finding how to sew show ribbons together while keeping the place #, date and location of the show visible. My second challenge was how I was going to place the ribbons. The quilt she showed me had a French Braid pattern. I decided to sew them in order by placement #. The ribbons in this quilt are just a few she and her horse, Izzy, won competing in barrel racing. She has this quilt hanging in her living room on her wall.” – Susan Dano Torisky
2. Memory Quilt Square Idea by Donna Marroquin
“This is the first quilt I made. It was about me and things important to me. I also was learning how to use my embroidery machine. I made a square with frogs and embroidered my name and year I was born for myself. I picked fabric that made me think of each person or pet I had. For example: foxes for my husband because I say he's foxy, teddy bear for my son I nicknamed Baby Bear, pigs for my son who showed pigs, monkeys for my son who loved Curious George snd collected stuffed monkeys when he was little. I have a square for every school I attended: elementary, middle, high, colleges, and the school my boys went too. I have squares for the sports teams my husband and I root for. I have a Germany and Ireland flag since some of my ancestors came from these places. Anyways, it was fun to make.” – Donna Marroquin
3. Memory Quilt with Photos of Baby by Robyn Harman
“In honor of baby's first year of growth.” – Robyn Harman
4. Memory Quilt of Painted Landmarks by Pat Mccullough
“This memory quilt is for a friend who paints local landmarks and donates them to local sales. Knowing how much joy her works bring to others, thought it a nice gesture to make a quilt of the paintings…. Still not finished, but it's in the frames being quilted by hand” – Pat Mccullough
5. Memory Quilt from Men's Shirts by Rene Long Stookesberry Great Nephew
“My Great nephews quilt made out of his Great Popa work shirts” – Rene Long Stookesberry
6. Deceased Memory Quilt by Shirley Wilson Helfery
“Memory quilt for my sister, she passed away about two years ago. This was made by me with her tee shirts, I also added pieces of her favorite fabrics.” – Shirley Wilson Helfery
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It’s time to take out your quilting materials and relive the memories! Start searching for your memory-rich fabrics and recreate these easy memory quilt ideas.
