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. Free Quilt Pattern: 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. Free Quilt Pattern: 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. Free Quilt Pattern: 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. Free Quilt Pattern: 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 men quilt. The finished size measures 28 inches x 28 inches.
5. Free Quilt Pattern: 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.
7. Free Quilt Pattern: Photo Quilt
Discover the heartwarming art of creating a Photo Quilt with this free tutorial by Melissa Mortenson of Polka Dot Chair. Inspired by the idea of capturing cherished memories, this quilt lets you keep your loved ones close, even when far away. Crafted with simplicity in mind, it features 9″ squares of fabric, making it accessible for quilters of all levels. This memory quilt becomes a cozy, comforting companion, wrapping you in the warmth of nostalgia, perfect for staving off homesickness and preserving those precious moments.
8. Free Quilt Pattern: Old Clothes Memory Quilt
Step into the world of quilting with the Old Clothes Memory Quilt, a free tutorial thoughtfully crafted by Heather Lynne for HowDoesShe. Designed with picnics and outdoor adventures in mind, this quilt takes a sentimental twist by repurposing cherished clothing items. Gather those beloved garments that hold memories—whether they’ve been outgrown, worn, or stained—and transform them into a beautiful, functional memory quilt. Each stitch weaves together the stories of your family, making it a cozy companion for outings.
BONUS Memory Quilt Patterns For Sale from Online Shops
1. Necktie Memory Pillow Cover (Downloadable Pattern For Sale)
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.
2. Labrador Memorial Quilt (PDF Printable Pattern For Sale)
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.
3. Shadowbox T-shirt Quilt (PDF Downloadable Pattern For Sale)
Unlock the world of quilting with the Shadowbox T-shirt Quilt, a PDF pattern by Tara of Quilts Plus Love. Measuring a cozy 66 inches by 66 inches, this pattern offers the perfect solution to transform your cherished but neglected T-shirts into a personalized DIY quilt. It provides comprehensive fabric requirements, precise cutting instructions, and assembly diagrams, empowering quilters of all levels to succeed. Whether you’re a novice or experienced, this pattern equips you with the tools and insights needed to create a memory-filled masterpiece, making it a perfect project to breathe new life into your beloved shirts from the back of your closet.
Our group members tested out these Memory Quilt Patterns and here is their feedback:
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
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
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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.