My latest quilts are for two special little people. The first is a “big boy” quilt for the boy who’s going to be a big brother. The second is for the baby, who isn’t here yet!
First, here’s the Big Boy quilt. His Mother says he likes Mickey Mouse, but when I looked at those fabrics it seemed like he’d outgrow them too fast. However, he’s playing with a ball whenever we see him, and his Dad coaches football, so his quilt has a team sports theme, with basketballs, footballs, and baseballs.
That blue baseball pennant may or may not be hiding a little boo-boo…
The baby’s room has a Sesame Street theme! I guess that’s coming back around, because I found the fabric with no difficulty.
Both quilts are backed with light-weight poly fleece so they feel yummy. There’s no batting, so they’re light enough to be dragged around and made into tents. And the designs of the tops are simple, allowing the fabrics to shine.
So, after 10 years of making children’s’ quilts for a number of young friends, here are my recommendations:
- Choose a fabric that is likely to interest the child for the next 5 years.
- Use a simple pattern. Nobody’s looking at your piecing; they’re looking at the cute fabric. Ask me how I know.
- Also, use a simple pattern because who EVER starts these things with time to spare?
- Back with poly fleece and don’t add batting. Feedback from my grandkids tells me this is the most practical, kid-friendly way to do it.
Anybody have anything to add?
Zippy Quilts 
Sure appreciate your insights into making kid’s quilts! I’ve never made a quilt with a fleece backing. Do you domestic machine quilt that? Or do you have it longarmed for you? And I’ve never made a quilt without some kind of batting, even if it’s just a piece of pre-shrunk flannel. You’ve got me topsy-turvy with your ideas! 🙂 Thanks for sharing and giving me new info.
Yes, I’ve done that pre-shrunk flannel thing and it worked fine. I have anything larger than 40 inches square longarmed, and my quilter does a great job so it’s worth it. I know you enjoy ruler quilting, but I don’t, so we’re both doing what we like 😀
They are really nice. Do you do any quilting on the tops ?
Haha. I quilt by check! I did quilt a few with poly fleece backing years ago, and learned that I wanted the type of fleece that doesn’t stretch!
Thanks for sharing this quilts. Could you share the „pattern“ for sesame street? a hand drawn scetch would be enough!
I have kids fabric only left overs… and you idea looks great!
and eching .. how do you quilt fleece?
Email me so I can send you a sketch. ZippyQuilts(at)gmail
As always, love your quilts, the patterns and fabrics you chose! And, great tips!
Thank you, Joan!
I appreciate the hints! I’d not have thought of no batting, but good to have it on good authority. =) I’m a fan of Sesame Street, so love that fabric and quilt.
Thanks, Claire!
I totally agree on the poly fleece and for new borns I would add make something Mum and Dad will like because baby isn’t going to care for the first little while
Great point! Yes, the parents will want something to coordinate with their baby decor.
Lovely love-filled quilts
Thank you for the practical advice on how to make quilts for little people. Most useful as we are in the same situation where our grandson is soon to become a big brother.
Oh, good! Helen added the suggestion that a baby’s fabrics should be something the parents like, since the baby won’t care for quite a while 😀
Two happy quilts!
Both children and parents seemed happy, so I am too 😀