Blue Jean Quilt Directions

A blue jean quilt is created by cutting squares or shapes from old denim garments instead of using new quilting fabric. Making a quilt from blue jeans not only saves money on fabric, it allows you to recycle old or worn denim so you won't have to throw it away. Denim is both warm and durable, so your quit will be a useful, long-lasting piece. Depending on the size of the quilt and the size of the jeans, you will need 10--20 pairs to make a quilt. The directions here make a crib-sized quilt or throw; to make a larger quilt, simply increase the number of squares you use.

Prepare the Blocks

• 1

  Cut the legs off of each pair of jeans with scissors. Cut down the inseam of each leg to create a flat piece of fabric.

• 2

  Lay a jeans leg on the rotary cutter mat and cut an 8-inch by 8-inch square. Repeat with the remaining legs until you have 64 squares.

• 3

  Cut 64 blocks of flannel using the rotary cutter and mat. These blocks should be 8-inches by 8-inches as well.

• 4

  Place a flannel square with the right side facing down on top of a flat work surface. Mist with the fabric adhesive spray.

• 5

  Top with a denim square, with the right side facing up, and press to secure. Repeat for the remaining 63 squares.

Assemble the Quilt

• 1

  Lay the prepared blocks out on a floor or table to form a square that is eight blocks wide by eight blacks tall.

• 2

  Sew the blocks together in rows using a sewing machine and setting a 1-inch seam allowance. Start at the top and sew the first row of blocks together side by side. The denim sides should be facing each other as you stitch.

• 3

  Sew the eight rows of blocks together to form the quilt. Stitch the rows together with the denim sides facing each other as you stitch.

• 4

  Wash the pieced quilt in the washing machine. The edges of each denim square with fray, causing a textural ruffled effect.

• 5

  Dry the blue jean quilt in the dryer or lay flat to dry and use as desired.