Ask Penny Halgren

Penny, Some (ok, many...) years ago I purchased a quilt up in Canada for five bucks. It's not the prettiest thing I've ever seen, but we do still use it. The backing looks like it's a flannel sheet, and it's fine. The problem is that the front squares are many different types of fabric (squares and half-square triangles all) and some of these have started to come apart and are frayed quite badly. I truly don't think they can be repaired as is, but I hesitate to add new fabric to old (something in the Bible about that I think...). The quilt certainly isn't worth having professionally repaired, but it does rather have sentimental value, and it is nice and cozy. Oh, it doesn't look like it has any batting...just the top squares and the bottom flannel sheet. Any suggestions on how I can fix this thing? Thanks!

Well - since it is a quilt that you love, and isn't something that will be entered in a show, I would go ahead and sew patches on top of the ones that are wearing out.  The process would be just like hand applique. Make a piece just like the one you are covering - same size and shape - fold under the seam allowances, and then blindstitch around the piece. It might be possible to get fabric that is the same style as is in the quilt, with the "retro" fabrics that are now available.

I have done that with some of my quilts that have been worn out with use. It takes some time for the fabric to blend in, because the new fabric will look new for a while. But after time, it will look ok, and you will still be able to enjoy the quilt.

Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren
www.How-to-Quilt.com