chrismcd99

Hi. I just recently came across a bag of 20 inch quilt blocks that I believe my grandmother must have made long time ago.they were in the old house my father grew up in. they have probably been sitting there for at least 20 years. they are made up of 25 4 inch squares.I am trying to decide the best pattern for them.I thought about just joining them with 2 inch strips. I have also thought of making several baby quilts out of them to give to my grandchildren. I would appreciate any ideas. Thanks.

tessagin

First I would wash them in a hand/delicate cycle to get rid of any kind of dust mites and so they don't fray. You could put them into a pair of big girl panty hose or knee-highs. So many quilt patterns to choose from. HSTs maybe?

Tartan

I like your idea of doing baby quilts from the blocks. Are they hand sewn? If so it would be best to piece them into tops and quilt them well before washing. If the blocks are very dirty or smell bad, give them a gentle wash in the sink and lay them flat on towels to dry.

QuiltE

If you would post a photo of the blocks, then I'm sure you will receive more ideas than you have blocks!

Making them into something for the family, would be such a wonderful tribute to your Grandmother.

Jingle

I wouldn't chance washing them until a quilt is finished. You may ruin them. Make a 4 patch.
Welcome to this wonderful board, you will love it here.

AngeliaNR

Whichever way you decide to do them, I'd keep them whole. After all, their arrangement is the one she chose and is a part of the history.

Boston1954

Baby quilts sounds wonderful. Six of them just sewn together should be just fine. Maybe with a bit of a border to frame it all up.

Jackie Spencer

I hope I don't offend anyone, and if I do I want to apoligize right now, but A baby quilt gets lots of use and washings. Older blocks like that probably would'nt hold up for very long. I would make 1 quilt and keep it as a family heirloom. Something to cherish and pass down.

drgranny

You could wash them in a salad spinner. I would let them soak in biz for a couple of hours then wash in the spinner. That should be gentle enough to keep them from fraying.

Annie68

I would also make one quilt and put sashing between the blocks you have now, sounds like a very attractive quilt.