navyquiltnana

I have been quilting since 2000. I have always been told that quilts should be 100% cotton. I co-worker gave me several pieces of double knit fabrics. Beautiful colors. I would like to know whether or not I can make a quilt using double knit fabric or double knit in a quilt at all.

SittingPretty

Sure you can, it's your quilt. I've been thinking of making one myself, but there are things to consider. The knit can stretch, so it may have to be backed with a fusible stabilizer, like when making T-shirt quilts. Also, I hear it can be quite heavy, so just a backing, without a batting, would probably be best. I wouldn't mix knit with regular cotton in the quilt, but I would think you could still use cotton for the backing, since the knit would be stabilized. I don't know. Hopefully, someone with more experience can give us some more insight into this.

grammyp

I have several my grandmother made with double knit. She even made 2 extra large king cathedral window quilts with double knits. I would not mix it with cottons for patchwork, but you can certainly use it.

navyquiltnana

Thank you for the information. I have already start cutting my blocks. Again, thanks.

LaurieE

I remember back in the 1970s it seemed like everyone was making a quilt with double knit fabric. They were tied, of course, since they were difficult to hand quilt. Polyester and double knits were real big back then. I didn't care for them, so I didn't make one.

Here's a link with instructions:
http://www.ehow.com/how_6681064_doub...tructions.html

lclang

Just assembled a double knit quilt today and got it ready to be tied. My mom cut a big box full of small squares and I assembled them into blocks and sewed the blocks together to make a large quilt. It is beautiful. The colors are so vibrant. I got enough blocks out of that box to make about three or four large quilts. Sorted the blocks into color families, fall colors, red and black blocks, red and green blocks, and pastels. I have made double knit quilts several times and I always use a very light batt and a sheet for backing. They turn out very nice and wear like iron!

deedum

Gee, I love double knit! Very difficult to wear out or destroy! Many people at garage sales pass it up since they want only cotton (I do too) but I usually buy it for next to nothing. They make great lap quilts for the nursing home!That is what I plan on doing with it! I might even make some full size quilts out of it, they are very warm.

DebbyT

When you construct your double knit quilt, be sure to use all double knit for the top. Don't mix with other fabrics such as cottons or blends. I have made 2 double knit quilts so far and have blocks cut out for another. I backed one with a flannel blanket and the other with a sheet. The flannel backed one has been re-backed twice and the sheet backed has been re-backed once. They are very durable and obviously out live the backing. -- They are over 30 years and counting.

Tartan

I used knits for a quilt over 30 yrs. ago. It will probably be the only quilt that someone finds 100 yrs. from now. They will look at it and pity the poor maker for her lack of skills. I have made lots of better quilts since then but nothing wears like doubleknit. The top was simple 5 inch blocks with polyester batting and a flannel back. The flannel is a bit worn but not that top! I machine quilted it with stitch in the ditch on my old Singer.

MisDixie

My first quilt, started at age 9, was made with doubleknit. My Grammie quilted it for me and its still with me. The cotton Grammie used for the backing with the wrap around binding is shot, so is the polly batting... but that double knit is hanging in strong! I am over 50, wish I was hanging in as well as that quilt top.