Men’s Suit Patchwork Quilts
One of my fall traditions includes bringing out the fall linens to drape over the sofas and cuddle up with next to a chilly campfire. The heavy, patchwork wool quilts in subdued, autumn colors are some of my favorites.
I remember my garage-saleing, quilt-making, Grandma explain to me that these warm, beauties were made from men’s suits.Through the decades, quilts have been created from any leftover fabrics available both for memories and for function: feed sacks, flour sacks, T-shirts, the list is endless.
I just remember my Grandma sifting through tables at church sales for the beautiful wool men’s suits that she would cut into squares for a potential quilt. She was a fabric lover, and instilled in me an appreciation for fibers, textures and patterns that still draws me to these vintage, handcrafted, conglomerations of art.
None of these simple patchworks are made by her. Following her example, I’ve picked most of these up through the years at sales, and most recently acquired these two, above, from an elderly relative.
This burgundy and navy example is just the top. I like to hang it from an old barn ladder rung in my living room. This specimen is interesting because the center is comprised of the wool squares all being lined up in a row, with the patchwork pattern on either side. Can you pick out the one square that is not like the other?
To me, that unusual-ness just adds to the appeal. It makes me wonder if the quiltmaker purposely placed that square, or had it all stitched up and realized it after it was too late!
I’ve also picked up whole boxes of men’s suit squares, never having gotten crafted into a quilt. My head dreams of how I can use these pretty, vintage, textural fabrics. Bunting? Coasters? Mini quilt placements? Guess I’ll have to start by getting the sewing machine out.
Do you own any of these beautiful quilts? Have you quilted any? Word of advice: If you find one, don’t wash it in warm, like I mistakenly did, and bled the colors. They can be washed in a cold water wash on a delicate cycle and dried on a warm/cool drier setting.
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I enjoyed this post. I’d never heard of a Men’s Suit Patchwork Quilt before, nor seen another; but I have one that looks quite similar to yours. I inherited it from my Great Grandfather; a Minister who taught me to embroider when I was 9 years old. Thanks again.
Wow, your Grandpa taught you how to embroider? That’s impressive. Enjoy your beautiful quilt!
I would like to make memory quilts from a loved one’s suits. How should i prepare the suit fabric before cutting it? I would like the quilts to be cold water washable, so appreciate any advice you can give me.
Wish I could be of more help, Nancy, but I’m a buyer of quilts, not a maker;) Maybe explore some quilting websites? Good luck; sounds like a great idea!
I so enjoyed learning about quilts made from men’s suits, Lora. Yes, I do own a couple of quilts, one (in pretty rough shape) that my great-grandmother made for me when I was a little girl, and another gorgeous calico quilt I inherited from my grandmother when she died. I love old quilts, too! Thanks for sharing your posts with us at Vintage Charm 🙂
Glad to hear you have some family heirloom quilts, Diana! Think I have more quilts & quilt parts than I can probably count! I’ve loved them for as long as I can remember. And I honestly have no desire to ever make one…there’s too many other orphans I’d rather love on! Thanks for commenting!
I never would have thought to use vintage men’s suits but talk about quality fabrics (that you can hardly find anymore). One of these days I’d love to make some quilts. What a great idea for a fabric source. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Amy! Yes, they are very sturdy, well-made fabrics, which you can tell by how heavy the quilts are! Hope you have luck finding some!
Oh my word, they are absolutely gorgeous! My grandmother made patchworks as well. I would watch her create them from our old clothing, but I never showed an interest (I was too busy trying to climb trees). For the past several years, I have purchased vintage wool and cashmere coats for this very purpose. Hopefully one day I will be able to make one that would have made her proud.
Angela,
So glad you enjoyed them! I, like you, would love to sew one someday also, but fear I can’t sit still that long, or focus on one project to see it through to completion! I sure can appreciate other’s handiwork, though! Thanks for reading & following!
You are welcome!