14 Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Quilts

Ever wonder what to do with old quilts? These 14 simple and fun uses for old quilts will inspire you to spread their nostalgic beauty throughout your home in every season. Whether you Repurpose old quilts with DIY craft Projects or display them seasonally, Their timeworn charm will beautify your home.

Let me just start out this post and admit something…I am a quilt-aholic. I have completely lost count as to how many full and partial quilts I have in my home. I am not a quilter myself, but I absolutely love the interplay of fabrics and patterns together. And when I come across a tattered vintage version, I feel compelled to save any parts that I can.

My maternal grandma was a quilter and loved them like I do. Luckily, I have a few treasures that she made and love to use them in my home. But the majority of my hoard has been scooped up for a steal secondhand. I’ve even picked them out of trash piles, dirty and wet, and carefully brought them home. I don’t think I’ve ever spent more than $25; which is probably why I have so many!

(This log cabin quilt was made by my grandma out of secondhand wool fabrics; it’s heavy!)

These old quilts that have been carefully and lovingly made for a family member or as a gift are glimpses into a time period. A time when using what you already have was essential. The makers were true artists, combining scrap fabrics from old clothing and other household items. They artistically laid out the patterns and painstakingly sewed each piece together; the hours they spent! The least I can do is try to save some of the work these women did, even if it takes a different form;)

Today I’m joining a couple of my Lifestyle of Love friends to share how we use quilts in our homes. This group loves everything vintage, antique, repurposed and farmhouse, and I can’t wait to see all their inspiration! Thanks to Cindy at County Road 407 for organizing us all! All their links will be at the end.

14 Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Quilts

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When I look on Pinterest, there are so many amazing ideas to upcycle and repurpose old quilts! Even though I certainly have enough material options, I have to admit I simply don’t get around to sewing often. My sewing skills are pretty basic, so if these DIY projects involve sewing, it’s fairly simple on a basic sewing machine. Here’s how I enjoy quilts throughout the year in our home.

Repair Small Wear Issues

If you find a quilt that has small wear issues, you can easily fix them with some simple remedies. In “How to Easily Repair an Old Quilt” I explain how to simply zig zag stitch over worn spots or loose seams. If the yarn ties are tired, they can be replaced with buttons for a fun change, too. Once this beautiful fall-colored quilt was repaired, we enjoyed it out by the campfire.

Enjoy Old Quilts as Seasonal Decor

Each season bring out your quilts with seasonally coordinated colors. In the Fall I have a few patchwork quilts made from men’s old wool suits. The cozy darker colors make our house feel warm when draped over the arm of a sofa or chair. They could also be hung on an old ladder against the wall to showcase them like art.

When the seasons change, switch out your quilts to get a fresh bolt of color. Here a bright colored quilt coordinates perfectly with my summer lake cabin-themed decor.

{“Vintage Summer Decor with Cabin Style”}

Repurpose a Quilt as a Tablecloth

When a quilt is too heavy, or you don’t like the fabric back, take the quilt apart and use the beautiful top as a tablecloth. It will set a beautiful table and doesn’t need any ironing! Place a quilt tablecloth on an outside table for a picnic-y vibe.

We used this quilt as a snuggly blanket for awhile, but the batting got all crunchy. I took it apart and started using the top as a cute late summer tablecloth on the porch. Yes, you could hem around the edge, but many times I don’t even get around to it. Just think of it as fashion…like buying ripped jeans with holes in them;)

This past Christmas, this beautiful old crazy quilt made a lovely holiday tablecloth. I took the stuffing out and discarded it. I pulled the edging off, too, and made a cute rag ball out of it. The back fabric may turn up on another project someday!

Upcycle Old Quilts Into Table Linens

Often certain parts of quilts are more worn than others. The parts that are still intact and look good can be upcycled into pretty table linens with a little simple sewing. Table runners, placemats and coasters are a fun way to repurpose old quilts.

{“A Patriotic Porch Pinterest Challenge”}

Make Pillow Covers Out of Old Quilts

To save the good parts of tattered old quilts, turn them into pillow covers. Simply cut a back piece of fabric the same size, sew around with right sides together and turn right side out. Add a pillow insert and hand sew the seam closed. Quilt pillows like this are perfect for a county farmhouse or porch.

DIY Crafting with Old Quilts

There are so many fun ways to upcycle and repurpose old quilts. You can make easy garland by cutting out shapes and joining them together with ribbon, twine or ball fringe. I made this heart garland years ago from one of my first tattered quilts (got it in High School, I think;) I love to pull it out each Valentine’s.

A crazy quilt and a small patchwork quilt were upcycled into adorable witches hats for Halloween. These cuties even made it into a Country Sampler Magazine issue:) See “Upcycled Vintage Quilt Witch Hat” for the DIY how to. Cut out quilt pieces make pretty cute jack-o-lantern faces, too! I simply hot glued them onto real pumpkins.

Use a Quilt as a Tree Skirt

Quilts can make a lovely Christmas tree skirt. All you have to do is wrap it around the trunk of the tree. Stuff underneath with crunched up paper bags or newspaper to fill it out a bit more.

Don’t Overlook Quilt Pieces, Either

Quite a few times I’ve found a bag of quilt pieces where someone hadn’t quite gotten to putting the whole quilt together. Quilt pieces can be a fun resource to upcycle or decorate with, too. Use pieced segments as doilys, underneath your accessories. Turn patchwork squares into coasters or fabric pumpkins.

Have a Picnic with Vintage Quilts

Vintage quilts turn any setting into a country escape. Lay an old quilt on the grass and enjoy a picnic at a park or use old quilts on a picnic table for nostalgic summer style.

{“Vintage Americana Patriotic Tablescape Ideas“}

Enjoy a Stacked Quilt Display

Of course when your beautiful vintage quilts aren’t being used, you can enjoy them as decor in a pretty stacked display. Arrange them by color and coordinate with the seasons. Peeking out of a glass cupboard door, high up on a shelf, or in a bookshelf, old quilts should be seen and enjoyed!

But Where Do You Store Quilts?

Right about now, after you’ve seen all these pictures of quilts around my house you’re wondering…but where do you store all those quilts? Good question! My quilts are constantly cycling with the seasons, but I store them in big vintage trunks, fire box crates, closets and baskets. My house is square feet challenged, so all the furniture needs to do double duty as storage. We’ve also added shelves to all our closets to maximize air space.

My next quilt project is actually a cute little stool that I’m going to update with a quilt top. Hopefully you’ll see that soon!

Old quilts can be used in so many different ways to decorate your home. I hope these ideas will encourage you to scoop up the next pretty one you see and give it new life! Even if it’s less than perfect;)

For more quilt ideas and inspiration, be sure to visit my Lifestyle of Love friends down below!

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