I made a lot of progress since I last wrote about the weighted quilt on Tuesday, so I’m not sure it’s quite fair to say this is “Step 2”, but it’s the more like Part 2 in sharing about my approach!
Weighted Quilt – 2 Quilted Panels
I quilted 2 panels, using a muslin as the backing for each. The top fabrics were each approximately 1.5 yards.
Weighted Quilt – Panel Details
I chose to quilt both panels with the same motif: a swirl/hook flower. I thought that the motif was absolutely perfect for my Moana and Maui loving niece. As you can also see in the photo above, I used a new batting for this project: Quilter’s Dream Dream Pink. I thought the secret splash of color would be fun, and if it was also a great way for me to test if the pink read through light colored fabrics. I think there is more of a color tint from the Dream Pink than I have noticed from the Dream Green batting.
Weighted Quilt – Trimming Panels
After quilting, I quickly trimmed up each quilted panel.
Weighted Quilt – Pin Basting
And then I pin basted the two panels together, keeping the two muslin surfaces in the center.
Weighted Quilt – Pin Basting
The Moana fabric was slightly longer but narrower than the Kona Cotton panel.
Weighted Quilt – Trimming Part 2
After pin basting, I went around all 4 sides and trimmed the panels even to one another.
Weighted Quilt – Marking Lines
Once I had the maximum size of the panels, I took a few measurements and decided that I would be able to get a 42-inch wide by 50-inch tall finished quilt, allowing between 5/8-3/4 inch extra around all the edges. Using my new tool, a Laser Square (which I purchased through Amazon, but is sold out at the moment – non affiliate link), I marked out the edges of the 42 x 50 perimeter.
Weighted Quilt – Laser Square Detail
You can just *barely* make out the faint red glow of the laser in the image above. Note that I was finally persuaded in the benefits of the laser square after reading Debbie from A Quilter’s Table post about Laser Levels and Mandy of Mandalei Quilts has an awesome tutorial on Trimming Your Quilt with Tools from the Hardware Store.
Weighted Quilt – Marking Fill Columns
Because the quilt is 42 inches wide, I decided to mark columns every 6 inches to add the weighted poly beads, so I marked the tape lines for doing that as well. Before wrapping up for the day (my back was saying it was done crawling on the floor please and thank you very much), I made a few quick marks every 5 inches along the 2 sides to use to mark the straight lines to “cap off” every column after I fill them with poly beads.
Up next, I will sew around 3 sides of the perimeter: the two sides and the bottom of the quilt. I purchased 4 pounds of poly beads, so I will weigh them to get an accurate weight on what I received. With 7 columns and 10 rows, I will divide the total weight by 70 and measure out that weight to fill each column. After the 7 columns are filled, I’ll mark and sew to close the row off.
I’ll be back next week to share how this goes and talk about how I plan to finish the quilt!
I have been wondering how you would tackle this and now it all makes perfect sense. I like that your batting adds a secret touch of colour. Why is it pink? Is it something recycled?
I like how you are putting this together. Thanks for the links, I need to raid my hubbies tools. Wonder if he’ll notice..
This is such a great way to make the weighted quilt, cozy on both sides.
That level is an interesting tool. Thanks for the links to the two blogs. I’m pretty sure I read Debbie’s a while back, but need to read it again. I’m enjoying watching your progress as you make this.
Looks like a great plan Yvonne. When we made some, we used a wrapping paper tube and poured the beads in the tube. It helped in getting the beads in the right spot and not sticking on the way down.
This is really interesting. I’ve wondered how weighted quilts were made. I’m very curious to see your version after the beads are added and how the sections fill in.
How will she wash it with the beads sewn in? I would suggest making tubes from a muslin at this point and filling the tubes and inserting them in your columns. The finish the “open” end with velcro or snaps so the beads could be removed. Have made several with pockets all over. You can also use folded sheets for weight in a blanket. Again placed in pockets.
A bit of a puzzle but I appreciate seeing your process. I’m curious why the pink batt is pink also…. and yay for laser levels. They’re all sold out, eh? 😉
This is definitely an interesting process. I have never made a weighted quilt before and haven’t given the process much thought either. Will be tuning in to see how you progress. Nadine W. rnwillis@velotech.net
Enjoying the tut on this. I have never thought of using the laser level we own for quilting! I am also curious if the beads make this any warmer. The weight would be helpful all year, but what about summer months? A project of loving…and learning!
Did you say where you bought the beads… are they the regular “Beanie Baby” type product?
This is so interesting Yvonne. I’m longing for a laser level or two now and I’m intrigued by the weighted quilt.
I often wondered how these types of quilts were made. Thanks for sharing your process. Thanks for the tip on the laser level.
Such an interesting project. I love your inventiveness. I know weighted items can be soothing and calming for many people. Take care, Mary.
This is really interesting, Yvonne. I’ve actually been looking into making a pink himalayan sea salt mini quilt, and i’m thinking the same type of approach could work. Thanks!
Ooh, you may have put me onto a gotta-have tool…thanks for the links for the tutorials on it, and for the very clear explanation as to the how and why of your approach to this weighted quilt!
I love all the details on how you’re planning and constructing this! And ha, that quilting motif IS perfect for Maui.
So interesting to read, but also quite interesting to read all the comments. I can see it’s a part of the universe I have no knowledge of!
I know this is time consuming, but I also know that Lucy is going to absolutely love it. My girls are lucky to have such a talented Aunt Von! Thank you so much for making this happen.
Now I understand why two quilted panels. Hope you have time to get the filling done over the weekend.
Interesting progress report. Your precise approach is sure to be just what the project warrants. I also wonder why the batting is tinted pink? I haven’t seen that before.
I had never heard of a weighted quilt until I stumbled on something about one a week or so ago. The extra layers of wadding will make this soft. What I saw was simply a partitioned sack of poly beads, which seemed a bit lumpy to me.