How to Make a Photo Memory Quilt

Co-authored by Lois Wade

Last Updated: March 4, 2021

Photo memory quilts are wonderful gifts and make great keepsakes. They all look cool draped over a couch and will constantly serve as a reminder of happy time. With just a little time and effort, you'll be able to make your own memory quilt.

Steps

1
Choose the size of quilt you want to make. Standard bed sizes are as follows:
- Mattress Sizes
- Twin--39 x 75 inches (or 99 x 190 cm)
- X-Long Twin--39 x 80 inches (99 x 203 cm)
- Full--54 x 75 inches (137 x 190 cm)
- Queen--60 x 80 inches (or 153 x 203 cm)
- King--76 x 80 inches (or 198 x 203 cm)
- California King--72 x 84 inches (or 182 x 213 cm)
2
Divide the size of quilt by the size of quilt blocks you wish to sew, and add width for seam allowances, borders, and any other design considerations.

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3
Obtain enough material for your chosen size of quilt. Choose white or very light colored materials for the photo transfer blocks.
4
Launder and iron all fabric before cutting or sewing.
5
Transfer your photos to your light colored quilt fabric as shown in this article: Transfer Photographs to Fabric
6
Proceed with sewing a quilt as shown in this article: Make a Quilt

Community Q&A

Question

How do I transfer pictures to the fabric?

Community Answer

You can buy iron-on transfer paper at an office supply or craft store. Download and edit your photo. Print it on the transfer paper via your printer, then iron onto the fabric.
Question

How do I cut the pieces for a rag quilt?

Community Answer

There are special scissors for that type of cutting called fabric scissors. You can find them at your local craft store.
Question

How do I put the border around the photos?

Nico

Top Answerer

Fold a square of fabric in half and cut out a smaller square to make a square shaped hole, then place it around the photo to make a frame. Sew it onto the quilt.