A Unique Cheater Quilt
What is a Cheater Quilt?
A cheater quilt has a quilt top that is made of one large piece of fabric. It is not a top that has to be pieced together. The fabric used for the top of the quilt looks like it has been pieced together, but is actually one large piece of fabric. All it needs is the batting and backing added and you can start quilting.
The top of this is actually a vintage linen tablecloth I purchased from a vendor at the Houston International Quilt Festival. The tablecloth is soft from years of use, but is still thick and sturdy. I loved how soft it felt and I thought it would make a warm quilt. So I thought “Why not?”
The white border is actually lopsided, wider in some places than others. The left side of the quilt (in the top picture) is also faded where it was left on someone’s table for a long time and the sun faded it.
I really didn’t care about these imperfections. I thought they would add more character. The linen is so soft from years of use and makes for a soft and warm quilt.
This quilt is big enough for a twin size bed and is hand quilted. I love the look and feel of lots of hand quilting so I quilted it very close together. I stitched around each flower cluster, all of the ribbons, and a grid in the background.
I use a large hoop to hand quilt in my lap and love to snuggle under my projects when I am hand quilting.
This quilt is so warm and soft and perfect for cuddling up in while relaxing with a book or movie.
You can find other patterns and projects in my Etsy Shop.
12 Comments
Anonymous
I love the idea of using the vintage linen table cloth as your quilt top. The quilting is beautiful.
StitchinByTheLake
Your hand quilting is simply beautiful. I have arthritis and can't do much hand quilting any more but I'm thankful I can still do hand embroidery and applique…I love that. I like to use cheater panels to make baby quilts (machine quilting) because they're so fast and easy to work up. I have a couple of vintage table cloths so I may be copying your idea! blessings, marlene
Nancy@owensolivia
I can't believe you hand stitched that. I think I would stop after the size of a mug rug.
Winona
Wow! Your hand quilting is exquisite! This is a beautiful quilt. I have several panels. I guess I need to just sandwich them and get them quilted.
Studio V
Beautifully quilted!
Chris Dodsley @made by ChrissieD
Never mind that it isn't pieced, your handquilting is simply beautiful – this is real 'wow' piece.
Connie Kresin Campbell
Looks beautiful and the hand quilting is perfect for it! That took some time! Thanks for sharing!
Quilting at the River Linky Party Tuesday
Saltwater Quilts
Go for it! I want to see some pictures!
Saltwater Quilts
Thank you everyone, for the sweet comments! I really enjoy hand quilting. It is almost like a form of meditation for me. Very relaxing and I get to play with fabric!
Sara
Fabulous upcycling of that gorgeous linen piece. it will last another 20-30 years!! The quilting is very suitable as well.
Anonymous
What a great way to repurpose a vintage tablecloth. And your hand quilting is beautiful.
Lisa
What a unique idea that made a beautiful quilt. So glad I stumbled upon your blog.