Suggestions for things to do with an old handmade quilt in BAD shape

http://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/how-to/g2011/quilts-and-coverlets-crafts/

Make pillow covers, fabric bags, cover a headboard, make Christmas ornaments, coasters.

Perhaps have someone finish the Quilt ? Or put some interfacing ( the iron on kind) or web fusion(?) on the back of it and have it framed.

You could do pillows.

Or A bench cover then cover it with clear plastic so you won't ruin the pattern.

Perhaps Use pieces of it in hand towels ( across the front) you know those little towels no one uses! 😂

Perhaps a table runner. Again either use plastic clear cover or Scotch Guard it.

Whatever you do remember to mount the back with something to fuse the Quilt pieces together then protect the front BEFORE you start the project .

You don't want to ruin the piece.

Have fun!

If the quilts are too worn out to be used as bed coverings, then could they be cut up into smaller cage size pieces and donated to the local SPCA? It might not be worth the cost and labour of sewing new binding, but if you felt that project was worth it, I do know that animal shelters are always in need of blanketing or pads for cages.

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If you are crafty person or a seamstress (no exceptional talent needed for simple projects) and if the quilts lend themselves to artful projects, you could carefully cut them apart into different sizes (do repairs or add new backing, as needed) and craft projects to share with relatives (excellent Christmas or other gifting occasions). You can make throws, lap pads (smaller than throws) for nursing home patients, heirloom crib quilts, beach/picnic blankets, wall hangings, coasters, placements. I have even seen them made into jackets (maybe add jeans pockets/lace/other trim), A quilter could add them into an heirloom quilt (along with fabric pieces taken from "passed or not" family members' favored clothing), rendering a new family keepsake/heirloom quilt(s) for relative(s). Hope this provide ideas that you were hoping.

pillow covers, placemats, Framed with glass cover, cover styrofoam balls for christmas tree ornaments,

If your mother-in-law has kids/grandkids, you might want to cut the quilts into pieces and frame to give to each as a memory of the Mom/Grandmother.

Depending on how many quilts there are and in what shape they are, one use would be to carefully fold them (so no worn parts show) and keep them on display. You could also again folding carefully, lay over end of bed, or door etc. If too worn for that what about pillows? Or better yet, doll quilts. Since you cherish these enough to ask, I would not do anything to them that will diminish their sentimental value or make a trivial use of them.

Old quilt tops can be patched with new pieces of fill in material over the most badly worn areas. I have one now that needs to be ripped open because filling has worn away to lumps and bumps. I hate to tackle but do like the pattern. I know it's over 60 years old. Have to do similar to my daughter's baby quilt, now over 30.

hand bag, pillow, dolls blanket, throw blanket