Feeling hemmed in by the stay-at-home order? Having to needle your kids to do something constructive? The Library is here to help with a fun, crafty project.
Whether you’re a proficient quilter or someone who prefers glue and sequins, the Library is inviting you to participate in its Quilts for a Cause project. Anyone can participate, and the final result will be a quilt(s) the Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, opens a new window can auction off to benefit critical Library services and programs, like Homework Help, opens a new window and summer learning activities for youth.
Download the project instructions here, opens a new window.
Project instructions:
- Use a 12 ½-inch-by-12 ½-inch piece of fabric. (Any color of prewashed fabric, preferably cotton, may be used.)
- Decorate a 12-inch-by-12-inch area, leaving a quarter inch (¼ inch) undecorated border.
- Not someone who sews? Use a piece of felt or old T-shirt and draw a design on with marker and/or glue on some sequins and beads. The Library welcomes your contribution no matter your skill level and with whatever supplies you have on hand.
We welcome participation from individuals, as well as groups who may want to make a group of blocks around a particular theme of their choice. Once you’ve finished your square(s), please put them in large Ziploc bag or plastic bag until the Library opens again. At that time, bags may be dropped off at your local branch. Include a label with your name and phone number or e-mail address in the bag with your quilt block.
Need some help with ideas? Here are some online resources for designs:
- Basic Four Patch Block, opens a new window — Four Patch Quilt Block Pattern Tutorial at Scrapish.com
- Rail Fence Block — 9 Classic Quilt Blocks, opens a new window (page 3) on Hoopla
- Log Cabin Block — Nine Patch Panache, opens a new window (page 21) on Hoopla
- Dragonfly Ring Block — Nine Patch Panache , opens a new window(page 84) on Hoopla
- Ohio Star Block, opens a new window — CreativeBug (includes PDF instructions)
- Spider’s Web Block — 9 Classic Quilt Blocks, opens a new window (page 51) on Hoopla
- Heart Block — Diary of a Quilter, opens a new window by Amy Smart
Not sure how to get started? Here are some craft databases for beginners with instructions and tips.
- Quilt Making 101: Patchwork , opens a new window— CreativeBug
- Quilting Tools 101, opens a new window — CreativeBug
- Machine Sewing: Needle and Thread Basics, opens a new window — CreativeBug
- Quilting classes, opens a new window — CreativeBug
- Quilting for beginners classes, opens a new window — CreativeBug
We hope you take this chance to join in with other crafters, beginners and advanced alike, to make something special that represents our community during this challenging time. We look forward to seeing photos of your squares on social media and hope they inspire others to pick up needle and thread, or sequin and glue, to become part of this county-wide project. Use the hashtag #QuiltsForACause when posting your creation to @cincylibrary on social media.
Quilt questions? Contact Lesleigh Chumbley, Loveland Branch Manager, at 513-369-4476 or lesleigh.chumbley@chpl.org, opens a new window. For all other questions please email marketingmail@chpl.org, opens a new window
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