Heirloom quilts have an incredible history that’s steeped in traditional crafting. Since medieval times, homemakers have been sewing quilts to be handed down to their children. The time and care put into making an heirloom quilt is unmatched, which is what makes them so special.
They’re often made from sentimental fabrics, ones that mean a lot to the stitcher and their craft. That's why we’ve teamed up with Liberty Fabrics to bring you some of the best fabrics for making heirloom quilts!
Liberty Fabrics is a heritage brand, with an archive of designs dating back to the 1880s. Their iconic, illustrated fabrics are recognised around the world for their exceptional quality and timeless designs. All printed on their soft Lasenby Cotton, they are developed to be the perfect fabric for quilting projects. Everything you need to stitch an heirloom quilt you’ll be proud of.
As well as suggesting some lovely fabrics, we’ve also recommended some sewing patterns which would make wonderful heirloom quilts.
Ready? It’s time to stitch a treasure.
5 heirloom quilt projects and floral fabrics to stitch them with!
1. Stitch floral fabrics into Alice Caroline’s heirloom quilt
Celebrate spring with Alice Caroline’s incredible heirloom quilt. The patchwork of colours and curves creates a wonderful design that stands out among the crowd. Ideal for being remembered and handed down as an heirloom!
To create this vintage quilt, you need a timeless fabric! Hedgerow Bloom from Liberty Fabrics Heirloom 1 collection is perfect.
The densely packed roses, daisies, and anemones give the relaxed feeling of a British garden in full bloom. This fabric pairs beautifully with Alice Caroline’s heirloom quilt.
- Buy Hedgerow Bloom and the rest of the Heirloom collection from Liberty Fabrics
2. Turn your fabrics into an heirloom starburst quilt
Starburst quilts make wonderful heirloom quilts and date back to the 1950s. The mixing and matching of prints give starburst quilts an eclectic, memorable look. We show you how to make a starburst quilt here on Gathered and we used Liberty Fabrics in the design!
Made from half-square triangles, starburst quilts look their best when made with a mixture of light and dark fabrics. The Heirloom 1 collection is perfect for this as it includes five floral fabrics which vary in shade, print, colour, and style.
Fabrics such as Floral Joy, which is covered in bright wildflowers, celebrate the beauty of individuality. The diverse mix of florals would work brilliantly with the repeating diamond pattern.
- Buy Floral Joy and the rest of the Heirloom collection from Liberty Fabrics
3. Use your fabrics for English Paper Piecing
English Paper Piecing is a quilting technique that is loved by crafters of all ages. The therapeutic action of hand-piecing each hexagon has been enjoyed by families since the 1770s.
Taking time and care to stitch each little hexagon, then piecing each square together to make an heirloom quilt, is an act of love. If you’ve never tried this technique before, head over to our how to sew hexagons with English Paper Piecing tutorial.
Floral fabrics, specifically the Heirloom 1 collection, are ideal for English Paper Piecing. Just look at how beautifully the Little Buds fabric hexagons work with the Hedgerow Bloom hexagons! Stitched together, these hexagons will create an heirloom quilt that’s reminiscent of an English meadow.
- Buy Little Buds and the rest of the Heirloom collection from Liberty Fabrics
Looking to sew more sentimental quilts?
Head over to our collection of memory quilt ideas for more keepsake quilts.
4. Transform floral fabrics into a butterfly quilt
Butterfly quilts also make wonderful keepsakes. The patchwork of flower and butterfly blocks represent the countryside in spring-time. Our free butterfly quilt pattern uses Liberty Fabrics to create a stunning heirloom quilt.
Of course, butterfly and flower blocks need to be stitched in floral fabrics! Use the Heirloom 1 collection to create striking blocks which will stand the test of time. Contrast the darker fabrics such as Marguerite Meadow with the lighter fabrics to make the flower blocks stand out from the butterfly background.
- Buy Marguerite Meadow and the rest of the Heirloom collection from Liberty Fabrics
5. Quilt a children’s quilt from Posy Sprig
One of the most precious types of heirloom quilts are those which can be passed down to the youngest family members. Handmade quilts often become a treasured item, providing comfort to generations of children. This woodland children's quilt pattern would make the sweetest heirloom quilt.
Keeping with the woodland theme, why not use floral fabrics to make your children or grandchildren an heirloom quilt? Timeless designs such as Posy Joy by Liberty Fabrics are ideal for turning into keepsake quilts. The delicate florals provide a calming ambience, perfect for sending little ones into a deep sleep.
- Buy Posy Sprig and the rest of the Heirloom collection from Liberty Fabrics
Make a quilt to remember
Stitching, quilting and binding heirloom quilts continues to be one of the most popular traditional quilting techniques. Creating a beautiful quilt for future generations is not only rewarding, but it’s also emotional!
The love and care you put into sewing your heirloom quilt will be felt by the recipient for years to come. This is why it’s important to pick timeless designs which speak to your style and soul! Floral fabrics are perfect for turning into statement heirloom quilts.
Discover more pretty prints with Liberty Fabric
Liberty Fabric creates a huge range of fabrics inspired by everything from our everyday surroundings to the quintessential British countryside.
Shop the full Heirloom 1 collection over at Liberty Fabrics and stitch your own heirloom quilt this weekend.
