Can I combine knitted wool squares and wool tweed squares in a quilt

[BloominNora]

I want to make my artist brother a quilt for christmas for his (freezing cold) flat. I was planning on using tweed, but was wondering about putting a scattering of knitted squares in as well to give it a bit more texture.

Will it work? What sort of wool should I use?

[Ilovewaleswhenitrains]

I have made a patchwork quilt and a crocheted blanket, but have not heard of mixing fabric and wool. I don't think it would be successful. Tweed is a strong fabric and wool is soft. It would be difficult to wash successfully. How about a tweed blanket with a wool lining - a sort of double blanket.

[BigBoobiedBertha]

It is a lovely idea but how are you attaching the two fabrics together? And what would you back it with?

If you have a plan for that bit I would use a cotton aran I think. It would have to be quite chunky and although Tweed is made of wool, I don't think the texture of a wool yarn would work as well.

[BloominNora]

I'm not a strong enough knitter to do the whole lining in wool - I was only thinking 4 or 5 knitted squares.

I also hadn't got as far as thinking about joining the fabrics - I guess a thick cotton or thin wool?

[Trumpton]

How about appliqué . ? You could make the tweed quilt and add wool squares onto some of the tweed squares . Could look good if a border is left .

[Solo]

Exactly what I was going to say Trumpton so it must be a good idea

[Trumpton]

Two minds sharing a single brain cell !

[Solo]

Yes! but it's a brilliant brain cell!!

[ArtisanLentilWeaver]

If you felted some pure wool jumpers then you could cut the felted squares, make each one into a puff by sewing thick wadding then a felted square or blanket on the back.
Ditto for the tweed squares. When it comes to sewing them all together, all the quilting is done. You could disguise the seams with a neutral herringbone type of bias binding.
(the stuff I am thinking of is not bias binding but I can't think of it's name).

[BloominNora]

Thanks for the replies - appliqué is not a bad idea - I like doing appliqué.

I was thinking about wool squares to save on the cost of the tweed (been watching bundles on eBay - and the price that some of the offcuts which barely add up to a metre square go for.

Think a trip down the charity shop for wool and tweed suits might be in order - the felting thing could work.

What about backing - I don't really want to have to do the second side in tweed - was thinking about flannel which is a bit cheaper or just going for basic fleece?

What do you think?

[ArtisanLentilWeaver]

Look through the charity shops for a wool blanket and use it for the backing.

[Solo]

BloomingNora Going to charity shops will get more for your money I expect. Maybe even ask if they would sell you damaged wool items cheaply?!
I would use a fleece to back it. It's soft and warm, not to mention cheap! especially from Ikea!

[BigBoobiedBertha]

Yes, fleece is pretty cheap. I think it is about £2.99 per metre round here and I presume you wouldn't need more than 2 m's?

If you have a backing (which I would recommend so you can hide or the losoe ends, seams and whatnot), have you thought about how you are going to attach it to the front? It won't be enough to just join the edges. Personally I would put a cross stitch through each corner of the individual squares, going through all the layers. You could use the knitting yarn for that and make a feature of it.

What you don't want it to just sewing around the edges and have the back and front loose and baggy so that it gets all misshapen.

Sorry if you have already thought of that.

[Solo]

Or you could put buttons on each corner (the squares corners).

[Pennythedog]

I like the idea of fleece backing which is ever so soft and then attaching tweed and wool patches to the front. You could mix in some other fabrics as well so it isn't so costly.

Why don't you google it there are bound to be loads.

This one is quite nice www.etsy.com/listing/157439253/felted-wool-sweater-fair-isle-blanket?ref=cat_list_24

[Pennythedog]

This one shows the wool patches attached to the fleece. I really like it!

www.etsy.com/listing/164303052/knit-baby-blanket-baby-quilt-fleece?ref=cat_list_11

[Solo]

Ikea do very reasonably priced fleece blankets.

[BigBoobiedBertha]

Nice buttons would be lovely. I would have wooden ones I think but you could even make your own and use some of your fabric.

Love that knitted blanket Pennythedog linked to. Not sure I would pay £75 for it. I know how much it costs to make and the cost of the time to make it and that anything less won't make the maker any money but it seems a lot for what it is. I suppose that is why it is so hard to make serious money out of crafts.

[Solo]

Don't ask BBB, don't ask!

[Pennythedog]

Sorry, I more meant the blankets I linked to as inspiration. I don't have that kind if money to buy one but I quite fancy having a go at making the baby one. I have lots of bright wool and fleece blankets we got on a flight this summer. Just got to find the time!!

[BigBoobiedBertha]

No, I know PennytheDog but it was still quite a surprise to see the prices. I am sure that is what they are worth in terms of materials and time too but seeing it written down like that focuses the mind and reminded me that a homemade gift is not just worth the sentimental value iyswim.

The OP's brother is getting a great gift!

[Chocolateteabag]

There are some lovely tweed patchwork blankets in Pinterest like this one

I know what you mean about eBay prices - patch work tweed is vv "in" currently.

You can build your stash slowly by ordering fabric samples Fabrics and Papers will send you 5 decent sized samples for free?

[Pennythedog]

That's lovely Teabag!!

Better get a move on OP,

[Pennythedog]

Not long until Christmas.

[Solo]

Ooooooh! I love that Chocolateteabag! that is gorgeous