When is a Good Time to Have a Memorial Quilt Made?

Timing is completely on your schedule. It’s when you feel ready and comfortable. Everyone grieves differently; there’s no grieving timetable that everyone follows. 

I had one customer who lost her father. She brought me his things less than a week after his funeral because she needed something to wrap up in as quickly as possible. Another customer contacts me every year inquiring about making a quilt, but she is not quite ready to release her daughter’s clothes to have a quilt made. 

Sometimes, when we lose someone, and we begin thinking about creating a memory quilt our thoughts turn to surviving children, siblings, friends, etc., and the last person we think of is ourselves. Even if you’re not ready for a memory quilt or bear for yourself right now, we suggest putting some clothes aside. You’ll be happy that you did later.

Everyone is different, which is entirely understandable. We work with compassion and love with each memorial quilt that we create.

What Garments Can I Use in a Memorial Quilt?

Anything that says “dry clean only” on the label - such as suit material or neckties - can be used in quilts but that means your quilt will also need to be dry cleaned. If you’d like to be able to wash your quilt, then whatever you would normally throw in the wash is fine. That includes:

• Tees
• Sweatshirts
• Pants – jeans, washable dress pants, khakis
• Bathrobes
• Dress shirts
• Jackets – Denim jackets, windbreakers, etc.
• Socks and suspenders 
• Dresses 
• Flags and banners
• Scarves and Handkerchiefs
• Hats – baseball or knit or ski caps
• Pajamas
• Linens – tablecloths, towels, sheets, blankets, etc.
• Athletic clothes – jerseys, shorts, singlets, swimwear, etc.



Memorial Quilt Costs

Memorial quilts cost the same as regular T-shirt quilts. However, if the quilt includes more than five unique items such as flags, suspenders, socks, baseball hats, etc., there may be an additional cost. These items – called “sew-ons” - need to be cut and sewn onto another piece of material, which requires a little more time. 

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the situation, the loss of a loved one is always a painful process. If you’re a friend of someone and want to have a memorial quilt made for them, remember that timing is everything. While most would agree that a quilt or a memory bear is much easier to cuddle with than a pile of clothes, you have to be sensitive to your friend’s needs and their timing. Even if your intentions are sincere, they may not be ready. Talk to them and be patient.

I’m Here if You Need Me

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me. I’d be happy to speak with you – call me at (810) 250-1825 or email me at meg@megsquiltedmemories.com.