How to Keep Your Quilt Collection from Taking Over Your House (and Your Life!)
I know you know the feeling: yet another gorgeous quilt, hot off the sewing machine, joining the ever-growing pile in the closet or threatening to topple the guest bed. You (and I) have made quilts for all the family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. We’ve made quilts for graduations, weddings and babies. Maybe even some retirement and memory quilts too. And yet, I still have so many quilts I want to make, I bet you do too.
The joy of quilting is real, but let’s be honest—what on earth do you do with all these quilts once you get them done? You love them, but you don’t want your home to look like a quirky quilt museum (unless you’re into that, no judgment!).
I also know that some of you may be reading this and thinking – What the heck is she talking about? There can never be too many quilts. Here’s the thing … We have a very small house, with only so much storage space. There is a single wall big enough to display a quilt, and it’s already showing off some silk shawls I was gifted while I was working in India. That wall is taken. All the rest of the walls are filled with windows or interesting roof angles.
At last count, eight quilts were sitting on top of the chest at the end of the bed (and the chest is also filled with quilts). Under the bed are four large quilt storage bags filled with antique quilts (some of the very same ones we played with when I was a child). We don’t have a guest room (unless you count the trailer – I have two quilts in there, too). There are also a couple of quilts living on the back of the couch – those get used a lot.
As a busy pattern designer, you know I have sample quilts for all my patterns tucked away (sort of) in my sewing room. Even if you aren’t a pattern designer, if you’ve read this far, I’m guessing that you have a pretty big stack of quilts too.
I have a list of ideas for displaying, using and donating our beautiful quilts that might help.
Displaying Your Quilts: Keep It Fun, Not Stuffy
Let’s celebrate your artistry! You don’t have to go full-on gallery mode. Here are a few fun ideas to show off your quilts while still keeping your home cozy and cool:
- Rotating Displays: Hang a favorite quilt in a spot that catches the eye—a wall, the back of a sofa, over the staircase—and swap them out every season. It keeps things interesting and gives each quilt its moment in the spotlight.
- Quilt Ladders: Lean a snazzy ladder against the wall and drape a few quilts on the rungs. It’s a simple, stylish way to keep them handy (and show them off to your friends when they come to visit.
- Table Runners & Throws: Who says quilts are only for beds? Lay a small one across your table or toss one on a chair for a pop of color and instant coziness.
- Guest Room Decor: Make your guests feel extra special with a quilted welcome—stack a few on a chair, at the foot of the bed, or layer them up for flair.
- Artful Folding: Fold or roll quilts and stack them on open shelves or in baskets. Suddenly, your stash is part of your home’s decor—easy!
- Shadow Boxes: Frame mini quilts or blocks in shadow boxes for a fun twist on wall art. Instant gallery vibes!
Quilts in Action: Everyday Adventures
Quilts aren’t just for looking at—they’re made for living! Try these ideas to keep your quilts out of storage and in the action:
- Picnic Blankets: Grab a quilt, head to the park or your back yard, and enjoy a picnic (or a nap in the sun!).
- Play Mats: Quilts make awesome play mats for little ones or grandkids. Bonus: they wash up easily.
- Seasonal Decor: Swap out quilts for holidays or seasons. Autumn leaves in the fall, bright flowers in spring, your home will never feel “cookie cutter”. I have a gorgeous holiday quilt and coordinating tree skirt that come out the day after Thanksgiving every year.
- Car Quilts: Keep a quilt in your car for chilly evenings, road trips, or impromptu stargazing nights. Store them in a pillowcase so they don’t get dirty while they are waiting to be used. I wish we’d done that with the quilts we used in the car when I was a kid. They got pretty worn with kids and dogs laying on them all the time.
Spreading the Love: Quilt Donations
If your stash of completed quilts is officially out of control, why not share the warmth? Donating quilts is an amazing way to make someone’s day, and there are tons of ways to do it:
- Local Hospitals: Many hospitals love receiving quilts for patients—especially kids, newborns, and anyone needing a little extra comfort.
- Charities & Shelters: Homeless shelters, women’s shelters, and foster care agencies are always grateful for cozy quilts.
- Nursing Homes: Brighten a resident’s room with a quilt—instant smiles and maybe a few happy tears.
- Disaster Relief: Some organizations send quilts to families rebuilding after natural disasters. Your quilt could mean a fresh start and some much-needed comfort.
- Quilt Guild Projects: If you’re in a quilt guild, see if they organize donation drives or have a favorite cause—they’ll help your quilt find a good home.
- Fundraisers: Donate a quilt for a raffle or auction to support your favorite charity. Everyone loves a chance to win a handmade treasure!
- Teen Parent Programs: My daughter is a counselor at a local high school. They have a teen parent program; it’s geared to support the teen parents so they can stay in school and graduate. A couple times each year they have a baby shower for 8 – 10 teens. A quilt is a wonderful gift for a teen going through a challenging time. Interested in donating quilts for this program? Reach out to me using the CONTACT FORM and I’ll get you connected with the school.
- Here are a few more ideas for donating quilts to organizations doing good work.
Final Thoughts: Quilts Make the Best Gifts
Never underestimate the power of a handmade quilt as a gift. Birthdays, weddings, graduations, or just a random act of kindness—your quilt will be cherished for years. Plus, you can keep a quilt journal or snap photos of your creations so the stories behind them live on with your family and friends.
So go ahead—keep stitching, keep gifting, and keep making the world cozier, one quilt at a time!