Creating A Wedding Guest Book Quilt: A Guide

A wedding guest book quilt is a unique way to capture your guests' well-wishes on your special day. It involves asking your guests to sign and decorate fabric squares, which are then sewn together to create a quilt. This can be a fun and creative activity for your guests and a beautiful keepsake for you. To make a wedding guest book quilt, you will need fabric, markers or pens, and other decorations such as beads or sequins. You will also need to cut out fabric squares, preferably with a seam allowance, and provide instructions for your guests to ensure their messages are visible after sewing. After your wedding, you can assemble and sew the squares together, adding borders and loops if you plan to hang your quilt. Finally, you can stitch the quilt layers together and admire your one-of-a-kind creation!

Choosing the right fabric

Fabric Type

It is recommended to use light-coloured fabrics for the quilt squares that will be signed by guests. This provides a good basis for readable messages and signatures. Look for fabrics with a similar material composition, as this will make it easier to sew the pieces together evenly. Monochrome and patternless fabrics are also good choices, as they provide a blank canvas for your guests' creativity.

Fabric Durability

Consider the durability of the fabric and whether it will be sturdy enough for your project. For example, home décor fabric can be a good option as it is usually sturdier than quilting cotton. This is especially important if you plan to display the fabric squares at the wedding and want them to hold up throughout the event.

Fabric Colour

When choosing the colour of your fabric, consider your wedding colour scheme and select shades that complement it. Keep in mind that some colours, like coppery/rose gold, can be tricky to find. You can also incorporate leftover fabric from other wedding projects, such as groomsmen bow ties, to create a cohesive look.

Fabric Preparation

Before cutting your fabric into squares, be sure to wash and iron it. This will make it easier to work with and ensure that your quilt lies flat when finished. It is also recommended to cut out extra fabric squares, as guests may need multiple attempts or some couples may prefer to use one square each.

Fabric Size

The size of your fabric squares depends on your preferred size for the quilt. Typically, 9-inch squares are a standard choice, but you can adjust the size according to your desired quilt dimensions. Remember to leave enough room around the edges of each square for seam allowances, and clearly communicate this to your guests when they are signing the fabric.

By following these tips, you'll be able to choose the right fabric for your wedding guest book quilt, ensuring a beautiful and meaningful keepsake from your special day.

Preparing the squares

The first step in preparing the squares for your wedding guest book quilt is to decide on the size and number of squares you will need. Most people opt for squares that are around 9 inches, but you can choose whatever size you prefer. It's a good idea to cut out more squares than you think you will need, just in case some get damaged or guests need to redo their messages. Aim for around 100 squares, and remember that some couples may choose to share a square.

Once you have decided on the size, it's time to start cutting! You can use a variety of fabrics, but try to choose fabrics of a similar type so that they are easier to sew together later. Light-coloured, monochrome, and patternless fabrics are best, as they provide a good base for writing and won't distract from the messages and signatures. If you want to add some interest, you can use a mix of prints and solids, or include some leftover fabric from other wedding projects, such as bow ties or table runners.

After cutting out your squares, it's important to wash and iron the fabric. This will make it easier to work with and will ensure your quilt is clean and wrinkle-free. Then, you will need to mark a frame on each square, indicating the area where guests should write their messages. This is important because you will need to leave a seam allowance around the edges of each square when you sew them together. You can use tailor's chalk to draw the frames, and be sure to leave a 0.5 cm seam allowance on each side.

Finally, it's time to set up your guest book table! Bring your stack of fabric squares and some markers to the table, and don't forget to add a sign reminding guests to leave enough room for the seam allowances. You can use fabric markers or sharpies, but be sure to test them first to ensure they don't smudge or fade over time. You may also want to provide clipboards or a hard, flat surface for guests to write on, as this will make the process easier for them.

Now you're all set for your wedding guests to sign their names, leave advice, and share their well-wishes!

Guest instructions

Welcome, and thank you for sharing our special day with us! We're so glad you're here. We have a slightly unusual guest book for you to sign today. We would like you to leave your well-wishes, advice, and notes on the fabric squares provided.

Please ensure you keep your message within the inner square of the fabric, leaving enough room at the edges for seam allowances. You can use the markers provided to write your message, or get creative with your decorations. We will be sewing the squares together after the wedding to create a quilt, so please make sure your message is secure and won't come off with handling.

If you need any help, please ask one of our guest book attendants, who will be happy to assist you. Thank you for your contribution to our unique guest book!

Displaying the squares

Before the Wedding:

Before the big day, it is important to plan how you will display the unsigned squares for guests to write on. You can set up a guest book table with a sign instructing guests to leave enough room for seam allowances. Provide a basket of unsigned squares and markers or fabric pens for guests to use. You may also want to consider providing clipboards or a hard, flat surface for guests to write on to stabilise the squares.

During the Wedding:

There are several ways to display the squares during the wedding. One option is to hang them up for all to see. You can use jute cord, clothespins, and decorative washi tape to create a fun display. Alternatively, you can use a wooden photo display, adding a supporting beam to make it stand up on its own. You can also display the squares on a table, but be sure to choose a tablecloth that you don't mind getting messy!

After the Wedding:

Once the wedding is over, it's time to start thinking about how you want to display the finished quilt. If you plan to hang the quilt, consider adding borders and loops to the top for easy hanging. Find a special place in your home to hang it, such as a blank wall that needs a pop of colour and personality. If you prefer to use the quilt as a blanket, consider displaying it on a bed or folded over a chair or couch.

No matter how you choose to display the squares, the important thing is that they represent the love and well-wishes of your guests, creating a unique and meaningful keepsake from your special day.

Sewing the quilt

Once all the squares are collected, it's time to start sewing! This part of the process can be quite challenging and time-consuming, but it will be worth it in the end when you have a beautiful quilt full of well-wishes from your loved ones. Here are some tips to help guide you through the sewing process:

• Before you begin sewing, it's important to lay out all the squares and plan your pattern. Try to group specific friends and family together in a way that makes sense to you. This will make it easier to sew the squares together in a logical order.
• When sewing the squares together, work row by row to avoid confusion and ensure that all seams match up neatly.
• Use a sewing machine foot with a guide to ensure that all seams are an equal distance from the sides. This will give your quilt a neat and professional look.
• If you want to add borders to your quilt, cut strips of fabric to your desired width and sew them along the sides of your patchwork. Borders can add a nice finishing touch to your quilt.
• Ironing your seams is an important step that should not be skipped. It may be tedious, but it will ensure that your quilt lays flat and looks neat. Iron the seams towards the side of the darkest fabric to minimize the chance of the lighter fabric shining through.
• When it comes to stitching everything together, it's best to use a sewing machine with Integrated Dual Transportation. This feature helps distribute the upper and lower layers evenly through the machine, preventing any shifting of the fabric.
• If you don't have a quilting foot for your sewing machine, don't worry! You can still sew your quilt by hand. It will be a labour of love and will add a special touch to your creation.
• Finally, don't forget to add any finishing touches, such as piping or loops if you plan to hang your quilt. These details will make your quilt unique and truly one-of-a-kind.

Remember, this is your creation, so feel free to get creative and make it your own! Sewing a wedding guest book quilt is a fun and meaningful project that will result in a cherished keepsake for years to come.

Frequently asked questions