Touch Quilts
Touch Quilts for People with Dementia
Touch Quilts Information - for a downloadable copy of this information please click the PDF link at the bottom of the page.
There are lots of ways to make Touch Quilts, here are some ideas:
Touch quilts are nine patch knee quilts 24”x24” made with a variety of coloured and textured fabrics.
They have extra things sewn on to occupy the person with dementia or Alzheimers e.g. zippers, ribbons, buttons.
Safety is a key so don’t use sharp objects, i.e. no metal zips.
No Velcro as it can tear the skin.
Everything needs to withstand commercial washing machine and dryer.
Everything needs to be sewn on very robustly!
Fabrics are bright and colourful, furnishing fabrics with texture,
faux fur etc.
How to make a Touch quilt
Cut 9 squares 8½” x 8½” to make a 9-patch knee quilt. You may use ½” seams to accommodate different thicknesses of fabric. Sew the 9 patches together and top stitch seams so thick fabric sits flat. It’s often not possible to press seams open.
Batting is optional but needs to be light so it is not too thick for frequent washing and drying.
For backing – use any fabric that will stick to the knees e.g. polar fleece, brushed cotton, i.e. not slippery fabric.
When you are ready to sew the front and back together – “Bag” front and back – right sides together leaving 6” opening to turn quilt in the right way.
Or you can bind the Touch Quilt using any available fabric- in this case you won’t bag the quilt but have wrong sides together with 1/4” or ½” seam all around. Then bind the Touch Quilt (see utube for instructions).together with 1/4” or ½” seam all around. Then bind the Touch Quilt (see utube for instructions).
Stitch through all layers near all seam lines to hold everything firm.
Sew through all layers when attaching zippers, ribbons, buttons and button holes, men’s ties, lace, laces(not too long) soft string or wool to twiddle, pockets.
Leave some patches free of attachments as the fabric itself has an interesting texture.
Some appliqué designs are suitable if sewn firmly. They will have to withstand commercial washing machine.
Use your walking foot to cope with thick seams
Most of all, Touch Quilts are
Made with Love
Clare has made many of these Touch Quilts along with Members of Kapiti Coast Quilters Guild.
Feel free to get in touch with Clare for ideas or encouragement to make your own Touch Quilts
Touch Quilt – Made with love by clare@cenacle.org.nz
This Touch quilt was made for a friend who used to have a pig farm, loved travelling, played sport, especially softball.