.png)
How I upcycled a 1920s quilt into keychains
November 2025
The Cat Nap key fobs were crafted from a tattered 1920s hand pieced and quilted blanket. In total, it took 15 hours to salvage and reinforce the fabric to be usable as keychain. The Rough and Ready key fobs and key wristlets underwent a similar process but was not nearly as intensive. ​​
​​​​​​​​​​First, the exquisite quilt top was delicately unpicked from the unsalvageable batting and backing fabric. This took 8 hours and doesn't account for the many play breaks with Bernadette who took a rather keen interest in the fabric.​​
Next, I mapped out where to cut 4" wide strips so contrasting fabric patterns would line up at the center fold. I cut 4" x 8" rectangles and ironed fusible interfacing onto the wrong side of the fabric (use a pressing cloth!).
I folded the piece lengthwise to make a 1" x 8" "hot dog" and inserted a 1" wide strip of batting. ​​​
The fabric hot dogs were then edge-stitched on both sides, folded widthwise, and two lines are stitched at the end. Finally, the hardware is attached using a key fob pliers tool.
