Create a Paper Quilt Collage

Quilts are commonly made by sewing carefully measured pieces of fabric together to create an impressive repeating pattern. Quilts are works of art and often represent seasons in life or milestones, such as the birth of a child, a marriage, or other special moments.

Making a quilt is an act of love, skill, and patience.

For this reason, we’re using quilts as inspiration for a Grandparents’ Day craft. The national holiday is celebrated in September to honor the bonds we form with family members who pave the way for the next generation. Handmade gifts are always a joy to receive!

Quilt-inspired designs can be created with a variety of materials using a collage technique with paper, lace, colored images, photos, etc. This mixed-media style craft makes it a lovely exploration of creativity for people of all ages, including children.

Before You Begin

Read (or listen) to the book The All-Together Quilt by Lizzy Rockwell. It explores the process and the shapes that come together to create various designs. The story encourages readers to experiment with colors, pairs, and layouts to visualize all the possible outcomes while creating a patchwork art piece. It also pays homage to the community aspect of working with many others on one project.

Watch our friend Grace (age 8) create a paper quilt for extra inspiration. She made a 4-by-4 design with 16 squares. You can dream up anything! She likes animals, football, and polka dots. What will you put on yours?

Gather Materials

• Variety of different papers
• Fabric
• Ribbon
• Photographs
• Drawing materials
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Additional collection of collage materials

Start Creating

Talk about different interests, relationships with people and friends, important memories, or other ideas your child wishes to share. Record your child’s thoughts and connect their ideas with different materials. Encourage them to collage their story.

The goal is to guide them to create a personal narrative that allows them to share more of who they are, what they like, etc. It’s an expressive and meaningful experience (and gift).

Have your child create squares. Consider cutting them in half to mix different triangles together to form new squares. They can add photos, draw pictures, write words, or anything else to communicate their creativity.

When your child is all done creating each piece, form your paper quilt by gluing the edges to each other or onto a sheet of plain paper that acts as the backing.  

For Younger Children
Toddlers and 2-year-olds will not be creating a narrative but love experimenting with all the same materials. Invite your child to make a quilt by offering photographs and small pieces of paper. Encourage your child to glue the pieces together to make a quilt-inspired collage.

Remember, your child doesn’t have to create a precise square or rectangle.

Just enjoy the act of creating it together! If you’re giving it away as a gift, consider helping your child sign their name, write a note, or even add their handprint as an added keepsake.