Paper Quilts Teach the History of Quiltmaking

Paper Quilts

As I skimmed a news article recapping the events in a particular town for 2008, I saw a reference to “paper quilts.”  The fourth grade students made a paper “quilt” after learning about the history of American quilting.

This reminded me of a quilt that hung in the lobby of the Pease Public Library for about a month after the end of the summer reading program.  This was a paper quilt created by the youngsters who participated in a particular reading project.  This “quilt” was lovely and caught my attention each time I stopped by our town library.

Because the quilt was made by youngsters of different ages, some blocks were more precise than others.  But the whole effect was striking, particularly to someone interested in quiltmaking.

If you don’t have time to go into fabric quiltmaking when working with youngsters, why not try paper quilt projects?  These are fun and can teach youngsters about the history of this art.  The projects can consist of individual ones or a joint one, such as that at the Pease Public Library.

Here are some ideas:

• Paper patchwork placemats that can be laminated for actual use.
• Mini quilts to hang on the wall.
• A joint project with each participant contributing one block.
• Greeting cards or postcards.  These can be scanned and printed off in multiples.
• Picture frame

 These items also can include mixed media if you incorporate fabric pieces along with the paper.  Add embellishments, too.

What have you done in the paper quilt or patchwork area with youngsters?