As someone who never really knew how to sew, you can take it from me that anyone can do this. Fabric glue is working out quite well, and I bet you already have some Sharpies. Other materials we've collected for our own squares are fake fur, felt, buttons, iron-on transfers which work well with computer programs, iron-on lettering, applicques, and fabric paint.
One class practiced RE-REcycling when they suggested that the kids use outgrown or worn out clothing for their fabric squares. The double recycling happened when they used old (and colorful) fleece since fleece is already made out of recycled plastic bottles!
As these recycled squares have come together, we've noticed that the overall feel of the blanket is wonderfully soft and broken in.
BTG Panel 2
Step One: Design your Square
Before you begin designing your square, we found that it's a good idea to make a 12 X 12 inch square of white paper to sketch your design. If it's a design you'd want to piece together in fabric, you can cut out the shapes to trace on the fabric pieces before cutting them out.
Don't forget to reserve the lower right-hand corner for your first name (last name optional), age, city, state and country.
For design ideas, surf the web for photos and drawings of nature or think about things you like to do outside. You can choose your favorite animal or just make a statement about conservation, pollution, or whatever comes to mind about your future on earth.
Step Two: Make your Square
Choose your materials carefully.
Remember that the blanket will be folded and unfolded every time it is displayed, so durability is crucial. A medium-weight, non-stretch fabric such as a cotton duck or poplin works best. We've found that stretchy jersey fabric or lycra doesn't work well at all.
A Panel of (real) Pandas
In constructing your square you may want to use some of the following techniques and materials, but even the simplest techniques are welcome:
Applique: Sew fabric, letters and small patches onto the background fabric. Do not rely on glue - it won't last.
Paint and fabric pens: Stick to the less puffy paints, like Tulip matt paints and use sparingly. Sharpie pens are good but can "bleed" on some fabrics. Test it before you find out the hard way!
Quilting and Sewing: Quilting has made for some of the most creative squares. Not everyone has access to a sewing machine, so gluing on fabric pieces with a glue gun or fabric glue can achieve nearly the same affect.
Stencils: Trace your design onto the fabric with a pencil, lift the stencil, then use a brush to apply textile paint or indelible markers.
Collage: Make sure that whatever materials you add to the panel won't tear the fabric (avoid glass and sequins for this reason), and be sure to avoid very bulky objects.
Photos: The best way to include photos or letters is to photocopy them onto iron-on transfers, iron them onto 100% cotton fabric and sew that fabric to the panel. You may also put the photo in clear plastic vinyl and sew it to the panel
Buttons, ribbons, iron-on letters, etc.
Otherwise, be creative. Anything goes.
If you're doing this with friends or siblings, feel free to attach the squares together into a panel. If the squares are not exactly a foot square, don't worry about it. We expect this to be an eclectic collection.
