Quilt Ideas for Men

Fabrics

• Forget the gingham checks, cute duckies and delicate flowers. Quilts for men require masculine fabrics in bold prints and masculine colors. Think checks, plaids, browns, blues and forest greens. If it would look at home in a hunting lodge or a tavern, the man in your life might like it too. Or go to the source and create a quilt from all his old favorite shirts or ties or in the colors of his favorite sports team.

Patterns

• Leave grandma's flower garden and anything Victorian for the women. Search quilt books for masculine patterns such as log cabin, pickaxe or buzzsaw. Choose bold geometric designs or a sports or farm theme, depending on the interest of the man. Personalizing a quilt for the recipient is a good idea, whether the quilt is for a man or a woman. For the man in your life, incorporate a favorite sport or hobby into your quilt's design. Choose a wildlife influenced pattern for a hunter or fisherman or one related to building for a carpenter.

Quilting

• Like the fabric and pattern, the quilting should reflect a more masculine bend. For some patterns, simple outline quilting will work well. Or choose a repeat pattern with a nature, sports or work- related theme, such as leaves, footballs or hammers. Help the quilt stand up to long use and washing by machine quilting. For thicker quilts, you might want to tack the layers together, rather than quilting the entire surface. Keep the borders simple and clean, without ruffles, scallops or other frills.

Other Considerations

• Men appreciate softness and comfort as much as anyone. Flannel quilts, like flannel shirts, appeal to many men. Or choose a rugged denim or corduroy. Natural cotton batting produces a less puffy quilt which may appeal to men and it wears well. If you're unsure what the man you want to quilt for will like, take a clue from the clothes he wears and the things with which he surrounds himself. Use these to design the right quilt for him.