Bugs-on-a-Quilt

crayola supplies

Fabric Crayons
Pointed Tip Scissors

household supplies

recycled newspaper
white paper
sewing needle & thread (adult use only)
sandpaper
fabric
iron (for adult use only!)
batting and fabric backing

Why

Kids and grownups alike go bug-eyed over this quilt, swarming with bees and other insects. Children will be snug as a bug when they wrap their imaginations, insect knowledge, and creativity into this decorative quilt.

Steps

1. Cut sandpaper into rectangles with Crayola® Scissors.
2. Draw big, bright bugs on each piece of sandpaper, pressing firmly with Crayola Fabric Crayons. Remember, your designs will be reversed when they are transferred to fabric.
3. In a safe place to iron, make an ironing pad of recycled newspaper. Cover the newspaper with large sheets of white paper.
4. Place a quilt-size piece of synthetic fabric (not 100% cotton) on the ironing pad. On top of the fabric, lay the sandpaper designs face down next to each other. Top with another piece of large white paper.
5. Ask an adult to set the iron for cotton. When the iron is hot, the adult places it in one spot, press down, then lifts and moves the iron to another spot. Repeat until all designs are transferred to the fabric.
6. Ask an adult to sew batting and another piece of fabric to the back of the bug designs to finish the quilt.

When & Where

"Projects that involve the kids all week are our first choice. Bugs-on-a-Quilt tied in with our nature theme."
- Jammal H., camp counselor.

"We created our quilt at a family reunion picnic. Everyone had a favorite bug they wanted to add."
- Helen G., grandmother of 10 children ages 2 to 15.

Interesting Info

American artist Grant Wood, who created the famous American Gothic painting, worked for the U.S. Army during World War I designing camouflage clothing. Art comes alive on textiles, including rugs, placemats, linens, and clothes.

Safety Guidelines

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.

Fabric Crayons or Melting Crayons—Melt crayons in a well-ventilated area. Overheating wax crayons during melting or ironing may release irritating fumes. Ironing should be done by an adult.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.