Zak Foster and his burial quilts

Short documentary by Michael Hull of ‪@FifthColumnFilmsUS‬
→ Follow Zak on INSTAGRAM / zakfoster.quilts
→ Get your free trial to his online community for quilters called the QUILTY NOOK nook.zakfoster.com/
→ Listen to my weekly podcast SEAMSIDE shorturl.at/awGKN

[@PaulaTalbert]

My 33 year old son had asked for a quilt, sadly he passed suddenly, a few weeks later. I finished the quilt, took it to the funeral, turned it over and had sharpies that anyone could write on the quilt back, then we put it in his coffin with him.

[@janetneely5846]

So beautiful.

[@vivienmaverley22]

How lovely so touching, sad but beautiful bless you

[@rosemarymonty5399]

A beautiful thing to do.

[@JudithBrummett]

I see this video is a cpl years old but I just came across it. This is not (quite) a new idea ... I make Irish wedding quilts (our family have made them for generations) and gift them to newly weds. The quilt is traditionally a Road to Dublin or Irish chain and is quilted in 2 halves. One half for the female (usually hearts) and one half ( clovers) for him. in the center is a small "channel" of dense quilting about 2 inches wide. I usually use a border pattern of dense cables but it can be as simple as cross hatching. The couple use it in life, and when one dies it is cut (YES! I said cut!) up the middle channel and the male half is buried with the female and the female half is buried with the male. This way the surviving spouse can sleep with their loved one till THEIR death and will be comforted with the warmth of it. Also a lot of them are not washed after the passing of their loved one so their scent lingers in the fabric. The quilts are sometimes called Death or funeral quilts but I just call them love quilts. Of course every generation adds their own interpretation and ideas to the tradition. We also do not make them for ourselves. Bad luck I guess lol.

[@squadiodatamj5998]

Thank you @JudithBrummett for sharing this Irish quilt tradition. You've done a great job explaining the wonderful details of how it works and what you do in the quilts you create.

[@lake8836]

Wow. Just, Wow! Brings me to tears just reading this.

[@gr8fng]

Oh what a lovely tradition thank you so much for sharing ❤

[@dawnesmith-sliming7004]

I was wondering how the quilt could become 2 pieces. From your description I imagine enough quilting between the two halves so that once cut the new edge/side doesn’t have to be bound because it is secure enough to use. Am I correct? I have to go google this now. :)

[@JudithBrummett]

@@dawnesmith-sliming7004 yes. It is just cut up the middle and can be washed. I DO put a double zig zag stitch down mine even if I hand quilt it.

[@dianethequilter]

Zach, what a wonderful idea. I have Indian friends and I know they get buried with a big star quilt. I was approached some years ago with a big black trash bag full of toddler clothes. The mom asked me if I would make a quilt for her three-year-old From his old clothes. It wasn’t until she picked up the finish quilt that she shared with me that her son had strangled himself by accident with a window blind cord. Her and I cried together, and I never charged her for the quilt. Although, she didn’t bury it with her child her and her husband used it on their bed as it was a king size quilt. Thank you for this loving and caring video. I am going to share it with all my quilting, friends

[@squadiodatamj5998]

And thank you @dianethequilter for sharing this beautiful story here. I was meant to happen upon Zak's video and to read your story today. So meaningful in so many ways to me.

[@evonne315]

❤❤❤

[@kathleen2020]

When my mom passed away, the undertaker used a quilt to cover her body before she was taken to the funeral home. I thought how nice it was to use a quilt instead of a white sterile looking sheet. My mom was a quilter. I felt it was a fitting tribute to her. It was also a comfort for me. ❤️

[@IrishAnnie]

That was very eloquent to cover her with. Very sweet. She would have loved it.

[@FrauMona2023]

My mom passed away, not so long ago. Now I have to sell all her patchwork and quilting stuff. There are many unfinished quilted squares, that she never make to a blanket. One of the square is now by her best Friend. She will make a pillowcase out of that. One square is in a picture frame, which is bought by an old lady. Four of them are bought by a young woman, she will make handbags out of it for her fashion design school project. One square I have also framed and hang as a picture in my home. There are many more remaining. I hope that all get a new, lovely home and use. I love the idea, that this way many people can have a piece of my moms time, love and passion she put in all of her quilting. Best wishes from north Germany!

[@juliarisi8385]

What a beautiful way to share her and her quilting with others . I just love that as a mother and a quilter. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@marieross]

What a lovely young man you are, a credit to your Grandma😊

[@zakfoster.quilts]

You are so kind! thank you

[@jeannegow2144]

I agree....you honour your Grandma everyday with the work you do and the way you think❤bless you

[@christinerodda3272]

When I was growing up, every quilt was a memory quilt, because it was made from leftover fabric. Both of my parents sewed and gave the scraps to Grandma, who then made us quilts!

[@anitagoodwin9725]

I’m 67 years old and still have the twin quilt that my paternal grandma made me at six my teddy bear and bible all to be buried with me I am sure that I am the only one that treasures them and no one will feel obligated to keep them when I’m gone

[@nicolerose4980]

My daughter wants a natural burial and the place she wants to go allows her to be wrapped in one of the quilts I made for her…when I found this out it made me, I don’t know if happy is the right word but I liked the idea of her being wrapped in something that I made lovingly for her when she went back to the earth.

[@spearageddon3279]

Comforted might be a good word. 😊 That is lovely. I can't imagine any place that would NOT allow this, however. Shameful if so.

[@xiola]

​​​@@spearageddon3279if it's a natural burial i expect everything would have to be biodegradable and many blankets are not; even cotton quilts with "cotton" batting often have ~20% polyester scrim to strengthen the batting and prevent shredding/bunching (while others are 100% cotton or wool but that is increasinglt uncommon these days). So it is understandable that they may want to vet the materials they are burying.

[@22lyric]

​@@spearageddon3279I wonder if it needs to be (or should be) made only of cotton. I would think man made fibers would defeat the purpose.

[@southbug27]

It makes sense. Mothers wrap their babies in blankets & then tuck them in bed at night throughout their childhood so how comforting that you can basically tuck her in for the last time, & for her, how comforting to be tucked in by you through the blanket you’ve made. I’ve always tucked my niece in “like a burrito” when she stays with me. During Covid, my brother mentioned changes due to Covid & that she had started demanding: “Tou have to me in like a burrito, Daddy”. It was touching to me. It had just turned into a habit, but until then, I had no idea how comforting it was for her. My Mom died got ill & died at the end of Covid. My niece will ask me to put lotion on her feet & to pet her back & cuddle her like my Mom would do. It’s the same thing my Mom, grandmother, & great-grandmother would do when I was a little kid. Until she started bringing it up, I’d forgotten how loved & safe I felt when any of them would rock me in their laps in the rocking chair, cuddle & pet on me. #RIP to all our loved ones who have passed & are dearly missed. prayers 🥲🙏🏼💒

[@dandelion1239]

Where does she want to go?

[@NadoCrowFriend]

I just happened upon your channel this evening & immediately smiled: Someone else out there feels like I do about burials & quilts. In 2018 I buried my sweet Mom, and she was wrapped like a baby in the quilt I made her while she was alive. I think the idea of quilts being used in after care of a loved one, is fabulous!

[@shamrock4500]

I made my parents a quilt over 30 years ago, they both passed rather quickly. When sorting out the house I found the quilt. It is in my sewing room waiting to be repaired. My mom washed the heck out of it, I cherish it.

[@ThePatchin]

Fabulous idea. Would be like being buried in a giant hug.

[@zakfoster.quilts]

[@sadiejosiemom]

I think it's nice to add a memento in with the dead before burial. The first time I did this, was for my Dad. He passed in 1990. I had a wooden heart necklace he'd had made for me with my name on it so I put it in his coat jacket pocket, along with a photo of me and my 4 boys. I didn't want him to be alone. My mom passed in 2014 (she was 100) and I buried her with her favorite things - a sweatshirt I'd machine embroidered with "Mom" on front in the middle of a large flower heart and she had a favorite quilt she'd made out of polyester squares with a flannel backing. When my husband passed in 2017 I buried him in a shirt his mom had made him and a quilt one of his sisters made him. They both had an airplane theme because he flew AC airplanes. What I put in was a box with the ashes of his dog that died the year we were married. I sneaked it in down at his feet (because it's against the law to do that in my state). So I think this is a nice thing to do - if people are of a mind to.

[@rosemarymarie5595]

I am making a crazy quilt for my mom when she dies. 8 inch blocks. Using a lot of scraps from my 60 years of sewing. Machine embroidery, ribbon embroidery, hand embroidery, beads. Hummingbirds, compasses,she travels, flowers, flowers, flowers, trees, monograms. English Paper Piecing, crumb blocks. And she had six kids. So I'm including a sampler made with the six kids' names on and one that says mom is the heart of the home. And with six kids she has dozens of grandkids dozens and dozens of great-grandkids and have a dozen great greats. The back will be pieces with names written on. Sewn together after I get the pieces back. People tell me it's morbid. Mom says it's too fancy. That when she dies as I close the lid just pull it out and use it as a wall hanging. And I said oh no you're not coming back and haunting me😊

[@daylenestaneart775]

😂😂😂😂I love your sense of humor. 🤔🤔

[@bonnierobbins4230]

Hello! New Subscriber! Great first show to watch for me! Zak I've been quilting since 1990. Learned to sew on Grandma Fosters machine. And Grandma Robbins machine. First assignment from Mum go measure my bedroom windows and make the new curtains. I was 9yrs. Mom's gone now. She thought me sewing cooking cleaning home. My Aunt Nanny Dad's sister. Who was our neighbor thought me how to wash clothes using her fabulous wringer washer!! I loved that Nanny. And Mum! Now I sew on a Janome Workhorse model and Janome Serger. My 3 living son's. Loved coming into their bedroom to find a new quilt or summer shorts. On the bed! Gosh Zak that's forever ago.... Kiss Your Mom Bonnie Ohio 😊

[@zakfoster.quilts]

YOU GOT A GRANDMA FOSTER??

[@juliecumming9243]

I love this. My mum is making herself a burial quilt that will cover her coffin because she says the event will be hard enough for us without having to look at a wooden coffin. We don’t get rid of any old clothes that can be used in a quilt. I have pieces of my Grandmother’s dresses she wore in the 1950’s. I have pieces of my own, and my siblings clothes too and when I look at these treasures, I am transported back to my childhood. Love your video. ❤❤

[@zakfoster.quilts]

brilliant labor of love

[@Msviolet65]

When I saw you sewing barefoot i knew i was going to like you!! I have a hard time sewing with shoes on especially my right foot. My children use to laugh at me when id walk around with only one shoe on! Your quilts are stunning! I love how random yet not random they are. The jeans quilt i think is my favorite!

[@IrishAnnie]

I’m 70 and sew ON THE FLOOR. My mom said “How can you do that?” It’s very comforting me.

[@shodson314]

I agree, I saw the bare foot and thought yep, me too buddy! My children still laugh if they stop by and I’m wearing shoe.

[@sherrytrombetta6558]

My sister and I made a black wholecloth quilt for our Mom when she passed. We quilted it in lime green thread and placed it over her body in the casket at her funeral. Burial quilts go way back in history of USA. Our Mom was buried with her burial quilt.

[@22lyric]

I wish I'd known about it for my mom. Beautiful idea.

[@tarhabrown8038]

I love all your project bags. This is so me. I love your vibe and your eyes. You are a kind old soul. Thank you for your time and gentle consideration.

[@gailpape2927]

Sincere appreciation for your kind love in this work.

[@zakfoster.quilts]

absolutely my pleasure, Gail

[@HGD70]

My mom made a beautiful quilt for me with fabric from my dear uncle’s shirts, it’s such a treasure for me.

[@maryornelas]

Oh how special! You and your quilts ♥️😎 beautiful work! Thank you.

[@jimmiebruner4284]

This is such a beautiful and loving tribute to a loved one. Thank you for sharing this♥️

[@MelissaThompson432]

Since we're both Southern, instead of calling you a mensch, I'll just say, "I know your mama's proud of you!" What a lovely human! 🙂

[@margaretmurphy9498]

Quilts have a life of their own, dont they❤

[@zakfoster.quilts]

AMEN

[@shamrock4500]

I made my very first quilt at 18 years old, I was working on it when my baby first kicked, I finished it including breast milk stains 2 days before she was born, that was almost 50 years ago, and she still has it.

[@andreamaclachlan980]

What a beautiful and amazing gift you are giving!! I love the idea, and how you use fabric 'memories' to make these. I think these are the first random style quilts I have seen that have not only not jarred my brain, but have a unique attraction. I really like these. And I love the concept.

[@marietteestabrook4098]

You are amazing Zak! You need to teach a class. In your spare time of course!

[@patrickdempsey9886]

What a nice idea I just made a coffin out of pallet wood toe pincher style great way to use up waste timber or given it second life to stuff if I do say myself it looks good something nicer and homely about this It's a lot nicer than those shiny tin or piano shiny boxes that cost a fortune call it CASKET and basically look tacky Zac I love ❤️ your work God Bless

[@corrieboomgaard9205]

I am just unpicking my mother’s two dresses which I have kept for the last 30 years to make a quilt. I have to add in other fabrics as there won’t be enough but that does not bother me. Great idea to be buried in it. Only just came across you on Utube. Thanks for the video.

[@zakfoster.quilts]

I think that's beautiful, corrie

[@JeriBellini]

I made a quilt with my mom’s clothes and mixed in some of my own, maybe you can do something like that? So the two of you are one in the quilt.

[@cindyhappel7376]

Zach, this video just made me happy!! What a wonderful service you do for others. I am a quilter and this is one of the best uses for a quilt I can think of. Now, I will make my burial quilt also. I love making quilts for others and now I will make one for me. Keep doing what you do, it shows that it makes you happy and you are definitely making others happy with your craft. Blessings.

[@bonnierobbins4230]

Yes..Great Grandmother Foster. From Pennsylvania.

[@judyfargo8162]

What a wonderful attitude and talent you have! I hope your people know what a gem you are. Thank you for sharing not only your quilts but your endeavor.

[@Carrie_13]

I'm so glad I came across this, what a wonderful idea! I'm going to start making MY funeral quilt now too. I always told my kids I wanted a Viking funeral but as they aren't really legal here in Australia, I guess I'll have to settle for something more "normal" but I'll be wrapped up in something that will let ME go out in the way I want to! 🥰🥰

[@zakfoster.quilts]

ok but a funeral pyre is a pretty amazing idea

[@timbrut256]

You are adorable from your head to your cute little toes! I'm impressed with anyone that is able to make a sewing machine work without the use of bad language. Your quilts are beautiful, best wishes to you! Tim

[@rosemaryhanderson6122]

I love this. For two very close fiends who are tribal members locally here in Washington state I made quilts that went into the coffin. The second one was all flowers because when she as in hospital ICU she couldn’t have the flowers I brought so I made Hera flower hilt and her family put it over her in the casket. Both times I felt honored, they were lifelong close friends.

[@justseekingtruth3998]

Wonderful. It is such a comforting thing to think if weapping a lived ine up in a quilt made from love. ❤

[@janetwise3248]

Love your quilts. Also your realistic and compassionate attitude about death and it's surrounding rituals.

[@blookieblay]

Thank you Zak!! I had thought about something like this but thought people would laugh at me….Thank you for the inspiration and those of your subscribers I am now going to make a few of those…one for myself…it will be wrapped up. I am 60 but plan on living well over 100…so it will store for a little while. lol

[@bettyboop7928]

Wow. I enjoyed your video so much. And your 1/2 quilt is fabulous in every way.

[@zakfoster.quilts]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@christelgrimmer4478]

I made my second quilt for my mum, and gave it to her, when I went back to Germany for a visit . She told me she was using it for her afternoon naps and it was nice and warm. When mum passed, I asked dad to put that quilt into the casket with her, as my circumstances didn't allow me to go back home. I wasn't long widowed and had three children at school, and flights were expensive and long from and back to Australia. I felt something of me was with mum.

[@StephBer1]

Only a fellow Australian will appreciate just how hard and expensive it is to travel to Europe. It's wonderful that your Mum has a part of your love with her. I'm so sorry that you had to contend with both your husband and you mother passing relatively closely. I want to make a quilt for each of my children and I like Zak Foster's designs - that off-kilter pattern.

[@DawidKellerman]

You are handsome and his video brought some tears..

[@bzb2932]

Hey Zak, I love this idea. I've been a quilter for over 50 years and somehow I never heard of "burial quilts."

[@jessicam3676]

Thank you for passing through my video feed. I smiled the entire video. Just packed up around 50 quilts for my Mom in some better storage. That’s not all of them. They come through my Mom, Grandma, and all those that “needed saving”. Looking at your sewing machine reminded me of mine (gifted at age 18). It is so great to be a part of a younger generation of sewers and quilters taught by generations who’ve come before. Much gratitude.

[@lucilletorres5989]

Sooooooo beautiful - ALL of it❤

[@GLITTERandSKULLZ]

I made my Nanny two quilts and one was buried with her ❤

[@zakfoster.quilts]

that's so touching

[@honeyLXIX]

great point about how we have lost a lot of symbolic things through the loss of religion. quilts are a beautiful way to nourish ourselves symbolically with love, purpose, and meaning.

[@reneelabute5649]

I absolutely love this!!!!❤

[@MrJlepley]

Loved this video. It's nice to see other male quilters in action. Quilting is a creative outlet for me that I discovered late in life and that I thoroughly enjoy.

[@Sarah-bq7zo]

Beautiful idea, would know what quilt I would like to come with me at the end. Sure that it would soften the experience for everyone concerned. Also inspired to make a quilt from all my sons little shirts he had when he was a boy that I kept.

[@vivianramsay2527]

Zak, just finding your channel, enjoying your creative work ! My sister is the quilting queen in my family and was approached to make a memory quilt for a clients mother that could be used as a drape over the coffin instead of flowers. We had not ever heard of this type of thing but it was lots of fun getting together with the client and her mother to decide what they wanted on the quilt. It turned out so nice and the mother is happy to use it now and the dayghter is happy to know that it has lots of love and memories for them both! Im just proud to see that this is something that others are thinking about! Love your work ! Thank you for sharing !!

[@zakfoster.quilts]

I think that's beautiful

[@maryjokruer6127]

I plan on my grandmother’s quilt being draped over my coffin during visitation, then it will go to one of my kids. Never thought about making one that I would be wrapped in. Since I’ll be cremated after visitation, I don’t want it to be burned with me, so I guess I’ll have to give that some thought. Thanks for giving me that to think about!

[@zakfoster.quilts]

absolutely my pleasure

[@4starnova]

Sweet ❤ such a gift!

[@cab102361]

I know the funeral home thought I was nuts but I had my mom buried in a Jean jacket I embroidered for her.

[@marietteestabrook4098]

So what if the funeral home thought you were nuts. She was your Mom!

[@paulaneary7877]

Excellent. Just excellent.

[@gingerlancaster3033]

What a wonderful idea🥰

[@karlcallas8732]

Thanks Zak for showing us this wonderful work. For me your quilts are very inspiring. Greetings from Bad Essen, Germany.

[@lisasnyder2811]

We cremated my dad with the quilt that I made for him. I didn't want his wife to throw it away after he passed away

[@rosemaryhanderson6122]

❤

[@jonnaosborne1832]

I like your video very much, and many of your quilts remind me of the ones made by the Gees Bend Quilters. I have long loved the idea of memory quilts, and now I also like the idea of burial quilts. Thanks again.

[@lisaworkman4293]

Zack you are one in a million! I know because I quilt how much love and work goes into a quilt!

[@lizzyhazel4085]

I admire your work. I love that you use your grandma's sewing machine! I met Heidi for the first time, this past Thursday, at the quilt show in Madison, Wisconsin... What a treat! Thanks for the neat video.

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

What a great idea….I am new at quilting, my mind is spinning after watching your video. This quilt that can be split is AMAZING!

[@forestpkguy]

Wow what beautiful work. ❤

[@metamorphic8]

What a beautiful, loving sentiment, Zak 😍 Wondrous creations, yours! 😍🌈😍

[@patriciastreufert9636]

Beautiful quilts. Interesting story.

[@leesvision]

Very interesting. ❤ much love ❤️ 🙏

[@janetdwyer4492]

Your scrappy quilts make me think of the Ghee’s Bend quilts. Keep on stitchin’!

[@room2growrose623]

Oh man!! Always had my eye on a pine box, but this!! I love it! ❤

[@jackieraulerson2005]

My best to your grandma.

[@IngDebo]

Zak! I have that machine! It's amazing and so durable! I'm in NC too! You're amazing too! Too much coffee on my side, LOL.

[@ritaspeers1259]

Beautiful art!

[@moniemonie48]

Your video just popped up on my "front page" and I just had to watch. Such a lovely idea of being wrapped with a quilt that was (hopefully) made with love. Your projects/pieces are very awe inspiring!

[@michaelm5601]

This guy is incredible, this was very inspiritu❤al

[@jacqueguffey3673]

I love this so much!❤

[@katpuppy-love1923]

Love your work!

[@broomrider4699]

I have my step-dad’s favourite jumpers. 3 of them and they all still “smell” like him. I have been meaning to turn them into cushion covers.

[@dezertsky]

Sort of an amazing ministry to have.

[@IrishAnnie]

My husband has a whole drawer full of swim trunks! 😂😊

[@brookefeder8348]

This is so amazing! I'm crying with admiration and gratitude for these life lessons

[@wilycat5290]

Lovely quilts 😍 Thank you for the video 😊

[@helgamcmullen9362]

Oh my God you are beautiful, thank you for being so thoughtful. Blessings

[@erinpennington9716]

You are a true artist! Thank you for making this video.

[@barbaracoleman9215]

You my friend are amazing!

[@nbc911]

Your work is amazing 😊

[@tristadav]

Amazing!

[@user-pn5tp5ck1t]

How beautiful to make these special quilts. I’m a “crazy style” quilter. Now you gave me an idea for myself. Thank. I like the split quilt idea.

[@PatriciaG99]

I love this

[@robynhensel9307]

Your work is so heart felt..❤❤

[@cuteyrupert9483]

Truly Remarkable

[@patriciabethkedzlie7212]

A wonderful concept...

[@thecheekyquilters]

I also make memory quilts! You’re an inspiration. Thank you for sharing.

[@gailgaddy5340]

Very cool idea and interesting. Great luck Zak 😊

[@bogarte7185]

After my brother died I made a quilt from his shirts for our mother. We buried it with her.

[@alexasin5691]

love you mr. foster

[@dianareddell1496]

That’s a lovely idea. ❤

[@barbmckinlay5108]

You are a true fabric artist! I’ll be watching this again and again. Thank you.

[@eggandchips4t]

Same. It made me cry, as I have recently been bereaved.

[@barbmckinlay5108]

@@eggandchips4t 🤗

[@thecheshirecrafter4522]

What a wonderful idea. There's something natural and organic about cotton fabric being returned to the earth. It could be a lightweight one layer topper too. I love the idea of recycling the shorts for a memory quilt of happy times.

[@t.k3025]

Love this. Just subscribed.

[@jacquelineMeyers-is1zz]

I made 2 quilts for divorced parents of a child, out of only the childs clothes.

[@sshaw4429]

I make them for my pets. From the grooming scarves. ❤❤❤❤

[@zakfoster.quilts]

what a sweet idea

[@sshaw4429]

Beautiful idea. ❤❤❤

[@zakfoster.quilts]

Thank you! 😊

[@debrawitte8391]

yes. so, because of this video... i have decided to make a memory quilt, for my sister, to remember me by.