If you have a pile of clothing and T-shirts that have special meaning but don’t really know what to do with them, a T-shirt quilt may be the perfect solution. Not only will you get to revisit some old favorites as you work, but the finished quilt will have both sentimental and practical value.
Tips Before You Begin
Sewing and quilting with knit fabric is a different experience from using high quality quilter’s cottons. Because the fabric of a T-shirt is designed to be flexible and stretchy, pieces cut from the shirt will curl and flex out of shape as well. The T-shirts you’ve chosen for your project are likely well-loved memory pieces – and may not be in perfect condition. Laundering, wearing, and handling ages fabric, so some parts of your shirt may show extra signs of wear. The easiest way to prepare a knit fabric for quilting is to use a fusible, non-woven interfacing to prevent stretching and curling.
Related video: Types of Interfacing Fabric and Interfacing Sewing
(links to our sister site, National Sewing Circle)
Choosing a lightweight fusible interfacing to back your T-shirt pieces can help smooth out any uneven or worn patches and prevent your blocks from spreading out of shape. Depending on the size of your T-shirts, you’ll be able to stabilize four to eight shirts per yard of interfacing.
Heavy weight T-shirts, or those made from a thick or dense knit fabric that is less flexible and more sturdy, may not need stabilizer, but most lightweight to medium knits will benefit from adding a non-woven fusible interfacing as directed. Using a stabilizer helps to equalize your fabric weights by adding some additional heft to your T-shirts, allowing them to more closely mimic the weight and hand of a good quality quilter’s cotton. If you are unsure of how your knit will perform, cut a sleeve from the garment in question and apply fusible interfacing. Compare the stabilized piece with the rest of the garment to see which version you prefer to work with.
Design Decisions for Your T-Shirt Quilt
A T-shirt quilt is a personal, custom project based on items you already own – each finished quilt will be uniquely yours – and each will have its own look and flavor. Take some time to plan out a design for your quilt. Think about layout and how you want your shirts to look. Do you prefer a uniform look with square blocks that are all the same size or do you want to fussy cut each T-shirt to perfectly highlight the design portion, and then put your quilt together like a puzzle? It may be helpful to fold the T-shirts and lay them out on the ground to get an idea of which type of layout you prefer. Snap a photo of your layout so you have something to refer to as you assemble your quilt.
If you have a diverse group of shirts, you can piece smaller shirts together to make larger blocks or combine with cotton fabric to create blocks that are large enough to work into the rest of your quilt. Sashing and borders can be added as desired – using the interfacing makes it easy to combine your T-shirts with traditional quilt cottons.
Related class: Making a T-Shirt QuiltMaking Your T-Shirt Quilt
Here is a list of supplies and materials you will want to have on hand before you begin making your T-shirt quilt:
- T-shirts in all shapes and sizes
- Lightweight, nonwoven fusible interfacing
- Scissors
- Rotary cutter, ruler, and mat
- Fabric for sashing and borders as desired
- Your favorite quilt batting
- Basic sewing supplies
Select shirts based on their appearance, sentimental value, and how well they work together. Shirts can be thin or worn, but any large tears or holes may render your shirt unusable for your quilt. Wash the shirts and dry them completely to remove stains or odors.
Cut the Shirts
Use scissors to remove the sleeves from each shirt. Separate the front from the back by cutting along the shoulder seams. Carefully cut each side from the hem to the armhole to completely separate the front from the back. If both sides have design elements you want to use, you can incorporate them into your quilt or reserve the plain, unadorned portions for another project.
Choose Your Block Size
Choose a block size that relates to the size of your shirt pieces – if you are working with adult men’s T-shirts, you can make your blocks up to 16” square. Child or teen sized shirts will naturally yield smaller blocks; unless your shirts are very small, plan on cutting out 10”-12” squares.
Prepare the Interfacing
For each T-shirt, cut a piece of fusible interfacing that is larger than your chosen block size. Place the T-shirt piece image side down on your ironing board and top with the interfacing, with the adhesive side down. Center the interfacing behind the image or position it as desired. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to fuse the interfacing to the back of the T-shirt. Pressing from the back protects the images on the shirt; cover the shirt with a pressing cloth if you decide to press from the front. Repeat for each shirt.
Trim Your Blocks
Using your rotary cutter, ruler, and mat, trim each shirt piece to your chosen square size.
Piecing the Blocks
Lay your quilt out on the floor to make sure you are happy with the arrangement, then stitch the blocks together. Sew your stabilized shirts together into rows, stitching each piece into place with the right sides together and pressing each row after sewing. Sashing can be added as you piece or you can simply sew the T-shirts together.
Stitch your completed rows together to complete your quilt front. Sew the strips of T-shirt together with the right sides facing each other and then press the finished quilt front.
Related video: Strip Piecing Quilt Techniques
Finish the Quilt
Choose a backing and batting for your fabric and quilt as desired. Hand quilting may be more difficult than usual if you have used thick T-shirts; otherwise you can quilt by hand or machine using your favorite pattern or stencil.
Caring for Your Quilt
Since the shirts you’ve used for your quilt have likely been laundered many times, you won’t need to do anything special to care for your quilt. You can wash it in the washing machine and hang to dry or tumble dry on low.
It’s never been easier to make something special out of your memorable shirts and clothing! Whether you already have a collection or need to raid your family’s closet, you can make a delightful and meaningful piece that you’ll treasure for years to come.
If you’re interested in learning more about making t-shirt quilts, check out National Quilters Circle’s brand new class, Making a T-Shirt Quilt with Kelly Hanson.
Happy quilting!
Have something to add? Leave a comment or email editor@nationalquilterscircle.com.
Thank you for a wonderful explanation on how to make a t-shirt quilt. That is going to be a next project.
Should I fuse interfacing to the cotton borders also?
Trying to make my first tshirt quilt
Fixing to make my first one. Your directions were very specific. My granddaughter is graduating from high school and has been accepted to LSU in Baton Rouge. She will probably take it with her. So I hoping it turns out nice. Thanks for your help.
I’m getting ready to make a t-shirt quilt fir my granddaughter. She was in cheerleading and saved all her t-shirts. I’m excited to get started!
More of question: how much fusible interfacing do I need for a 6×6 quilt
This will be my first t shirt quilt. I am very new to quilting.
I have the it’s now just have to figure out what other supply I need
Can you make a t shirt quilt for me? How much do you charge? Thank you!
Did you find someone to make your tshirt quilt?
I always wanted to make a quilt out of my favorite tee shirts. I am certainly going to try this and will take a picture and post my success.
I am making two quilts out of little girl dresses and I just wanted some feedback if there is a specific way of cutting the dresses and if there are some patterns that I could see? I just usually do standard squares , I’m a beginner but would love to see different patterns if possible
I’ve made many T shirt quilts. I almost always use sashing and instead of batting, I use fleece for the backing. Personally, I find that all over quilting greatly detracts from a quilt, so I only quilt inside the sashing. With fleece, you don’t have to worry about the batting shifting inside the quilt and by limiting the quilting, the quilt is softer and more comfy. Sometimes the quilting makes it feel like cardboard.
Do you preeash your sashing fabric?
Do you pre-wash your, Sashing fabric?
I haen’t made a T shirt quilt before, just regular cotton quilts. My granddaughter asked me to make a T shirt quilt using a bunch of shirts from her marching band and playing sports in HS. I was wondering about the batting and using the fleece. I like the idea of using the fleece. Thank you for the info.
I’ll be making my first t-shirt quilt for a friend. He wants the t-shirt portion to finish at 16.5”, than 2 sashing all around each shirt. B the shirts are brand new (never worn or washed). Do I need to wash and dry before cutting? Secondly, I believe what I’ve read, I only need to stabilize the t-shirts, not the sashing/borders. Is that correct…?
Hello Denise,
Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.
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Thanks!
Would love to do this for my kids
Do I need to put pelon on the sashing too?
Hello Joyce,
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Thanks!
Haven’t sewn much in my life and this project has proven more difficult than I imagined!
One suggestion is measure your shirts again and again! After cutting,
the shirts may change shape slightly or just enough to become uneven.
Could someone let me know what iron heat setting I should use to fuse the interfacing to the T-shirt? Also, how does the fused fabric cope with being washed, does it tend to separate from the fabric after many washes? Thanks
Was wondering how much you charge to make one? Do you charge by the T-shirt?
Hello Suzanne,
Thank you for your question. These videos are meant to help you create the products. Unfortunately, we do not sell the finished products.
Let us know if you have other questions or if you are interested in joining the National Quilters Circle. Here is a promotional offer for $2.00:
https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/c22739/
Thank you!
Sarah
How much would you charge per t shirt to make a T-shirt quilt?
Hello Suzzane,
Thank you for contacting us.
There isn’t really a black in white answer to this question. You would have to factor in how many hours of labor and cost of material.
Sincerely,
Sarah,
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I have several of my mothers handkerchief I’d like to do something with. Any suggestions?
Hi,
Here is a fun idea on how to turn them into a quilt!
https://www.polkadotchair.com/vintage-hankies-quilt/
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle
I see several people offering to make quilts out of T-Shirts. I make quilts/ Memory Pillows/ Memorie bears out of clothing. I have been sewing for over 30 years. I started my business in 2017. I would like to offer my services. My Business name is Ninis Emporium Sewing N Embroidery LLC.
I would like to do a T-shirt quilt for my son for all of his baseball t-shirts and jerseys. This talks about shirts that are cotton in nature…are there any hints when using the athletic type shirts (polyester/spandex type)?
Hello Tiffany,
Thank you for contacting us. Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge in quilting. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.
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We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Lindsay
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I have an old Kenmore machine …is there a guide to use to make sure my seems are 1/4 “… I also have a kenmore serger…should I use my serger instead of my sewing machine to sew my blocks together…is there anything speical i have to do if I use the serger. Thanks
Hello. Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. I would be happy to send your question off to the experts. To get started, please send the email associated with your paid membership account. Thanks!
Jean
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
My mommy saved me all shirts of my childhood. now I have got an idea from you that what should I do to those shirts. I will make them a new quilt shirt. this will also give me my childhood memories. I am so happy.
If you use quilters cotton for the sashing, should interfacing be ironed to it, since its also on the t-shirt squares?
Hi Sara. Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. I would be happy to send your question off to the experts. To get started, please send the email associated with your paid membership account. Thanks!
Jean
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I’m making my first tshirt/memory quilt for a 7 yr old. There is a combination of tshirts/onesies & fleece clothing. Using a flannel as backing. I’m concerned it will be too heavy if I add batting. Could I use something else like flannel? Or no batting at all?
Hello Jean,
Thank you for contacting us.
I would recommend using no batting at all, if you are worried that it will be too heavy.
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3538, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Lindsay
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
When making a rag edged tshirt quilt, would you fuse stabilizer all the way to the edge that will be ragged? Will it interfere with the ragged edge look?
Hello Nancy,
Thank you for contacting us. Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge in Quilting. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.
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We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I want to make quilts. I ‘ve made 3 and have always personalized them: my husband, my niece and my mother.
Can a Microfiber sheet be used for the back of a tee shirt quilt and the strips between tee shirt blocks that have been prepared for quilting?
Hello Helen,
Thank you for contacting us. Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge in quilting. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.
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If you have any further questions, please chat, email, or contact Customer Service at 1-855-706-3538.
We greatly appreciate your business!
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Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I want to make a t-shirt Quilt for my granddaughter when she leaves to college this fall.
What if individual blocks are different sizes. What is best way to sew them together?
Hello Janet,
Thank you for your patience while I asked the expert, Here is the reply:
Hi,
The best thing to do is make all of the blocks the same size before sewing them together. Find your largest block and measure that one. Next, use strips of cotton fabric to add borders and/or “sashing” strips on all of the smaller blocks to make them all the same size. This will make the quilt much easier to assemble.
Cheers,
Ashley
I have lots have T-
Shirt and do not no what to do
with them
Can you mix tshirts and sweatshirts in a quiltt? My son had 4 yrs of drumline tshirts and sweatshirts that i would love to have someone make into a quilt for him.
Hello Kimberly,
Many other cotton substrates and even fibers other than cotton will work well in quilts. … Combining different fabrics and fibers in one quilt will give it amazing texture and depth. Just keep in mind that mixing different fabrics of similar weights will give you the best results. However different thicknesses will interfere with the quilting, and also with the ability of the quilt to withstand the wear of being used. Wool, for example, is usually less washable and more prone to fraying than cotton. Cotton blends and synthetic fabrics are also more likely to fray.
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3538, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Need any help you can give me
Wish you took pay-pal
Hello Germaine,
Me too. I have heard it is something that we are working on.
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3538, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Learning how to quilt. Have grandsons who want a t shirt quilt
[…] nationalquilterscircle […]
Thank you for your directions for making a T -shirt memory quilt. I cannot wait to start working on it! It sounds super easy! Thanks again.
T shirt
I guess there’s nothing to say because I guess I already said it. Thanks
This information is very helpful to me. I’m getting ready to make a t-shirt quilt for my daughter who has been all over the country side on a Harley with her husband. So I really want to make a perfect one and surprise her. Thank you for the info.
<strong Hi, I would like to use part of t shirt and Appliqué it on the back of a Flannel shirt. My question is if I use fusible interfacing/stabilizer will the the t shirt fabric fray? Would I have to turn it under somehow and then zig zag it on flannel or would stabilizer interfacing keep it from fraying. Thanks
Dear Mary,
Thank you for your patience while we asked the experts, here is the response:
Hi,
Even if you use a fusible webbing on the wrong side of the t-shirt fabric, it will still ravel. I would recommend fusing it in place and then stitching around the perimeter with a very narrow zig-zag stitch- almost a satin stitch.
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle
I have only made one t-shirt quilt and I was happy with that, it came out really nice. My daughter,s dad just passed away and saved his shirts for me to make a quilt but they are not knits, they are Mostly silk dress shirts. Will they have to be stabilized and what needle would I use? Any tips would help. By the way, she has two stepsisters that also want one and I don’t want to let them down.
I have been making t-shirts quilts for about 4 year , now for some reason the t-shirts are not holding to the fusible webbing .. I bought a quilting machine & I don’t want them to buckle I have gotten a new iron also .. Any suggestions ????? I am so upset , cause I do a lot of these ?? Thank U Dana Melton dfmelton87@yahoo.com
This selection in under the VIDEO section of your website. It is clearly NOT a video. Your advertisements are a misrepresentation of what is offered in a “premium membership”. Very disappointed in your company.
Hello Frieda,
We appreciate your feedback and it has been forwarded to the proper department. Your comments are important to us and help with the development of our online video streaming community. We will continue to listen and work hard for your complete satisfaction
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I made my first T-shirt quilt after giving a friend a baby quilt, back when my husband I were in the Navy in 1999.I was asked if I could make her a quilt out of her favorite T-shirts from college and Navy flight training. She had seen one in McCall’s magazine. I asked to read the story and instructions. They were easy fo follow and have gone on to make my husband and children each one. My biggest problem is following my son’s request to take his T-shirts from his cancer treatment days. It has been 18 months and I find it still hard to get beyond knowing I have enough shirts to make a quilt for his daughter and sisters as well as his nephews.
Each quilt seemed to grow as the kids had favorites they wanted incorporated into each. On my children’s I hand quilted them making it a gift from the heart.
I’ve helped friends piece T-shirt quilts Right now I’m recovering from breast cancer and now have energy to sew. My fingers lost feelings during chemotherapy.
Has anyone done a horse quilt and What type of material did u use?
Seems very informative instructions. Thank you for that. S I’m me instructions are so bad or maybe i should say confusing that its better to try on your own.
When Making a T-shirt quilt and sewing the pieces together. Do you press seams apart or off to a side?
My son has lots of mesh pinnies from sports that I want to use in addition to the cotton shirts. Do I just use interfacing on the back and treat them them same as the cotton shirts? Or should I fuse them to a piece of cotton since they are so thin?
Hello Maureen,
I would recommend using either a medium to heavier weight fusible interfacing as the backing (to make them a bit stiffer and easier to work with) or fusing them to cotton- either would work great.
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I’ve got different types of material like stretchy material and different types of cotton material can I use them together in a quilt
I am in the process of making a Tee Shirt quilt for one of my sons using his rock concert shirts going back about 20 years. His request is that I actually make two quilts (one using the fronts of the shirts and the other using the backs. Of course he wants them matched up! I have all the squares cut, the backing ironed on and would like to make this a “quilt as you go” to eliminate the need for trying to quilt a king sized quilt after it’s been assembled. I have a musical notes printed fabric for the sashing. Any helpful hints or ideas? I’d love to have this done for him for Christmas. Thanks for any assistance.
Hi Shelia,
I would recommend continuing the “music” theme throughout your quilting. Especially since you have musical notes on the sashing and the shirts are from rock concerts! This could be a combination of ‘notes’ or even just small circles or spaced wavy lines to mimic the look of sheet music.
If you don’t want to have an overwhelming theme to the quilting- I always recommend shadow quilting on t-shirt quilts, meaning quilting around the design or motif already on the shirt. This helps to highlight the design without taking away from it.
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I have 2 great grandsons I want to make a t shirt quilt for.
Has anyone ever tried using Minky for backing on a T-shirt quilt?
I just did one with fleece. I purchased a fleece blanket with a logo and then framed it with regular fleece. The blanket had more stretch than the regular fleece. It was difficult, but then I am a new long arm quitter. It took some effort to keep it all smooth and flat. I would think the Minky would be stretchy too.
I am looking for someone to make a t shirt quilt for me. I have 20 t shirt, cut, with backing, different sizes and I need it done ASAP for a gift. I thought I could do it, but I can’t. Can anyone help me?
I make memory blankets with t-shirts and fleece that have been fairly “freeform”, using multiple fabrics including the t-shirts, some terrycloth towels, and “pulled together” with fleece. I use t-shirt fabric as a backing to the t-shirts that will be featured (so the t-shirt portion is double thickness with a plain piece) . I assemble with my serger. Each is unique, made in an afternoon, and have all turned out great! But would drive a “true quilter” nuts :)
OMG … someone after my own heart… I’m a serger Quilter … Blanket maker too. I made a T-shirt quilt several years ago before I even had heard of one for a friend of mine. First time for everything a big shot in the dark for me , but came out great. Not only T-shirts but I chopped up her daughters cheer leading outfits and serged blocks of those in with the shirts.
Wash tshirts with out fabric softner. The softner keeps the stablizer from staying on the fabric. When cutting the squares you will probably have to keep your iron handy to reheat the stabilizer. A piece of old muslin works as a pressing cloth when ironing the front of the shirt.
beginner T-shirt quilter. Quilting a T-shirt quilt for co-worker. She wants me to quilt because she has no sewing skills.
I am making a memory rag quilt I want to know if I can use double sided fusible batting with my T-shirt fusible
Hi Connie,
Yes, you can absolutely use this. I would recommend using a press cloth or a tephlon pressing sheet when pressing on the right side of the t-shirt if any of the designs have been screen printed on. This will help protect the t-shirt as well as your iron. It will also be a great way to help hold all of the layers of the quilt together prior to quilting.
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
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Love the t- shirt quilts….
[…] Quilt (Via National Quilters Circle) This is one of the coolest things I have seen people do with t-shirts! While it is a bit complex, and will take a while, it is a great project. The best part is that it can be done on a regular sewing machine! I have been working on my own for a while, and I can honestly say it has been a blast! If the sewing is a bit too much for you, check out this easier option that doesn’t require any sewing! […]
Preparing to make T-Shirt quilt. For all over softness, I thought to use leftover T-Shirt fabric for the sashing – will this be better than cotton fabric. Also someone mentioned fusible knit interfacing – is this better than Wonder Under 2 ??? If so, please indicate name and source.
Hello Darlene,
Yes, you can use t-shirt fabric for sashing instead of cotton. Many people choose to use cotton fabric for sashing strips as a way to help keep the t-shirt blocks square. Also, wonder under is a fusible web, not an interfacing, so I would not recommend using that. Any kind of light to medium weight fusible interfacing will work. It can be either knit or woven interfacing. Knit interfacing will help keep your quilt softer while woven interfacing can provide it with more stability. Pellon fusible interfacing is the most common brand sold in many craft stores.
Thanks,
Ashley NQC Video Membership
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first year membership.
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I was asked to do a Tshirt quilt but she doesn’t want shashing and she wants it more like the collage all mixed sizes. Like the top left quilt. Are there any instructions anywhere for doing this. When I offered to do this I thought it would be blocks with shashing and everything even. I’m not sure how to go about this. Any ideas would really be helpfull.
I cant wait to try it
[…] DIY T-Shirt Quilt from National Quilter’s Circle […]
I don’t see any quilts made out of striped t shirts – that’s what I have to use for a memory quilt for a friend?
My daughter is going to be 40 this March and I want to make a quilt for her birthday with all her t-shirts she wore playing softball in High School and College .
What size of blocks are the right ones if I’m using adult women’s T-shirts?
Hi Elizabeth, if you are working with adult men’s T-shirts, you can make your blocks up to 16” square. Child or teen sized shirts will naturally yield smaller blocks; unless your shirts are very small, plan on cutting out 10”-12” squares.
I am in the process of making a tshirt quilt, but I have 3 tshirts that has 3 buttons down the neckline…I want to use them in the quilt, how can I do that? thank you for your help! Shirley
Hello Shirley,
Whether you want to keep the buttons on the shirts as an extra design element is up to you, however I would recommend stitching that button opening closed so that the block cut from that t-shirt doesn’t get distorted. From there you can cut out and use these t-shirt blocks just like any other t-shirt block.
Cheers,
Ashley NQC Video Membership
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Thank you for the information.
not for sure what a fusible interfacing is
Hello Roxanna,
Fusible interfacing is simply an interfacing or stabilizer that has a type of adhesive on once side and can be iron or ‘fused’ in place. It is available at most fabric stores and even some big box stores as well.
Cheers,
Ashley NQC Video Membership
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first year membership.
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I want to learn seeing for beginners.
I’m a beginner but with all of the videos and blogs online, I think I can do this. My question, is it possible to do t-shirts on both sides? I have saved my daughter’s shirts for years and have a lot of them. This was to be my project after she graduated college(‘14) but I’m just now able to begin. She passed away in September 2016 and I want to use as many if not all of her shirts. (She had already selected the ones she wanted for her quilt.) Any advise is appreciated.
Hi,
Yes it is possible to use the shirts on both sides. The only issue you will run into is when you go to quilt your quilt. Generally you have a quilt top and a backing- and when you quilt you do so according to the patterns or designs on the top and it doesn’t necessarily matter what is on the backing. If you are wanting to have the quilting look good on both sides and not unintentionally have the quilting running though a t-shirt design on the “back”, I would recommend trying to make each side the same. Meaning if you cut each t-shirt a certain size and then either sew borders around them or add sashing strips between them, you will want to do the same thing on the back so that the border and sashing fabrics line up with one another and you can do your quilting there rather than trying to work around the t-shirt designs on both the front and back.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Ashley
Cindy, This would be a perfect “quilt as you go” project. Design the layout of your quilt, and make sure the layout is identical on both sides. Use sashing. Then sew your blocks together in columns with sashing between the blocks. Lay one of these columns about two or six inches or so from the edge of your batting and stitch on both sides, about 1/8 inch from the edge, being sure the fabric is smooth. Turn over the quilt and lay a column on top of the stitching lines, covering them and stitch just over 1/8 inch from the edge of your fabrics, so now your columns are lined up. make sure that they are aligned at the top and bottom so that the cross sashing matches. Next columns of blocks, sew a strip of sashing to both strips on one edge. Lay the edge wrong side up aligning the raw edges of what you just sewed and the sashing you just attached to the new column, matching the cross sashing. Pin in place. Turn over and repeat on the other side. Sew 1/4 inch from the edge of your fabric. Flip the newly sewn columns over and repeat. Of course you press between stitching, but you will be finished in no time, and your front and back will match and be held in place for the final quilting. The extra batting around the stitched columns will be for a sashing frame, borders, whatever you decide. You can leave as much or as little space as you want or need.
Is there a video of quilting as you go for a t-shirt quilt? I would love to give Tommie O’Sullivan’s suggestion a try but have trouble visualizing only written instructions.
Dear Dottie,
Than you for contacting us. I do not see a video for this but the instructions do have some great pictures to guide you through the steps.
Sorry.
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I have made at least a dozen traditional t shirt quilts by standardizing the block size, but I have a new order where she has supplied me with two large shirts that have graphics over the whole t shirt. I dont want to cut into it but not sure how to make it usable in the quilt. Any suggestions would be a help. Thank you :)
Hello Elise,
If you are not wanting to cut that shirt down to a smaller size- is there a way to cut it out at a larger square or rectangle that is somehow proportional to the smaller standardized block sizes that can then be incorporated into the design? Meaning that larger block is now the same size as a smaller t-shirt block with a border.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Ashley NQC Video Membership
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first year membership.
http://go.nationalsewingcircle.com/C10012
How about using the larger blocks as centerpieces and the other smaller blocks as “satellite” blocks around them to set them off? Depending on the size of the quilt, the larger blocks could be either side by side or stacked top to bottom. If the quilt is large enough, side by side could have enough space to put a row of standard blocks between them. Another suggestion is to make pillow shams out of the larger blocks. The border sashing could tie the shams and the quilt together.
Can u please email me this tutorial?
Have you had any problems quilting over vinyl graphics on the t-shirts. Most of the shirts I can use have the vinyl graphics and I’ve heard that can cause problems with the quilting.
Hi,
In general, no, however this can depend on the type of foot you are using. A free motion foot generally moves over the graphic of a t-shirt with no problem. If you are doing straight line quilting or other quilting that allows you to use a regular presser foot- the vinyl sections can ‘stick’ to the foot. A tephlon presser foot can alleviate this issue.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Ashley
Not only have I saved my son’s Tshirts over the years of special things but I have also saved material from the different Halloween costumes we have made and material we used to make his First Communion banner. I would dearly love to incorporate this into the quilt but the material is all different. For example, a cotton/poly blend that looks like “leather” (i.e, it is a kind of vinyl); a thin poly with metallic “flames”; a red fake leather; green flannel; a raw silk; a gold lame; purple satin….etc. I am not sure of the best way to incorporate them and would appreciate suggestions. THANKS!!!
Hello Catherine,
Even though all of the fabrics may be slightly different you can still absolutely incorporate them into a quilt. I would recommend using a fusible interfacing on the back of all of the quilt sections to help them behave similarly when being stitched and not stretch. At many craft and fabric stores you can find fusible sheets made specifically for making t-shirt quilts. I would also recommend using pins when sewing together the different fabrics. Even after they have been interfaced you still want to make sure nothing shifts or stretches while it is being sewn.
For more information we also have an entire class dedicated to making t-shirt quilts:
https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/class/making-a-t-shirt-quilt/
Making a T-Shirt Quilt | National Quilters Circle<https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/class/making-a-t-shirt-quilt/>
http://www.nationalquilterscircle.com
In this class you will learn how to create your own t-shirt quilt from start to finish. Kelly Hanson will show you how to interface and prepare your t-shirts, how to …
Hope these tips help!
Cheers,
Ashley NQC Video Membership
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first year membership.
http://go.nationalquilterscircle.com/C9056
What kind for fabric do you use for sashing? Cotton?
Hello Melanie,
Yes, quilting cotton can be used for the sashing.
Cheers,
Ashley NQC Video Membership
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first year membership.
http://go.nationalquilterscircle.com/C8781
Hashing ideas before I take the next step of sewing blocks together. Would denim be too heavy to add as sashing? I’m putting together a tshirt quilt for my son and thought adding my dad’s old overalls could add a nice touch for memories.
Hi,
Denim might be slightly heavy to sew directly to t-shirt fabric unless it is stabilized well. You may need to use a slightly heavier stabilizer, something in the mid to medium weight area. You will also need to use several pins to hold the fabric in place, as they may not tend to feed through the machine at the same rate. Also, generally when you are sewing with t-shirt fabric or other knit/stretch fabric you use a ball point or stretch needle. Depending on how heavy the denim is you may need to switch and use a jeans or heavy weight needle.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Ashley
Good Morning,
If I were going to use old denim with a t-shirt quilt (which I think is kind of a cool idea), I would make sure that any denim I used was light weight and very soft and pliable. I would select pieces of denim that have the same feel, weight and bendability as the stabilized t-shirt fabrics I was using. If the denim is too heavy it will not only be difficult to work with in conjunction with the looser/limper t-shirt fabric, it may also cause the t-shirt fabric to drape if the denim is stiff and therefore more stable.
Hope this helps,
Heather
I made one using a very soft denim and it turned out so well. I backed it in a nice flannel fabric and it is a favorite of my son and his family when they curl up; together in their theater room to watch a movie. I made it about 15 years ago and it has held up well. They use the quilt and it has been washed and still looks great.
Beware of using denim as a sashuing material. I just spent 100 hours on a western themed quilt which was washed in a machine and the denim areas shrunk. Maybe a lightweight chambray would have the same look but not shrink. Test before using in your quilt.
i was not able to see any of the “how-to’s”.Am I doing something wrong ?
Hi Sophie,
The ‘How To’s’ are picture images of the instructions that go along with it. Thank you for noting this error, it has been reported to our Development team, and we hope to have the images up within a couple of business days!
Sincerely,
Kate
NQC Video Membership
Like the site, could not videos.
I am unable to view the pictures. It says the image cannot be found. Would you be able to reattach them? It would really help me visualize when I start. Thanks!
I loved the instructions for this project. Thanks
I have made several t-shirt quilts, and find machine-quilting them impossible because the needle will not go through the images that have been silk-screened or ironed onto them. Instead, I have tied the quilts in a regular pattern. But I would like to quilt them …. have you got any suggestions to make this work?
Hi Lucinda. When making t-shirt quilts I usually add sashing strips between all of my t-shirt blocks and do most of my heavier quilting there to ensure the quilt layers stay together. If you want to quilt on the actual shirt you can always quilt around whatever design is printed on the shirt. Depending on what the design is, you can outline it and then echo quilt around it. You may even be able to quilt inside of a design if it is open enough.
I do a lot of t-shirt quilting and each one is free motion quilted before I put them together. I use embroidery thread and needles. Then add borders around each block. I do not use interface just the t-shirts and layer of batting.
I make T-Shirt quilts quite often for graduations, memorial quilts, etc.. I back all of them with fusible knit interfacing. Then sew sashing and cornerstones to each block, I then sew them together. Then I cut the backing and batting to the size of the quilt. My long arm quilter then quilts them with her Gammill. There has never been a problem her quilting them. If I want to add embellishments, I add those by hand, after the quilt is quilted.
Sue…I am looking for someone to make two t-shirt quilts for my children. If you are interested, please let me know how I can get in touch with you. Thanks!
If you are still in need I would love yo discuss with you
Nanacreate17@gmail.com
Facebook/@nana.create
I would love to help with your t shirt quilts if you still need someone.
How much do you charge for a t-shirt quilt?
I do t-shirt Quilts. Spread the word. Thank you.
I would like info on your tshirt quilts. Thank you
What is considered a good price for paying a long arm quilter. I am looking for a person to do five quilts and have no idea what the going rate is now as it has been years since I had one done.
I use a quilting shop here in Carpentersville il they charge for a repeat pattern 2 cents a square inch. They have done 5 quilts for me. Average 100×100 is around 225 with the cost of batting.
I am a longarm quilter if you are still lloking. I charge a penny a square inch. Crosstimbersqs@gmail.com
Knit interfacings are made to use with knits when you are sewing garments, so the interfacing stretches with the garment when you move. You don’t want your quilt to stretch. The only way to prevent that stretch is very heavy quilting. The author of this article prefers a laid stabilizer which is non-stretch. My preference is a fusible woven stabilizer. I find laid or non woven stabilizers still stretch a little, but woven stabilizers stretch about as much as woven fabrics. It makes a good choice to stabilize knits that you are using in quilts. Just be aware of the grain, like you would when using cotton fabrics.
I agree, Tommie O’Sullivan! I’ve made T-Shirt quilts before and used fusible woven stabilizers to better stabilize the natural stretch in the T-shirt. Worked great!
I make T-shirt quilts for customers for around $200.00 for 30 squares.
I live in Canada, would you be able to do one for me? Is a 30 square a queen or a double?
Hi Maureen,
Thank you for contacting us. That would depends on the size of the square you are making.
This quilt measures 60 by 60 the size of a queen size mattress measures 60 wide by 80 long.
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3538, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Diana…how to contact you regarding making a t-shirt quilt?
I would like info on your tshirt quilts.
when we do t-shirts for relay we go with old fashion tying with yarn
If you have a sewing machine that does decorative stitches, like satin hearts, use one of those designs instead of yarn to “tie” your quilt. Then when you wash it, it won’t come out of the washer and dryer looking ratty and frayed. This is especially nice for baby quilts.
I have a lady that machine quilts them for me. They turn our great!
Love the t- shirt quilts…and would like to make one.But am nervous about doing it without machine quilting them.I have tied many other types of quilts though.Guess I’ll try it soon..
I would like info and contact for the tshirt quilts.
What do you charge for a tshirt guilt.
I made a t-shirt quilt for my daughter and I did a sashing between each row. I then quilted it on my own machine using my walking foot and just quilted by stitch in the ditch. It Came out really good…
That sounds like the simplest way for a beginner like me. Thank you!
I have the same problem with silk screened logos. How do you iron it without melting the logo?
I machine quilt all of my t-shirt quilts. Occasionally, my machine will skip a stitch when there’s a solid patch of the image, so I try to avoid them, but it can definitely be done. I’ve been using a 90 needle. Maybe that will help you.
I would like to try getting this quilt made soon it’s for my Daughter I had hoped to get it done before She got married but that didn’t happen 2009 now 2016 is gone and still in a box nothing done just all wash and ready.
If you are still in need of having a t-shirt quilt made feel free to email me – I make them for people.
I have been asked by a close friend to make a tee shirt quilt, in my younger years I did my own sewing and still do some alterations for my friend however I have never made a quilt and especially a tee shirt so I was wondering if one of you who is on the national quilting circle would make this special tee shirt quilt and what would be the total cost for the finished quilt
I make T-shirt quilts for customers for around $200.00 for 30 squares.
Diana, can you email me? I would like to do a blanket for my son before he graduates in May.
I have two sons that I would love to have quilts made for. Do you still do this?
Please email me 332nrae@gmail.com regarding making a t-shirt quilt for my daughter. Thank you
Hi Diana,
Here is the link: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/t-shirt-quilt-preparation-019045/
Have a great day!
How big a quilt does 30 squares make?
I need 3 quilt t-shirts made. Can you send me some info ?
I also do tshirt quilts
I have top of tshirt quilt made. I might need someone to finish it. Interested?
What is the total cost to make a full size quilt? Does the quilt have a padding in the inside? Is it stitched all around like other quilts? What is the timeframe to complete? Do you email pictures of the quilt to review before it’s finished?
Thanks
Hi Dolores!
We do not actually make finished quilts, rather this is a class to teach you how to make your own.
Have a great day!
How much do you charge to make these? My best friend of 20 years just died in October and I’m wanting several blankets made for her kids husband mom me and my daughter
I’m interested in having a TShirt quilt made, do you still make them for people? If so, can I get some information please
Could you send some info on your tshirt quilts.
where do you live and what would it cost to make a t-shire quilt?
Can you make a t shirt quilt for me? How much do you charge? Thank you!
Please help
How can we help you today, Carolyn?
Trying to make a tee shirt blanket/quilt by using both side of the same tee shirt front n back. So how do I use the interfacing? Can I iron the interfacing in between back n front of tee’s?