This is the presentation from Dawn Schaben’s  February 2019 program on T-shirt quilts.

How many t-shirts do I need to make a t-shirt quilt?

• 12 t-shirts: throw approximately 48 x 64
• 20 t-shirts: twin size quilt approximately 64 x 82
• 30 t-shirts: full size quilt approximately 82 x 96
• 36 t-shirts: queen size quilt approximately 96 x 96
• 42 t-shirts: king size quilt approximately 110 x 96

These measurements include 1.5 inch sashing and 2 inch border with each t-shirt block being about 14.5 inches.

5 Typical styles of T-shirt Quilts

• Traditional Block Style with Sashing
• Traditional Block Style without Sashing
• Unequal Rows or Columns
• The Too Cool Style also known as: Variable or Puzzle Styles
• Crazy Quilt Style

Details to look for in a T-Shirt Quilt

• Using interfacing or not
• Blocks Fit the Designs on the T-shirts
• Designs Are Centered on the Block
• No Part of the Design on the T-Shirt is Cut Off
• The Blocks are all different sizes
• No Rows and Columns

Ways to Mess Up Your Quilt

• Using cheap fabric and materials to make your quilt.
• Using 100% polyester batting
• All the blocks are the same color
• No thought put into layout

Layout Design Ideas

• Shadow Box
• Patchwork
• Leave On collars, pockets, patches
• Incorporate Photos – graduation quilts
• Turn the Blocks on Point – more challenging
• Use Quilt Patterns Designed for Large Blocks

What do I need to make a t-shirt quilt?

• T-shirts
• Interfacing
• Material for sashing or blocks (pre-washed)
• Material for backing (pre-washed)
• Batting
  • Polyester – pros and cons
  • Cotton – pros and cons

Sorting the T-Shirts

• Sort by color
• Do you have enough for more than 1 quilt
• Remove stained shirts
• Remove shirts with holes
• Do you have a theme?
  • Sport
  • Activity
  • Organization

Preparing your t-shirts

• Wash and dry – do not use softener – interfacing will not stick to the t-shirt
• Cut up the t-shirt
  • Front, back, sleeves
  • Cut the pieces larger than you want for the actual blocks
  • Make sure you cut off neck edges and seams (don’t want that extra bulk in seams)
• Fusible interfacing
• After you have applied the fusible interfacing, trim the shirt down to the desired size – do not cut off any of the design and remember to leave seam allowance

Interfacing /Stabilizer

•  Knit or woven
  • Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex  – Iron-on Woven (great if you are using t-shirts with lots of wear)
  • Bosal 312 – light-weight not woven
  • Pellon Quilters Grid 820 – non-woven
  • Attached Mistyfuse
  • Pellon 906F Fusible
  • June Tailor T-Shirt Interfacing
• White or Black based on color of t-shirt
• Follow the manufacturers instructions for the fusing!! IMPORTANT!!
• Weight of stabilizer – don’t use a heavy stabilizer as it will add weight and take away the drape and the comfort  feel of the quilt.
• Don’t piece interfacing – it will show through in the finished quilt
• Benefits of stablizer – blocks that are easier to work with and give you a better finished product, especially during the quilting process.

Design Ideas

• Sashing or No Sashing
  • I personally recommend sashing as it gives the quilt stability and helps with the stretch issues that can occur when you sew t-shirt to t-shirt.
  • Sashing can also provide an overall look that pulls together all the different colors in the t-shirts.
• Don’t have to use traditional blocks with sashing. Try something different.
• Who says that all the blocks have to be squares and rectangles? Take this T-shirt quilt idea for a spin, by piecing striped, checkered and zig-zag sashing to make your shirt blocks really pop!