What do you do with too many t-shirts filled with sentimental value?
You know how it goes.
You have too many to wear. Maybe you or your kids have outgrown them. Maybe you moved around and want to capture the memories of a specific place or moment in time. Think about all of the college tees or sports t-shirts that you've acquired over the years.
A long-standing tradition is to turn them into t-shirts quilts. Problem solved! Make room in your closet for new clothes, while repurposing your tees and re-invigorating some of your best memories.
If you simply don't have the time to sew your own t-shirt quilt, I will sew your quilt for you! Visit my shop to have a custom t-shirt quilt made for you: T-Shirt Quilts at Sew Cute by Katie
DIY How to Put Together a T-Shirt Quilt
Watch my video for Part 1 of how I put together my t-shirt quilts in the shop. This will help get you started with your t-shirt quilting project.
(If you need a step-by-step tutorial on how to sew a t-shirt quilt, here is the link to my online t-shirt quilt class: https://bit.ly/3k6KG3i)
Keep reading below for helpful tips and useful links in making a t-shirt quilt...
Tips for T-Shirt Quilts
There are several different methods for making t-shirt quilts. In this blog post and video, I discuss tips for getting started.
Frame your squares
When making a t-shirt quilt, eyeballing the squares when cutting can be a bit unforgiving. I like to take the guesswork out of this step by using fussy cut templates from Martelli. They're super handy and come in multiple sizes.
To use a fussy cut template, lay the frame around the t-shirt image. Once it's positioned just as you like it, place the cutting template inside and remove the frame. Then use a rotary cutter to cut out the square. The cutting template even has a rubber grip so it doesn't slip and slide on your t-shirt!
Map out your t-shirt quilt
After all of my squares are cut, I like to map out my quilt by placing each square in rows. I try to avoid the same colors touching side to side, or top and bottom.
Once I'm happy with placement, I stack each row up in the order that I will sew them.
T-Shirt quilting options
There are a few different options for sewing up t-shirt quilts.
I do not use any backing on my quilts. In our shop, we use a polar fleece as the backing and it does not require any stabilizer. I stack my squares right sides together and sew with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
If you're wanting to go with a more traditional quilt, such as adding cotton sashing around the blocks, you'll want to use an iron-on stabilizer on the back of the t-shirt blocks. This is helpful when sewing knit against cotton woven fabrics. It will reduce wonkiness in your t-shirt quilt after you wash it, and keep everything squared up nice and neat!
I'll be back with another Part 2 of Sewing T-Shirt Quilts!
Useful Links
- Link to Martelli fussy cut sewing templates - https://amzn.to/3qEIYst
- Link to have me make you a quilt - T-Shirt Quilts at Sew Cute by Katie
- Link to my step-by-step sewing class, How to Make a T-Shirt Quilt - https://bit.ly/3k6KG3i
Save it for later on Pinterest!
Tag us with your finished project!
Did you make a t-shirt quilt? I'd love to see how yours turned out! This is a great gift to make for family. Tag us on Instagram @sewcutebykatie or Facebook @sewcutebykatie!
No time to sew, but you'd love to support our small business? Shop Now. We do a variety of embroidery, t-shirt designing, sublimation, alterations, and custom projects. Located in Louisville, Kentucky!
What other tutorials would you be interested in watching?
See all of my latest projects and tips on YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram for more sewing inspiration! Don't forget to follow us on Pinterest!
XOXO,
Katie Bertrand
