If you’re looking for a creative way to recycle some old clothes and preserve a few of your precious memories at the same time, making a t-shirt quilt is an easy way to do both. This fun project allows you to make personalized quilts from all those old t-shirts you have accumulated over the years.
T-shirt Quilts: Shirts from concerts, schools, or athletic events can all be combined to create a special trip down memory lane in the form of a unique quilt. Add t-shirts with cartoon characters, favorite sayings or those with some special meaning and you’ll surely end up with a future family heirloom.
Follow this simple guide for suggestions and tips on how to make your own special t-shirt quilt, what supplies you may need along with some helpful and useful hints.
First, decide on the size of your quilt which is usually based on the number of t-shirts being used. Sort the shirts by size keeping in mind that even numbers work best. For example, 20 t-shirts could be used to make a quilt with five rows by four rows. Try to find shirts with images that are relatively the same size, 12 inches is a common sized square used.
Next, cut the side seams of the t-shirts from the bottom up to the armpit area, then across the sleeves and through the shoulder seams. It is very important to reinforce the back of your shirt with the interfacing BEFORE cutting out the designs or squares. T-shirts are made of material that’s too stretchy to be cut and sewn without the added support of the interfacing. It’s also wise to use your scrap fabrics as a press cloth to protect the t-shirt’s designs from the hot iron.
Using your ruler, square up the interfaced pieces making sure each one is the same size before cutting. It’s helpful to leave a few inches around the edge of the design if possible, and also to make a cardboard template to ensure even sizing. Now decide on the positioning of your designs and add strips of complementary colors between blocks if desired.
Many times there are images with widely varied color schemes used in t-shirt quilts and the sashing often helps to tie it all in together.
If you’re making a one-sided quilt, then feel free to quilt away, but if your creation has images on both sides you’ll want to use “invisible” thread so as not to distract from the design. Sew each of the squares together forming rows and then sew those rows together with added fabric borders if desired.
Now lay out the backing and the design sides next to each other, wrong side up, add the fleece or batting and then pin together evenly. Trim if needed, and then stitch the edges leaving an opening large enough to turn the quilt right side out before sewing the rest closed.
Supplies you may need:
Clean t-shirts An Iron Light weight, iron-on interfacing Scraps of light-colored fabric Sashing Polyester batting Durable fabric for backing Square ruler Fabric scissors Sewing supplies
Helpful hints:
Plan your design on paper first and double check measurements before doing any cutting.
Use extra sharp scissors to prevent t-shirts and fabrics from fraying. Wash t-shirts in a mild detergent that is free of fabric softener to ensure that the interfacing will adhere properly.
Extra blocks can be creatively used to make personalized purses, pillows, curtains and throw rugs just to name a few.
John Lercari is a website owner and writer at http://www.TheMemoriesPlace.com where images tell the story of your life.
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