Instructions for Backing a T-Shirt Quilt

Commemorative T-shirts can create beautiful quilts that serve as lifelong memories.

You’ve run the races, seen the places or just “been there, done that, got the T-shirt.” To hold onto the memories of that experience—when you have too many T-shirts to wear regularly—you may want to create a quilt from the shirts you have collected over the years. T-shirt quilts are easy to make and will provide a constant reminder of your experiences. But don't just focus on the T-shirt placement; backing the quilt plays an equally important role in layering and finishing the quilt.

Things You'll Need

• T-shirts
• Interfacing
• Thread
• Quilt batting
• Fabric for sashing and borders
• Cotton backing fabric

Instructions

1. Cut the T-shirts in a way that showcases the design of the shirt. Count the number of T-shirts you have for the quilt, and try to maintain an even number of blocks for the squares to form the quilt. Set the size of the quilt based on the number of T-shirts you have.

2. Measure and cut the interfacing based on the size of the T-shirt blocks. (The interfacing should measure a couple of inches larger than the blocks you will use.) The interfacing will eliminate some of the stretchiness of the T-shirt fabric. Fuse the interfacing on the back of each T-shirt block.

3. Arrange the blocks in the design you want to use. Sew the blocks in rows, and insert sashing between the blocks. Create the square or rectangle quilt based on the size you want to make.

4. Cut the cotton backing fabric and batting to the size of the quilt you will make. Layer the T-shirts, batting and fabric backing so that the batting touches the inside of both the sewn T-shirts and the fabric backing. Sew the three layers together using the thread design you choose. Simply sew the seams along the borders of the blocks or create thread designs by tracing—using your needle—around designs on the shirts. Sew the outer edge quilt borders once you have sewn the quilt pieces together. Use the “reverse bag technique” for an even easier step to back the quilt; layer the two quilt pieces right sides together, with the batting on the inside piece of one side. Sew those pieces together, leaving about a third of one side open, then trim the batting—not the fabric—and turn right side out. Hand-sew the gap left for the turn to connect the pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• Interfacing helps eliminate some of the stretchiness of the T-shirt fabric. It will make sewing easier. If you want a softer quilt, however, you may not be able to avoid using interfacing. Some interfacing requires preshrinking, so read the instructions for the interfacing you choose. Leave 1/2-inch seam allowance on sashing and borders.

References

• Straw.com: Tee Shirt Quilt—How To
• Too Cool T-shirt Quilts Inc.: The Process