T-shirt Quilts and Beyond Part 3: Putting It All Together

After gathering your t-shirts and cutting them to size, it is time to start sewing blocks together and assembling the quilt!

In Part 1 I showed you how to prepare and cut down t-shirts for your quilt. Part 2 focused on choosing a block size, adding interfacing to the shirt pieces, and cutting the blocks to size.

We touched a bit on arranging the blocks in a pleasing pattern. You can use a spare bedroom or even the back patio. It is a good idea to take a snapshot of the layout with a camera or cell phone. That will give you something to refer back to as you are sewing it together. If you are trying out more than one pattern, a photo helps you decide on the final arrangement.

Use a walking foot because everything has a tendency to want to shift. I used a quarter-inch seam allowance and a standard 75/11 or 80/12 sharp needle, not a ballpoint as you may otherwise with knits.

Columns vs. Rows

 

This t-shirt quilt was done in columns, up and down. I built them all up so that they all wound up the same lengths at the bottom. The block in the center was kind of funny. Everything was black and white except for this one block in the center. It is a royal blue shirt that the recipient had from childhood. I really wanted it in the quilt but it just didn't seem to look right. Not only that, it was much smaller than the others. I decided to use white t-shirt backs to build it up to size and make it my center of focus. I also added a little bit more blue to the border of the block to balance it all out. The odd-ball t-shirt became the center attraction. A rightful position for the start of his love of football don't you think?

For rows, cut or build blocks up to the same sizes, just as you would with any other quilt.

 

Shirts With Neck Edges

This t-shirt quilt was made from cheerleading uniforms. I normally do not use the neck edges on the t-shirt quilts that I make but I had no choice with cheerleading uniforms. If I were to cut off the neck edge on some of these, I would have cut right through some of those beautiful logos.



With necklines, you can add fabric behind the opening to make the block. If you want them to match, get a scrap from the back of the uniform or shirt and stitch them together. If you want them to contrast, attach a contrasting fabric. Interface and cut blocks to size. There are no rules--have fun!

Sashing, Borders, and Quilting

Just as with any quilt, you have the option to add sashing and borders to your blocks or simply stitch blocks together without sashing.

You can use shirts to make your sashing and borders if you like. Add interfacing to them, just as you did the blocks.

Quilting cottons can also be used for sashing and borders. Seam allowances should be pressed toward the sashing.

Add text or embroidery to blocks if desired. Quilt by hand or machine and add binding for a personal gift that is certain to be a favorite.

You can see the full video here.  

May your day be blessed with perfect stitches and GlitterFlex!!