Quilters, grab your rotary cutters and your t-shirts, because today we’re diving into the world of T-shirt quilts—specifically Lynne’s T-shirt quilt! Lynne, a cherished member of the Quiltique team since 2006, has completed a project that’s equal parts nostalgic and practical that is inspired by her love of travel and family. T-shirt quilts are known to be memory keepers that stitch together moments, milestones, and adventures.
Quilting a Lifetime of Travel
Lynne is a globetrotter with a knack for collecting T-shirts. From Europe to hidden gems across the U.S., her family’s adventures have left her with a suitcase full of wearable souvenirs. But what do you do when you can only wear one shirt at a time? You quilt, of course! Lynne’s T-shirt quilt transforms these cherished mementos into a cozy, colorful montage of memories. Each block tells a story, making the quilt a visual diary of her family’s travels.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a T-Shirt Quilt
Ready to turn your own collection of T-shirts into a quilt? Lynne has you covered with these straightforward steps:
1. Choosing and Preparing Your T-Shirts
First things first: decide on your block size. Lynne’s go-to is a 12.5-inch square because it’s easy to measure and fits most T-shirt designs.
Before you start cutting, stabilize the fabric with Pellon SF 101 Shape Flex. (Lynne’s tip: Use a 15-inch piece to give yourself wiggle room.) This interfacing prevents stretching and keeps your T-shirt designs intact. Iron it on the back of each shirt, and you’re ready to trim.
2. Cutting Your T-Shirts
Using a rotary cutter and quilting ruler, trim each T-shirt to your decided size. The goal is clean, even edges. Don’t rush this part—your future quilt will thank you.
3. Planning Your Quilt Layout
Lay out your blocks on a flat surface and play around with the arrangement. Lynne’s favorite part of the process is coordinating colors to create a cohesive look. This step is both fun and essential, so take your time.
4. Adding Sashing and Cornerstones
Cut sashing pieces to 2.5 x 12.5 inches for horizontal strips between blocks. Add cornerstones to give your quilt a polished, grid-like design. Pin and piece each section carefully to ensure accuracy.
5. Assembling the Quilt Top
Sew the rows together, combining the blocks, sashing, and cornerstones. Double-check your alignment as you go—precision is key here.
6. Quilting and Finishing
Choose a backing fabric that complements your quilt’s theme. Lynne recommends keeping the quilting simple to let the T-shirt designs shine. Finally, bind the edges to complete your quilt.
Lynne’s Pro Tips and Tricks
Here are Lynne’s top tips to make your T-shirt quilt a success:
- Pick a Stable Interfacing: Shape Flex is her stabilizer of choice for a reason—it works!
- Keep It Simple: T-shirt quilts don’t have to be intricate. Let the designs do the talking.
- Plan Ahead: Spend extra time arranging your layout for a visually pleasing result.
- Enjoy the Process: Each block is a memory; savor the journey of stitching them together.
The Heart Behind the Quilt: Lynne’s Special Gift
This particular T-shirt quilt holds a special place in Lynne’s heart. She made it for her 92-year-old mother, a fellow quilting enthusiast who owns five Berninas. (Yes, you read that right!) The quilt is a vibrant montage of their family’s travels, and every block brings back fond memories. Lynne’s mom treasures this quilt not just for its comfort, but for the stories it tells.
Crafting Memories, One Block at a Time
Lynne’s T-shirt quilt is more than fabric and thread—it’s a labor of love, a tribute to her family’s adventures, and a gift that keeps on giving. T-shirt quilts are the ultimate blend of practicality and sentimentality, perfect for graduations, anniversaries, or just because. Each quilt is unique, tailored to the recipient’s memories and personality, and they’re a great way to repurpose old shirts that might otherwise gather dust. If you’ve been searching for a meaningful project, look no further. Grab your scissors, stabilizer, and a pile of T-shirts, and start crafting your own quilt of memories today!
Get Started on Your Own T-Shirt Quilt
Feeling inspired and need help getting started? Visit us at Quiltique for supplies, advice, classes or just to share your own quilting stories. We’d love to help you stitch together some memories to create that perfect memento quilt.