Sewing T Shirt Quilts: Tips and Tricks for Success

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Secrets to Creating Stunning T-Shirt Quilts

As an avid quilter for over 20 years, I’ve made my fair share of memory quilts using old t-shirts. From my teenager’s band shirts to my husband’s college tees, these quilts capture nostalgic moments in fabric. However, working with t-shirt material presents some unique challenges that many quilters struggle with. Through trial and error over many quilts, I’ve discovered some secrets for beautifully showcasing these sentimental shirts in patchwork quilts.

Choose T-Shirts Wisely

In my experience, not all t-shirts are created equal when it comes to quilting. Lightweight and slightly stretchy material works best. Heavier cotton blends or polyester athletic shirts can be stubborn to sew and lose their shape. I once used one of my husband’s old race shirts in a quiltā€”what a mistake! The technical fabric frayed like crazy no matter what I did. So my first tip is to evaluate each shirt before committing it to the project. Hold it up to the light. Does it have some drape and feel smooth or substantial in your hands? Then it will probably quilt up nicely.

Interface Each Block

T-shirt fabric tends to stretch unevenly compared to quilt shop cotton. Some areas even curl at the edges over time. Believe me, I’ve got the wonky first attempts to prove it! The solution I now swear by? Lightweight iron-on interfacing on the back of every fabric block before sewing pieces together. The interfacing stabilizes the blocks, prevents distortion, and makes the finished quilt lay flat and smoothā€”no matter how you wash it. What a difference this single step makes!

Careful Sizing is Key

Making sure every fabric piece is cut on grain and accurately sized takes extra diligence with knits like t-shirts. But itā€™s worth the effort for nicely aligned quilt blocks that donā€™t get skewed and distorted. I always start by gently tugging the shirt in multiple directions to determine the grain before placing and pinning a pattern. Then I refold the fabric and verify my cut edge follows the straight of grain to avoid any off-kilter pieces. It seems persnickety at first, yet Iā€™ve found it makes all subsequent steps easier. Eyeballing sizes just doesnā€™t cut it with t-shirt quilts!

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Serge Raw Edges

In many memory quilts, leaving shirt edges unfinished adds nostalgic appeal. However, I discovered by age three of my nephewā€™s t-shirt quilt that those raw edges become strings and tears over time. No matter how carefully I squared and stitched each block, the stretched knit wanted to unravel. Now I always serge block edges first for a professional finish that stands the test of timeā€”and many snuggle sessions!

Use Ballpoint Needles

Sewing t-shirt fabric with a universal needle leads to skipped stitches and frustration as the needle holes become enlarged. For years I put off trying ballpoint needles because they seemed like something only apparel sewers used. Wow, was I wrong! The first time I tried them to piece a t-shirt quilt back, the difference blew me away. The needle slid neatly between the knit fibers instead of piercing them, virtually eliminating holes and skipped stitches. Those special needles are absolutely worth the small investment for successful t-shirt quilt seams.

Baste Blocks Before Final Sewing

Even stabilized knit blocks stretch differently than quilting cottons. I used to sew strips and blocks together neatly, only to have them skew and not line up correctly when joining to other units. No matter how precise I measured and pinned, slight stretching along the edges threw everything off. Now I take the time up front to baste each strip set and blockā€”even if they look perfect. Basting allows the blocks to ā€œsettleā€ and accurately reveals any distortion to be corrected before final sewing. It adds one more step, but the end result of perfectly aligned blocks is completely worth it.

Quilt Densely

The first t-shirt quilt I gifted my niece is still going strong after eight years of love. Why? In addition to interfacing, every block is quilted stitch-in-ditch style less than 1ā„2ā€ apart. All those dense quilting lines stabilize the stretchy knit fabric so it maintains its shape despite countless snuggles and washes. For bed or baby sized quilts, I also do an overall meandering pattern for extra stability. After learning this lesson, I always quilt t-shirt quilts more densely than typical patchwork quilts. It makes them durable keepsakes built to last generations.

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I hope these hard-won secrets help you create lasting heirloom quilts from your loved oneā€™s cherished t-shirts. What tips would you add for successfully working with t-shirt quilts? Please share your own experiences and insights in the comments below!

Key Tips for Sewing T-Shirt Quilts
Tip Description
Choose t-shirts with sentimental value Prioritize t-shirts with special memories or meanings to make a meaningful quilt
Mix up t-shirt sizes Combine different sizes of t-shirts to create an interesting patchwork design
Stabilize stretchy fabrics Back t-shirts with iron-on interfacing before sewing to prevent stretching and distortion
Carefully cut t-shirt logos Cut out logos or graphics you want to highlight and showcase in the quilt
Use bold sashing Sashing in bright colors highlights the t-shirts and gives structure to the quilt

Here is the FAQ block on secrets to sewing t shirt quilts:

FAQ

What kind of t-shirts work best for quilts?

The softest, most worn t-shirts make the coziest quilts. Vintage concert tees and broken-in athletic shirts are perfect.

Should I wash the t-shirts first?

Yes, washing removes sizing and chemicals so your quilt won’t irritate sensitive skin. Use a gentle cycle and air dry to avoid shrinkage.

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How do I cut t-shirts into squares?

Lay shirts flat and cut 10-12 inch squares. Simple geometric shapes work best. Cut slowly and avoid stretched areas.

What size quilt can I make from 10 t-shirts?

Ten adult t-shirts will yield around 35 squares, enough for a lap size quilt about 45 x 60 inches.

Is it hard to sew knits and stretchy seams?

Knits can be tricky but take your time and use starch or interfacing on edges when needed. And be sure your machine can handle thick layers!

What makes a t-shirt quilt special?

Beyond the sentimental value, t-shirt quilts have super soft texture and flexibility. They mold to your body for maximum coziness!

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