Tee Shirt Quilts

[SuesQuilts]

Does anyone know of a simple to follow book that can explain how to make tee shirt quilts. I was asked if I could make one. They don't seem all that hard but would like some guidence for the first one that I make.

Sue

[auntjana]

I don't know of a book - but they are easy to make -
The way I have done one is to open up the side seam area so I have a flat surface to work on -

then I iron on a knit fusible interfacing - going the opposite way of the stretch of the main t-shirt - this stabilizes the unit -

I fussy cut the part of the t-shirt I want - deciding in advance of the size of the block.

You can then sew them together with sashing strips or just the t-shirts themselves.

Then finish as you would any other quilt - realizing that the knit top is very heavy and that a piece of flannel between the front and the back as the batting might serve you well.

Machine quilt or tying is also the best way to hold them altogether.

Hope you find a book or that this may help you.
Jana

[Joannequilts]

Sue, I have done 4 T Shirt quilts..in fact it was my first attempt at a bed size quilt. Like you, I had no clue how to do it! I used the internet to find information...luckily since then I found this forum!! lol!

Basically, I do it like Jana. The KNIT fusible interfacing is awesome. It gives the shirt material body, but it's still soft and flexible.

All my T shirts were different sizes..my grandson's old sports t shirts from the time he was a little guy up to pre-teen. So I added "borders" to the smaller ones and made them all the same size squares...I believe it turned out to be 15 1/2". It helps to have a square ruler the size you want.

Be sure to leave enough plain material around the design for the seams. That way you won't lose any of the design.

When you wash the t shirts do NOT use fabric softener!!
I used 1/2" seams...
I handquilted these quilts, but Jana is right...that is NOT the way to go! LOL!! Machine quilt or tie them...trust me on this one!

These are fun quilts to make and all my grandsons loved them! The last one that I made was for my adult stepson. He had so many shirts that I made his reversible...but I wouldn't recommend that...trying to "line up" the front and back for the machine quilting was a nightmare!

I've always used sashing and cornerstones to set them. It seems to show off the designs better.

Good luck!!

Joanne

Edit to add: I agree with Jana about the batting....I would use some cheap thin flannel for the batting, unless you WANT a heavy, warm quilt!

[gmaann]

One of Eleanor's Signature patterns is for a t-shirt quilt. Check it out in the Shop Online here. Click on Quilt Patterns and you'll find it!

[SuesQuilts]

Thanks for the information everyone.

[LittleRedHen5]

I just watched a great T-Shirt Quilt video on YouTube. I can't remember if it was by Riley Blake Designs, Missouri Star Quilt Co., or Kaye Wood or ????? but I am sure if you do a search for "T-Shirt Quilt" you will be able to find it or another one that will work for you. They were very precise in their directions and the quilt turned out to be very beautiful.

I am addicted to YouTube for my quilting inspirations.

Hope this helps. I know your post was older but someone may be looking for the same thing.