T-Shirt Quilt Squares: How Big Should They Be?

The size of a T-shirt quilt square depends on the style of the quilt and the number of T-shirts available. Typically, T-shirt quilts are made using 12” to 16” squares, with most sizes using a 15 square. However, if the T-shirts have smaller designs, a 12.5 square may be used. The number of T-shirts also determines the quilt's size, as more T-shirts result in a larger quilt. For example, a quilt made with 12 shirts will be smaller than one made with 30 shirts. Additionally, the inclusion of sashing, or decorative strips between the T-shirt blocks, can increase the size of the quilt.

The number of t-shirts

Number of T-shirts by Quilt Size

Firstly, the number of T-shirts you will need depends on the size of the quilt you want to make. Here is a table of quilt sizes and the number of T-shirts required:

• 12 T-shirts for a throw-size quilt (approximately 48" x 64")
• 20 T-shirts for a twin-size quilt (approximately 64" x 82")
• 30 T-shirts for a full-size quilt (approximately 82" x 96")
• 36 T-shirts for a queen-size quilt (approximately 96" x 96")
• 42 T-shirts for a king-size quilt (approximately 110" x 96")

Number of T-shirts by Quilt Style

Secondly, the number of T-shirts you will need depends on the style of the quilt.

For a traditional-style quilt with sashing, the number of blocks in the quilt will determine the number of T-shirts required. For example, a quilt that is 4 blocks wide by 5 blocks long will need 20 blocks and could use 10 T-shirts if there is a graphic on each side.

For a puzzle-style quilt, the number of T-shirts depends on the size and number of graphics on the T-shirts and the desired size of the quilt.

Number of T-shirts by T-shirt Size

Finally, the number of T-shirts you will need depends on the size of your T-shirts. For a good-sized quilt square, you need at least 12 inches square from each T-shirt. 14 inches in width and height is ideal.

Design size on t-shirts

The design size on T-shirts is an important consideration when making a T-shirt quilt. The size of the quilt blocks, which are the individual squares of T-shirt fabric in the quilt, can vary depending on the design and size of the T-shirts being used.

Most T-shirt quilt blocks range from 12 to 17 inches square. The size of the block chosen will determine the overall size of the quilt. For example, a traditional-style quilt with 12" blocks can be any width that is divisible by 12, such as 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, or 108 inches wide. The length of the quilt can also be customised based on the number of blocks.

It's important to consider the size of the T-shirt designs when choosing the block size. For T-shirts with large designs on the front and back, a larger block size may be needed to accommodate the full design. On the other hand, T-shirts with small logos or designs may only require a smaller block size.

The number of T-shirts available will also impact the size of the quilt. More T-shirts will result in a larger quilt, while fewer T-shirts may require the addition of blank blocks or the use of a smaller block size.

Additionally, the inclusion of sashing, which is the material that runs between the T-shirt blocks, can also affect the overall size of the quilt. Sashing typically adds 2 inches to the width and length of each block.

When planning a T-shirt quilt, it's important to take into account the desired size of the quilt, the number of T-shirts available, the size and placement of designs on the T-shirts, and whether sashing will be used. These factors will help determine the appropriate block size and overall design of the quilt.

Quilt size

The size of a T-shirt quilt depends on the number of T-shirts used and the size of the graphics on them. The more T-shirts used, the larger the quilt will be. Similarly, T-shirts with larger graphics will result in a larger quilt.

The size of the quilt also depends on the style of quilt chosen. For a traditional-style quilt, the number of blocks in the quilt can be calculated by multiplying the number of blocks wide by the number of blocks long. For example, a quilt that is 4 blocks wide and 5 blocks long will need 20 blocks. If each T-shirt has a graphic on each side, 10 T-shirts will be required. The size of each block is typically between 12 and 16 inches.

For a puzzle-style quilt, the number of T-shirts required depends on the size and number of graphics on the T-shirts, as well as the desired size of the quilt. This style of quilt is made up of different-sized and shaped blocks that are puzzled together, making it difficult to determine the exact size of the quilt before cutting the T-shirts.

The addition of a border can also increase the size of the quilt. A minimum border of 2 inches can make a quilt 4 inches wider and longer, while a 12-inch border can add 24 inches to the width and length.

• Throw-size quilt: approximately 48" x 64" and requires 12 shirts.
• Twin-size quilt: approximately 64" x 82" and requires 20 shirts.
• Full-size quilt: approximately 82" x 96" and requires 30 shirts.
• Queen-size quilt: approximately 96" x 96" and requires 36 shirts.
• King-size quilt: approximately 110" x 96" and requires 42 shirts.

Sashing

The size of the sashing can be adjusted to modify the overall quilt size, making it larger or smaller as needed. For instance, a traditional-style T-shirt quilt with sashing will require you to factor in the width of the sashing between the blocks. If you have 4 blocks that are 12" each, with 2" of sashing between them and 4" of sashing around the outside, you'd add these numbers to get the total width: 4 + 12 + 2 + 12 + 2 + 12 + 2 + 12 + 4 = 62" wide. You would do a similar calculation for the length.

When sewing the sashing strips, it's important to be careful to ensure that the quilt blocks line up neatly. Drawing registration lines on the unsewn edge of the long sashing strip and using a small ruler to mark the seams can help with this process.

Fusible interfacing

There are several types of fusible interfacing available on Amazon, including:

• Stabili-TEE Fusible Interfacing Pack, 60" x 72"
• Heatnbond EZ TEE Cotton Woven Iron-on Fusible T-Shirt Quilt Interfacing Stabilizer 14 in x 25 ft
• Pellon® P44F Fusible Interfacing 20" x 48 yd Board
• PLANTIONAL Medium Weight White Iron-On Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing: 11.6" x 30yd

Other recommended fusible interfacings include:

• Pellon SF-101
• Bosal Fashion Fuse
• Pellon 906 nonwoven fusible interfacing with a bamboo blend batting
• Pellon 911 nonwoven fusible interfacing
• Pellon 950F ShirTailor Fusible

The type of interfacing chosen depends on the type of quilt and desired softness. Some quilters do not interface the backs of their T-shirts, but this is a personal choice. Interfacing makes the quilt sturdier and easier to machine quilt.

Frequently asked questions