
T-shirt quilts are a great way to memorialise your favourite tops. However, the soft, stretchy fabric that makes t-shirts so comfortable to wear can be a problem when it comes to quilting. The same stretch that makes t-shirts so comfy also makes them get distorted and wonky if you sew them without preparing them in advance. That's why you need to stabilise your shirts before you use them in a quilt or any other sewing project. You can do this by applying a fusible backing to the t-shirt fabric. The backing helps the shirt hold its shape while you cut and sew it. The softer and more worn a t-shirt is, the more it needs stabilising before you try to sew with it.
The amount of stabiliser (interfacing) you need for a t-shirt quilt depends on many factors, like the size of the t-shirts used and the size of the quilt you are making. A good amount of stabiliser for a t-shirt quilt is 10 yards.
What You'll Learn
How much interfacing is needed for a t-shirt quilt?
The amount of interfacing needed for a T-shirt quilt depends on the size of the T-shirts used and the size of the quilt. A good amount of interfacing for a T-shirt quilt is 10 yards, but this can vary depending on the size of the quilt and the T-shirts used. It's important to note that the direction of the grain is irrelevant with interfacing, so you can lay the T-shirts every which way to maximize usage. Leftover pieces can be used in smaller projects, like pillows or bags.
When preparing T-shirts for a quilt, it is recommended to cut them up along each side, around the armhole, and across the shoulders to separate the front from the back. This allows for uniform blocks, which is important for the overall design of the quilt. After cutting the blocks, fusible interfacing is applied to each block to give stability when sewing and quilting. The type of interfacing used can vary depending on personal preference, but it should be lightweight and compatible with the fabric of the T-shirts. It is also important to use a pressing cloth when applying the interfacing to avoid damaging the T-shirt design.
Overall, the amount of interfacing needed for a T-shirt quilt depends on the specific project, but 10 yards is a good starting point. It is important to prepare the T-shirts properly and use the appropriate type of interfacing to ensure a successful quilt.
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What is the best type of interfacing for a t-shirt quilt?
Interfacing is a material used to stiffen and stabilise the fabric of a T-shirt quilt, to prevent it from stretching out of shape. While some sources suggest that interfacing is not necessary, it is still a common practice.
The best type of interfacing for a T-shirt quilt is lightweight fusible interfacing, which can be ironed directly onto the fabric. The rule of thumb is that the interfacing should be 100% cotton, just like the fabric it is adhering to. You want a natural, lightweight woven cotton stabiliser that is fusible on one side.
Some recommended brands include:
- Heat n' Bond EZ-TEE Stabilizer
- Stabili-TEE Fusible Interfacing
- June Tailor T-Shirt Project Fusible Interfacing
- Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex Interfacing
- Pellon Sheer Fusible Interfacing
- Pellon Shape-Flex (woven)
- Therm-o-Web Heat’n Bond (non-woven)
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How do you apply interfacing to a t-shirt quilt?
To apply interfacing to a T-shirt quilt, you'll first need to cut out a piece of interfacing that is slightly larger than the T-shirt. Then, turn the T-shirt design-side down and place the interfacing bumpy-side down on top. Press with an iron until the interfacing has fused to the back of the T-shirt. You can then cut the T-shirts to your desired size.
There are a few things to keep in mind when applying interfacing to T-shirts. Firstly, always use a pressing cloth or another piece of fabric over the T-shirt design to avoid ruining the iron or the T-shirt. Secondly, the direction of the grain is irrelevant with interfacing, so you can lay the T-shirts every which way to maximize usage. Finally, if you find that the interfacing isn't sticking, try spraying a little bit of basting spray.
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Why do t-shirt quilts need interfacing?
T-shirt quilts need interfacing to give support and structure to the T-shirt material. Interfacing, also known as a stabiliser, is adhered or stitched to the T-shirt to prevent it from stretching out of shape. Without interfacing, T-shirt fabric will stretch longer than the cotton fabric it is sewn to. Interfacing will also prevent the finished project from looking warped or saggy.
The rule of thumb is that the interfacing should be 100% cotton, just like the fabric it is adhering to. You want a natural, lightweight woven cotton stabiliser, such as EZ-TEE or Stabili-TEE. The interfacing should also be fusible on one side, with a heat-activated glue that adheres to the fabric when ironed.
There are different types of interfacing, ranging from very heavy to lighter and more flexible. Even the lightest weight interfacing will stiffen the fabric. For T-shirt quilting, a lightweight fusible interfacing such as Pellon Shape-Flex or Therm-o-Web Heat’n Bond is recommended.
However, some quilters choose not to use interfacing at all, instead stabilising the T-shirts with starch.
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Can you make a t-shirt quilt without interfacing?
Yes, it is possible to make a T-shirt quilt without interfacing. However, the decision to forgo interfacing may depend on the type of T-shirts being used, the desired quilt style, and the sewer's skill level.
Interfacing is a material used to give support and structure to the T-shirt fabric. It is also known as iron-on backing because it can be ironed directly onto the fabric, fusing the two materials together. Interfacing is used to prevent the T-shirt fabric from stretching out of shape when sewn together with non-stretchy fabrics such as cotton.
There are several reasons why someone might choose to make a T-shirt quilt without interfacing:
- Stiffness: Interfacing can make the quilt stiffer and less soft.
- Cost: Using interfacing increases the cost of making the quilt.
- Unnecessary: With advancements in sewing machine technology and modern T-shirt quilt styles, interfacing is not always necessary. Sewing machines with computer technology and dual walking feet can now easily sew together cotton and T-shirt fabric without the need for interfacing. Additionally, modern T-shirt quilts often eliminate the use of non-T-shirt materials, so only T-shirt fabric is sewn together, which does not require interfacing.
- Difficulty: Applying interfacing to each T-shirt before cutting and sewing can be a time-consuming and tedious task.
Tips for Making a T-Shirt Quilt Without Interfacing
While it is possible to make a T-shirt quilt without interfacing, there are some challenges that may arise due to the stretchy nature of T-shirt fabric. Here are some tips to help with the process:
- Starch: Using starch can help stabilise the fabric and make it easier to work with.
- Slow Sewing: Sewing slowly and pinning everything properly can help prevent stretching.
- Needle Type: Using a ballpoint needle for piecing can be helpful.
- Seam Allowance: Giving yourself a larger seam allowance, such as 1/2 inch instead of 1/4 inch, provides more wiggle room in case the edges curl up.
- Simple Pattern: Avoid using small pieces and complex patterns, as they can be more difficult to manipulate.
- Pressing Cloth: When ironing, use a pressing cloth or pillowcase between the iron and the T-shirt fabric to protect the fabric and any plastic or vinyl designs.
- Dense Quilting: Quilting the quilt densely can help prevent the fabric from sagging over time.
- Lightweight Interfacing: If you are concerned about stability, you can use a very lightweight interfacing, such as featherweight or French fuse, which will provide stability during piecing without making the final quilt stiff.
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Frequently asked questions
A good amount of interfacing for a T-shirt quilt is 10 yards, depending on the size of the T-shirts used and the size of the quilt you are making.
The rule of thumb is that the interfacing should be 100% cotton, just like the fabric it is adhering to. You want a natural, lightweight woven cotton stabilizer such as EZ-TEE or Stabili-TEE.
Yes, wash the T-shirts without any softener in the wash and dry without any dryer sheets. This will help the stabilizer adhere to the shirt better.
Yes, you can cut the T-shirts before applying the interfacing. Cut the interfacing to be slightly larger than the T-shirt to ensure full coverage.