Sashing T-Shirt Quilts: A Step-By-Step Guide To Success

how to add sashing to t shirt quilt

T-shirt quilts are a great way to preserve old memories and keep yourself warm. Adding sashing to a T-shirt quilt is an optional step, but it can help manage the stretch of the T-shirt fabric and add negative space between the shirt graphics. Sashing strips form a decorative grid between each T-shirt block and can be added once the T-shirts have been cut into blocks and interfacing has been applied.

Characteristics Values
Sashing strip width 2" (1.5" when finished)
Border strip width 2.5" (2" when finished)
T-shirt block size 15"
Horizontal strip length 15"
Sewing seam allowance 1/4" or 1/2"
Tools Quilting rulers, rotary cutter, scissors, iron, etc.
T-shirts required for a throw-size quilt 12
T-shirts required for a twin-size quilt 20
T-shirts required for a full-size quilt 30
T-shirts required for a queen-size quilt 36
T-shirts required for a king-size quilt 42

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Choosing the right fabric for sashing

When choosing the right fabric for sashing, it's important to consider the colour, scale, and texture of the fabric. Here are some tips to help you select the best fabric for your t-shirt quilt:

  • Colour: Choose a colour that complements the t-shirts you're using. You can use a single print as inspiration and select colours that match its palette, or opt for different shades of the same colour to add depth and contrast.
  • Scale: Vary the scale of the prints you use. Combining small, medium, and large-scale designs will create contrast and balance in your quilt. If you're using large-scale prints, add some small-scale or solid fabrics to give the eye a place to rest.
  • Texture: Adding texture can create visual interest in your quilt. Consider using different types of fabric, such as quilting cotton, batiks, wovens, flannel, linen, or even cuddle/minky fabric, to add a tactile element to your design.
  • Pre-washing: Consider whether you want to pre-wash your fabric. Pre-washing can help prevent shrinkage, but it's not necessary if you like the crinkled look that quilts get after washing. If you're combining different types of fabric, pre-washing can help control for varying shrinkage rates.
  • Width: The width of your sashing strips should be the same as the width of your finished quilt blocks. Typically, sashing strips range from 1.5 to 2.5 inches in width, depending on the size of your blocks and the overall look you're aiming for.
  • Type of fabric: Quilting cotton is a popular choice for sashing because it's stable, easy to work with, and comes in a wide range of colours and designs. However, you can also experiment with other types of fabric, such as batiks, wovens, flannel, or linen blends, to add unique textures and visual interest to your quilt.

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Cutting the fabric to size

The first step in preparing your t-shirts for quilting is to cut them into panels. Wash and dry the t-shirts, and iron them if necessary to remove any wrinkles. Use sharp scissors to cut the front panel of each shirt, cutting as close to the side seams as possible to maximise the fabric you have to work with. Cut off the sleeves, connecting seams, and neckband, and remove any hemmed areas. You should be left with a rectangular panel from each shirt.

Repeat this process for the back panels of the t-shirts if you plan to use both sides.

Next, you will need to cut your panels to size. First, decide on the size of your smallest panel. You will need at least 12 inches square for a good-sized quilt square, but 14 inches by 14 inches is ideal. If your panels are already smaller than 12 inches, you can add fabric from the back of the t-shirt or use additional fabric to create panels that are large enough.

Once you have decided on the size of your panels, make a template. You can cut your template from cardboard or plastic. The template should be the same size as your smallest panel. Centre the template on top of each panel and cut the t-shirt around it.

Now, lay out your panels and decide if you want to include sashing (strips of fabric between the t-shirt panels). If you want to include sashing, measure the width of your panels and cut your sashing fabric to size. Most t-shirt quilts that use sashing cut the material to 2 inches wide, which will become 1.5 inches wide once sewn into the shirts. You will also need to measure and cut sashing for the edges of the quilt.

Finally, add up the total fabric required for sashing and use this to calculate the amount of fabric needed for the back of the quilt.

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Sewing the sashing to the T-shirts

Preparing the T-shirts:

Before you begin sewing the sashing, ensure that your T-shirts are ready. Cut the T-shirts along the seams to remove the sleeves, neckband, and any hemmed areas. You want to have a rectangular panel from the front of the shirt. If you wish to use the back of the T-shirt as well, cut it in the same way. It is essential to cut the shirts to have a flat surface for the next steps.

Choosing the Sashing:

The sashing is the material that runs between the T-shirts and adds to the overall design and size of the quilt. Typically, sashing strips are cut to be 2" wide, resulting in a 1.5" width after sewing. You will need enough sashing strips to add to all the T-shirts, except for the bottom row.

Sewing the Sashing:

Now it's time to sew the sashing to your T-shirts. Here is a step-by-step process:

  • Line up your sashing strips: Place the sashing along the inner edges of the T-shirt blocks, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Ensure that your sashing is aligned with the edge of the T-shirt.
  • Sew using a quarter-inch seam: Use a sewing machine or hand sew with a needle and thread, creating a quarter-inch seam along the sashing.
  • Trim the excess: After sewing the sashing to the end of the T-shirt block, trim off any excess fabric.
  • Repeat for inside squares: Continue adding sashing to the inside squares of your quilt. Do not add sashing to the external edges of each row, as these will be fitted with longer border pieces.
  • Create the rows: Once you have assembled your rows, attach a long strip of sashing to each row. Remember, only the top row of the quilt will have sashing on both the top and bottom. For subsequent rows, add sashing only to the bottom.
  • Pin the rows together: Carefully line up the shirts to ensure they are straight. Place one row on top of the other, and use a ruler or straight edge to check if they are aligned. Pin the rows together, marking on the sashing where the T-shirts from the previous row sit.
  • Sew the rows together: With your pins or markings as a guide, sew the rows together, ensuring that the T-shirts are in the correct direction and that the edges line up with the pins.

By following these steps, you will have successfully sewn the sashing to your T-shirts, creating a beautiful and personalised T-shirt quilt!

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Adding sashing to inside squares

Sashing is an essential component of quilting, referring to the strips of fabric sewn between blocks and rows to create a cohesive design. When adding sashing to the inside squares of a T-shirt quilt, there are several steps to follow for a polished result.

Firstly, determine the order of your T-shirts or blocks. This arrangement is crucial as it dictates the flow of your quilt's story and aesthetics. Once you've settled on the sequence, it's time to add the sashing to the inner edges of the T-shirt blocks. Ensure that the right sides of the fabric on both the sashing and the T-shirts are facing each other. This step sets the foundation for the overall design.

The next step involves sewing. Using a quarter-inch seam, sew the sashing to the T-shirt blocks. You will go all the way to the end of the block and then trim it. This process ensures that the sashing is securely attached to the blocks, creating a clean finish.

After sewing, continue assembling the sashing, but it's important to note that this step only applies to the inside squares. Refrain from adding sashing to the external edges of each row. These outer edges will be fitted with a longer border piece, so adding sashing there could result in excess material.

The final step in this process is to attach a long strip to each row. This step is done after all the rows are assembled and ensures that the sashing is consistent throughout the quilt. By following these steps, your T-shirt quilt will have professionally sewn sashing on the inside squares, contributing to a neat and visually appealing design.

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Pressing the seams open

Pressing seams open is a widely debated topic in quilting. While some quilters prefer to press seams to the side, others argue that pressing seams open has its own benefits. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for pressing the seams open when adding sashing to a T-shirt quilt:

Pressing Seams Open:

When adding sashing to a T-shirt quilt, pressing the seams open can help reduce bulk and create a flatter surface. This is especially useful when working with heavier fabrics or quilts with multiple seams coming together in one spot. Pressing seams open can also make quilting, particularly hand quilting, easier as it eliminates the need to sew through multiple layers of fabric.

To press seams open, use an iron to apply heat and pressure to the seams. It is important to be careful and avoid stretching the fabric, especially when using steam. A tip to avoid stretching is to use a pressing cloth or a thin cloth over the seams before applying the iron. This will help protect the fabric and prevent any direct contact with the iron.

Additionally, when pressing seams open, it is crucial to use straight pins to hold the edges of the patches together. Aligned edges tend to shift while sewing, so using pins can help stabilize the match points. Stab a straight pin through the matched seam lines and pull it taut. Use extra pins if needed to align the remaining edges. Remember to remove the pins as the needle approaches to avoid breaking them.

Pressing seams open can provide a flatter surface and make it easier to quilt, but it may require more time and precision when matching seam intersections. It is essential to consider the specific requirements of your T-shirt quilt project and decide which pressing method works best for you.

Pressing the Sashing Strips:

When pressing the sashing strips, it is important to follow the grain of the fabric. Use a hot, dry iron and press the strip lengthwise first, then widthwise. This will help set the grain and prevent the fabric from stretching or distorting. Start by pressing the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and then open it up and press each half towards the centre. This will create a crisp fold that will be easier to work with when attaching the sashing to the T-shirt blocks.

Attaching the Sashing:

When attaching the sashing to the T-shirt blocks, it is essential to pin the pieces together before sewing. Place the sashing strip and the T-shirt block right sides together, ensuring that the seams of the sashing align with the seams of the T-shirt block. Use pins to secure the layers together, paying close attention to the seam allowances. Sew the pieces together using a quarter-inch seam allowance, backstitching at the beginning and end for added strength. Press the seams open as described above.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to quilting. The method you choose depends on your personal preference and the specific requirements of your project. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you!

Frequently asked questions

Sashing is the material that runs between the t-shirts in a quilt. It adds negative space between the shirt graphics, making the quilt bigger, and helping to manage the stretch from the shirts.

Sashing strips are typically 2" wide (1.5" when finished).

This will depend on the size of your quilt. You will need enough fabric to add sashing to all but the bottom row of t-shirts, as well as long strips to attach the rows together.

You will need to add the sashing fabric after you have cut and arranged your t-shirts, but before you sew the rows together.

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