Natalia
Shadow box T-shirt quilts are a unique way to preserve memories and can be made by hand or using a sewing machine. The process involves cutting T-shirts into squares, usually 15 by 15, and then ironing on lightweight fusible interfacing to stabilise the stretchy T-shirt fabric. The squares are then sewn together, with the option to add a shadow effect by sewing strips of contrasting fabric to two sides of each block. The blocks are then sewn into rows, and the rows are joined together to form the quilt top. Finally, the quilt is layered and quilted together on a long-arm quilting machine, and the binding is sewn on.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | T-shirts, fabric, fusible interfacing, stabiliser, fabric scissors, sewing machine, thread, rotary cutter, ruler, fabric marker, fabric pen, iron |
| T-shirt preparation | Cut away the sleeves and the back of the shirts. Cut the sides of the shirts from the bottom up to the armholes on each side. Spread the shirt out and cut it apart at the shoulder seams. |
| Quilt block size | Dependent on the size of the motifs on the T-shirts. |
| Interfacing | Should be lightweight so as not to make the quilt too stiff. |
| Layout and pattern | Play around with the layout of the T-shirts until you are happy with it. |
| Shadow box effect | Use black, grey or brown strips of fabric, ranging from 1" to 3" wide, sewn to two sides of the block. |
| Binding | Can be done by hand or machine. |
What You'll Learn
Choosing colours for your shadows, borders and background
Choosing the right colours for your shadow box T-shirt quilt is an important step in the quilt-making process. The colours you select will impact the overall aesthetic of the quilt and can be used to create a specific mood or style. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing colours for your shadows, borders, and background:
Shadows:
When selecting the colour for your shadows, consider the overall effect you want to achieve. Shadows can be created using dark colours such as black, brown, or grey. These colours will give the quilt a subtle and elegant look. Alternatively, you can use lighter colours for a softer, more whimsical feel. The choice of shadow colour will also depend on the colours of your T-shirts. Choose a shadow colour that complements the T-shirt colours without overwhelming them. For example, if your T-shirts are mostly light-coloured, a soft grey or brown shadow might work well. On the other hand, if your T-shirts are darker, a black shadow could provide a striking contrast.
Borders:
The border colour will frame your quilt and help to define its overall look. Consider choosing a colour that ties the whole quilt together. For example, if your T-shirts feature a variety of colours, a neutral border such as white, cream, or tan can provide a calming influence. If your T-shirts are mostly in the same colour family, you could choose a border colour that complements them. For instance, a border of dark blue could enhance T-shirts in shades of blue, while a border of deep purple could bring out the best in red T-shirts.
Background:
The background colour will fill in the spaces between your T-shirts and shadows, so choose a colour that will enhance the overall design. A light-coloured background, such as white or light grey, can make your T-shirts pop and give the quilt a crisp, modern look. If you're using darker shadows, a light background will also help to create a stronger contrast and make the shadow effect more pronounced. On the other hand, a darker background can give your quilt a more traditional or vintage feel. Colours like dark blue, forest green, or burgundy could be good choices, depending on the colours of your T-shirts and the mood you want to evoke.
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Cutting your background fabric
The first step to making a shadow box T-shirt quilt is to decide on the colours you want to use for your shadows, borders and background. For example, you could go for black shadows and a white background, or vice versa.
Next, cut your background fabric into 48 squares measuring 1-and-a-half by 1-and-a-half inches, and 28 strips measuring 2 by 9-and-a-half inches. You can then cut your shadow fabric into 24 strips measuring 1-and-a-half by 7-and-a-half inches, and another 24 strips measuring 1-and-a-half by 8-and-a-half inches.
If you want to add a border, cut your chosen fabric to 4-and-a-half inches wide. You will also need to cut 24 squares from different fabrics, each measuring 8-and-a-half by 8-and-a-half inches.
Now you can start sewing your squares and strips together. Sew one of your small background squares to your 7-and-a-half-inch shadow strip, and another to your 8-and-a-half-inch shadow strip. These will form the bottom and side of each square. Sew the bottom strip to the square, and then the side strip.
Now you can add your sashing parts. First, sew one of your 2 by 9-and-a-half-inch strips of background fabric to the bottom of the square. Then, sew one of your 2 by 11-inch strips of background fabric to the left side of the square. Repeat this process to make four blocks, and sew them together to form a row. Finish the row by adding a final 2 by 11-inch strip of background fabric.
Make six rows in total, and then sew them together. Add a final set of 9-and-a-half-inch background strips with 2-inch squares of background fabric to your top row, and then your outer border.
Your finished quilt will be approximately 51-and-a-half by 72-and-a-half inches.
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Cutting your shadow fabric
The first step in cutting your shadow fabric is deciding on the colour you want to use. This can be anything from black to brown or grey, depending on your preference and the overall aesthetic you're aiming for.
Next, you will need to cut your fabric into strips of various widths and lengths. The number of strips and their dimensions will depend on the size and number of blocks in your quilt, so be sure to plan this step carefully.
For example, if you are following MaDan's Quilting tutorial, you will need to cut the following from your shadow fabric:
- 24 strips 1-1/2" x 7-1/2"
- 24 strips 1-1/2" x 8-1/2"
Alternatively, if you are creating a T-shirt quilt like the one described by Rock Creek DIY, you will be cutting your shadow fabric into strips ranging from 1" to 3" wide, depending on the size of your blocks. These strips will be sewn onto two sides of each block to create the shadow effect.
Remember to cut your fabric with a generous seam allowance (approximately 1/4" is recommended) to ensure that your strips are the correct size after sewing.
Once you have cut all your shadow fabric strips, you can move on to the next step of assembling your shadow box T-shirt quilt!
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Cutting squares from different fabrics
Firstly, decide on the colour scheme for your quilt. Choose the colours you want for your shadows, borders, and background. For instance, you may opt for black shadows, a white background, and a coloured border. This step is important as it determines the fabric colours and quantities you'll need.
Now, it's time to start cutting your fabric pieces. Using a rotary cutter, rotary mat, and ruler, carefully cut the following pieces:
- From your background fabric, cut 48 squares measuring 1.5" x 1.5".
- From the same background fabric, cut 28 strips measuring 2" x 9.5".
- For the shadow fabric, cut 24 strips measuring 1.5" x 7.5".
- Cut an additional 24 strips from the shadow fabric, this time measuring 1.5" x 8.5".
- If you wish to add a border, cut it 4.5" wide.
- Cut 24 squares from a variety of different fabrics, each measuring 8.5" x 8.5". These squares will be the focal points of your quilt and can be cut from T-shirts or other fabrics with meaningful designs or patterns.
It's important to note that these measurements are just a guide, and you can adjust them to fit your desired quilt size. Once you've cut all your fabric pieces, you're ready to start sewing them together to create the shadow box effect. Follow the layout provided in the tutorial, or create your own unique design.
Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of creating something special. Happy quilting!
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Sewing your squares, strips and sashing parts together
Now that you have cut up the t-shirts, it's time to sew the squares, strips, and sashing parts together.
First, sew one of your small squares to your 7-1/2" long shadow strip for the bottom of each square. Next, sew one of your small squares to your 8-1/2" shadow strip for the side of the square. Sew the bottom strip to the scrappy square, and then the side.
Now, add your sashing parts. First, add one of your 2" x 9-1/2" strips of background fabric to the bottom of the square. Then, add one of your 2" x 11" strips of background fabric to the left side of the square. Sew four blocks together per row, and finish the row with a final 2" x 11" strip of background fabric. Make six rows like that, and sew them together, adding a final set of 9-1/2" background strips with 2" squares of background fabric to your top row.
Your quilt is now ready to be quilted!
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Frequently asked questions
A shadow box T-shirt quilt is a quilt made from T-shirts that creates a shadow effect by using strips of fabric in varying widths and colours, sewn to the sides of the blocks.
You can choose any colour you like for the shadows and background, but typically, people use dark colours for the shadows (black, brown, or grey) and a light colour for the background (white).
First, decide on the size of your quilt blocks. Measure all the motifs on the T-shirts to find the largest one, which will determine the quilt block size. Cut away the sleeves and the back of the T-shirts, and then cut the sides from the bottom up to the armholes. Iron a lightweight fusible interfacing onto the wrong side of the T-shirt fabric to stabilize it and prevent stretching.
Cut strips of fabric for the shadows in varying widths, typically ranging from 1" to 3" wide. Sew these strips to two sides of each block, playing around with the placement to get the desired 'shadow' effect.
Once you have cut your blocks and created the shadow effect, lay out the blocks on the floor to decide on the final layout. Sew the blocks together, adding sashing strips between them if desired. Then, sew the rows of blocks together to form the quilt top. Finally, add a border, batting, backing, and binding to finish your quilt.
