Creating A T-Shirt Quilt: Sashing Secrets Revealed

how to make a t shirt quilt with sashing

T-shirt quilts are a fun way to preserve old memories and keep them close. They are easy to make and can be as basic or intricate as you like. You can use old T-shirts or buy new ones. The number of T-shirts you will need depends on the size of the quilt you want to make. You will also need quilting rulers, thread, an iron, rotary cutter, scissors, fusible interfacing, and a few other optional tools.

The first step is to cut the T-shirts into blocks. You can use a cardboard template or a quilting ruler for this. Then, attach the interfacing to the back of each block. This helps manage the stretch of the T-shirt fabric. Next, trim the blocks to the final size and plan the layout of your quilt. You can use sashing, or strips of fabric, between each block for added structure and negative space. Finally, sew the blocks and sashing together to assemble your quilt.

Characteristics Values
Skill level Beginner
Tools Iron, ironing board, rotary cutting tools, quilting rulers, thread, scissors, fusible interfacing, sharp scissors, sewing machine, quilt binding, etc.
Number of T-shirts 12-15 for a throw-size quilt. 14-18 for a throw size quilt (approx. 51” x 67”). 23-30 for a twin size quilt (approx. 64” x 83”). 35-42 for a full-size quilt (approx. 83” x 99”). 40-48 for a queen-size quilt (approx. 99” x 99”). 48-54 for a king-size quilt (approx. 115” x 99”).
T-shirt preparation Wash, dry, and iron T-shirts. Cut the front panel of the T-shirt, removing sleeves and seams.
Interfacing Cut interfacing into 17" squares. Fuse interfacing to the back of the T-shirt, ensuring it is centred.
Sashing Sashing is optional but helps manage stretch and adds negative space. Cut sashing strips lengthwise for a cleaner look. Typically 2" wide for the border and 1.5" wide between blocks.
Quilt assembly Sew sashing to the right side of the first T-shirt block, then attach the left side of the next block to the sashing. Repeat to form rows, then sew the rows together.

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Selecting and cutting the t-shirts

The first step in making a T-shirt quilt is to select the T-shirts you want to use. These could be old T-shirts that hold special memories or new ones you've bought for the quilt. You'll need at least 12 T-shirts for a throw-sized quilt, but the number you require will depend on the size of your quilt and the size of your T-shirts.

Once you've selected your T-shirts, you need to cut them. Wash, dry, and iron the T-shirts to remove any wrinkles. Then, use sharp scissors to cut the front panel of the T-shirt, cutting as near to the side seams as possible to leave as much fabric as you can. Cut off the sleeves, connecting seams, and any neck banding. You should be left with a rectangular panel. Repeat this process for all the T-shirts you plan to use.

Now, you need to cut your T-shirts into blocks. You can use a cardboard template or a quilting ruler for this step.

Next, you'll need to attach fusible interfacing to the back of each T-shirt block. The interfacing will help manage the stretch of the T-shirt fabric and make it sturdier and easier to quilt. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for fusing the interfacing, and be sure to cover the entire back of each block.

Finally, trim your blocks down to their final size.

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Choosing and cutting the sashing

Sashing is the material that runs between the t-shirts and makes the quilt bigger. If you are using sashing, you won't need as many t-shirts. If you have a lot of t-shirts or prefer the idea of the quilt being made only of t-shirts, you don't need sashing.

Most t-shirt quilts that use sashing cut the material 2 inches wide. Once it is sewn into the shirts, the sashing will be 1.5 inches wide. You will also need to measure sashing for the edges of the quilt.

Solid or tone-on-tone sashing and border fabrics are ideal for t-shirt quilts. Printed sashing tends to compete with the shirt designs.

You can use a Jelly Roll for your sashing and border, which makes things easy. The 2.5″ strips frame each block nicely and help create a cohesive look for the quilt.

To cut your sashing strips:

  • Prewash and dry the fabric
  • Iron it (starch makes cutting easier and more precise)
  • "Square" the fabric. This can be done by holding the centre and letting the ends hang
  • Lay the fabric on the cutting mat lengthwise, and cut strips in sections as you go
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Fusing the interfacing

Choose the Right Interfacing:

Select a lightweight or sheerweight fusible interfacing, such as Pellon 906F Sheerweight or Pellon 15” x 108” Fusible Sheerweight Interfacing. This type of interfacing will keep the T-shirt fabric from stretching without adding too much weight.

Prepare Your Work Area:

Cover your ironing board with a towel or protective fabric. From the T-shirt remnants, choose the largest piece without any emblems or designs and use it as a press cloth. Place this over the interfacing, being careful not to wrinkle it.

Apply Heat:

Set your iron to the "cotton" setting. Do not use a higher setting, as this may melt the T-shirt designs or ruin synthetic fabrics. Place a Teflon or silicone pressing sheet under the T-shirt, with the printed side against the pressing sheet. Then, place the interfacing on top, with the glue side down, and fuse it to the T-shirt by applying heat from the iron.

Trim the Interfacing:

Once the interfacing is securely bonded, trim the T-shirt panels to your desired size, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

Additional Tips:

  • Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific type of interfacing you are using.
  • If you are working with polyester T-shirts, turn down the heat of your iron, as polyester can melt under high heat. It may take longer to fuse, but be patient and make several passes with the iron.
  • If you are concerned about the T-shirt design sticking to your iron or ironing board, use a Teflon or silicone pressing sheet under the T-shirt and a damp press cloth on top of the interfacing during the fusing process.
  • For best results, fuse the interfacing before cutting the T-shirts to their final size. This will help stabilize the fabric and make it easier to work with.
  • If you are new to quilting, consider making a small practice quilt with T-shirt scraps before starting your project.

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Arranging the quilt

Firstly, you should decide on the number of shirts you want to include in your quilt. This will depend on the size of the quilt you want to make. For example, 12 shirts will make a throw-size quilt, while 42 shirts will make a king-size quilt.

Next, cut the shirts into blocks and attach the interfacing to the back of each block. This will help manage the stretch of the T-shirt fabric.

Now you can start arranging the blocks on a flat surface, such as the floor or a design wall. Try to alternate light and dark colours, as well as busy and plain designs. You can also add in complementary fabric to fill in any gaps in the arrangement.

Once you are happy with the layout, select your sashing. Sashing is optional but can help manage the stretch of the shirts and add negative space between the designs. Attach the sashing to the inner edges of the T-shirt blocks, sewing with a quarter-inch seam.

Finally, pin the rows together, being careful to line up the shirts so they look straight. Place one row on top of the other so you can see the T-shirts on both rows, and use a ruler or straight edge to ensure they are lined up.

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Sewing the quilt

Next, cut the batting and backing fabric to the size of your quilt top. Layer the batting between the top and backing, and pin the three layers together. Sew together the layers, using a stitch design of your choice. Finally, sew quilt binding (strips of fabric to cover the raw edges) around the perimeter of the quilt with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

Step One: Line Up Your Sashing

After determining the order of your quilts, add a 2.5-inch sashing to the inner edges of the T-shirt blocks. Ensure that the right sides of the fabric on both your shirt and the shirt face each other. Line it up along the edge. Once it is placed how you want it, you’re going to sew using a quarter-inch seam.

Step Two: Sew The Sash

You’re going to go all the way to the end of the shirt block and then you’re going to trim it.

Step Three: Add Sashing To Inside Squares

Continue assembling the sashing only on the inside squares. Do not add sashing to the external edges of each row as these will be fitted with a longer border piece instead.

Step Four: Add Sashing To Make A Row

Attach a long strip to each row after your rows are assembled.

Step Five: Where To Add Long Sashing Strips

You will only add long strips of sashing to the top row of the quilt. For subsequent rows, you will only have sashing on the bottom. If you do the top and bottom to all of the rows, you will have doubled up the sashing when it is pieced together, and you don't want that. Remember, put the right sides together and use a ¼-inch sewing seam.

Step Six: Pin The Rows Together

Your sashing is done on the inside and now on the top and bottom of each row. Be careful to line up the shirts so they look straight. To do this, place one row on top of the other so you can see the T-shirts on both rows. You can use a ruler or a straight edge to ensure it is lined up. Get your pins and mark on the sashing where the T-shirt on the previous row sits.

Step Seven: Sew The Rows Together

Now that you have pinned or marked, you are ready to sew the rows together with the fabric right sides together. Before you sew, confirm your T-shirts are in the correct direction. As you sew, ensure that the T-shirt edges line up with these pins.

Step Eight: Your Quilt Top Is Complete

Now you should have a nicely gridded quilt top.

Frequently asked questions

First, wash and dry the T-shirts. Iron them if necessary to remove wrinkles. Cut the front panel of the T-shirt, cutting near the side seams to leave as much fabric as possible. Cut off the sleeves and connecting seams. Cut below the neckband and remove any hemmed areas. You should be left with a rectangular panel.

Once you have cut your T-shirts into blocks and attached interfacing, you can start to assemble your quilt. Sew a strip of sashing to the right side of the first T-shirt block. Attach the left side of another shirt block to the right side of that sashing piece. Repeat this process until you have completed your row of blocks, then repeat to make more rows until you have reached your desired quilt size.

You will need enough fabric for 2" sashing strips (1.5" when finished) between the blocks, 2.5" strips (2" when finished) for the border, and additional fabric for the binding. Calculate the amount needed and be sure to wash the fabric before use.

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