Easy Guide To Sewing A T-Shirt Quilt In 6 Clicks

T-shirt quilts are a great way to preserve old memories and keep warm at the same time. Making a T-shirt quilt is a fun and rewarding process, but it requires time, patience, and practice. In this article, we will guide you through the entire process of making a T-shirt quilt, from choosing the right supplies to assembling and sewing the quilt together. We will also offer some tips and tricks to make the process easier. So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced quilter, read on to learn how to create a beautiful and meaningful T-shirt quilt.

Choosing and cutting the T-shirts

Choosing the right T-shirts for your quilt is important. You'll want to select shirts that are clean and in good condition. Avoid stained shirts or T-shirts that are too thin from wear or washing. You can use the fronts, backs, or both from the T-shirts. If you're using the fronts, you'll want to cut around the design, and if you're using the backs, you'll want to cut off the seams and neckband.

Before you start cutting, it's a good idea to wash, dry, and iron your T-shirts to remove any wrinkles. This will make the fabric easier to work with and ensure that your quilt top lays flat when you're finished.

When cutting the T-shirts, you'll want to use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter and quilting mat. Start by cutting the front or back panel away from the rest of the shirt, then trim it down to a rectangle. You can also cut the sleeves and seams off the panels to create a more uniform shape. The size of the panels will depend on the size of your quilt and the number of shirts you're using. For a throw blanket-sized quilt, you'll need at least 16 T-shirts, and for a twin-sized quilt, you'll need about 12 shirts.

If you're using the fronts of the T-shirts, you'll want to centre the design as much as possible. You can use a quilting ruler and rotary cutter to help you cut straight lines and create uniform panels. Once you've cut all your panels, you can start arranging them on a flat surface to decide on your layout before you begin sewing.

Preparing the quilt layout

Step 1: Cut Out Your T-Shirt Squares

Use a rotary cutter and mat or fabric scissors to cut out your T-shirt squares. Ensure that all your squares are the same size—12" x 12" or 14" x 14". This will ensure a neat and uniform look for your quilt. If you prefer a more eclectic look, you can cut the squares in different sizes, but sewing them together may be more difficult. Clean up the edges of your squares with scissors so they look neat and tidy.

Step 2: Arrange Your T-Shirt Squares

Now, it's time to get creative! Lay out all your T-shirt squares on a flat surface or design wall. Play around with different layouts until you find one that you like. You can use a quilt template to help you get started. There are no rules when it comes to arranging your squares, so feel free to experiment until you're happy with the final result. If you want to add negative space between the shirt graphics, you can use sashing (strips of fabric) between each shirt block.

Step 3: Finalize Your Quilt Layout

Once you've settled on a layout, carefully measure the width and length of each T-shirt square to determine the final dimensions of your quilt. This will help you ensure that your quilt blocks are straight and square. At this point, you may also want to cut additional fabric to fill in any gaps in your layout, leaving enough fabric for a seam allowance. Remember to consider the size of your blanket or batting and backing fabric to ensure that your quilt layout fits within those dimensions.

Step 4: Prepare for Sewing

Before you start sewing, use a hot iron to attach fusible interfacing to the back of each T-shirt block. This will help stabilize the stretchy T-shirt fabric and make it easier to sew. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for fusing the interfacing securely. Then, trim the panels according to your desired size, leaving a seam allowance.

Now you're ready to start sewing your T-shirt quilt! Remember to take your time, be patient, and enjoy the process of bringing your unique quilt to life.

Sewing the T-shirt squares

Begin by sorting your T-shirt squares into the desired layout. Play around with the arrangement until you achieve a composition that you're happy with. Consider factors such as color distribution, pattern placement, and overall balance. Once you've decided on the layout, take a picture or make a sketch to use as a reference during the sewing process.

When you're ready to start sewing, set your sewing machine to a ballpoint needle and a slightly longer stitch length, typically 3–4 mm. A ballpoint needle is specifically designed for sewing knit fabrics, like T-shirts, as it separates the fibers without damaging them. Using a longer stitch length also helps to prevent the fabric from stretching and distorting during sewing.

Pin two T-shirt squares right sides together along one side, matching the raw edges carefully. If your T-shirt fabric tends to slip, you can use a higher number of pins for more secure results. Sew the pinned edge using a straight stitch and a ½-inch seam allowance, reinforcing the stitching at the beginning and end to ensure durability. Repeat this process to create rows of sewn-together squares, pressing the seams in a single direction after completing each row.

After completing the individual rows, it's time to join them together. Place two rows right sides together, pinning along the long edge where they meet. Sew them together using the same settings and seam allowance as before, remembering to reinforce the stitching at the beginning and end. Press the seam allowances in one direction when you're done. Continue in this manner until all the rows are joined, and you have a completed quilt top.

By following these steps and taking your time, you'll be able to sew the T-shirt squares together accurately and efficiently. Remember to refer to your layout reference to ensure that the final arrangement of squares matches your original design. With careful sewing and attention to detail, you'll soon have a beautifully crafted T-shirt quilt top ready for the next steps in the quilting process.

Adding the batting and backing

Now that you have all your t-shirt squares sewn together, it's time to add the batting and backing to your quilt. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most important thing is to ensure everything is nice and tight. You don't want any loose fabric or wrinkles in your quilt.

If you're using a rotary cutter, cut your batting and backing to size before attaching them to your quilt top. This will make the process much easier and less messy. If you're not using a rotary cutter, don't worry! You can always cut your batting and backing after you've attached them to your quilt top.

Once you have your batting and backing cut to size, it's time to attach them to your quilt top. We recommend using a spray adhesive for this step. Just be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully. Once everything is attached, you're one step closer to finishing your quilt!

The final step is to add the binding. This part can be a bit tricky, so take your time and be extra careful. If you're new to quilting, consider watching a few binding tutorials on YouTube before getting started.

Cut your binding into strips that are twice as wide as the border you want to create. Fold the binding in half and iron it to create a crease in the middle. Then place the binding over the edges of the quilt, folding at the corners. Pin the binding in place before sewing it to the edges of the quilt. For a neat finish, leave a 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) seam allowance around the edges.

Remove any pins and trim any excess threads, and you're done! You've officially finished your t-shirt quilt. Now it's time to wash it and enjoy!

Binding the quilt

Step 1: Calculate and cut your binding strips

First, you need to measure the perimeter of your quilt by adding the length and width of your quilt and multiplying that by 2. Then, add an extra 10" to deal with seams and corners. Next, take this measurement and divide it by 40. This will tell you the number of strips you will need to cut. For example, if your quilt measures 56" x 70", you will need seven 2 1/4" wide strips.

Step 2: Sew the binding into a continuous length

Place two strips with right sides together at a 90-degree angle. Sew them together at a 45-degree angle across the diagonal. Sewing mitered seams like this helps distribute the bulk. If needed, you can draw a straight line across the diagonal or press one of the ends along the diagonal to form a sewing line. Trim the starting edge of your binding at a 45-degree angle, too.

Step 3: Press the binding

Press the binding wrong sides together along the entire length.

Step 4: Attach the binding to the quilt

Trim off the excess backing and batting before you attach your binding. Starting at least 6" - 8" away from the corner, place your binding on the front side of the quilt and leave a tail of about 6" - 8". Line up the open binding ends with the edge of your quilt. The folded edge should be facing toward the quilt. Stitch the binding onto the front of the quilt with a 1/4" seam allowance. When you get to a corner, stop stitching 1/4" away from the corner, lift the foot and needle, and turn the quilt.

Step 5: Secure with clips

You can use Clover Wonder Clips, pins, or hair clips to completely secure the binding to the back of the quilt.

Step 6: Hand-stitch the binding on the back

Put on a movie and enjoy the relaxing process of hand-stitching the binding in place. Thread several needles with the same thread you used to sew on the binding. Clip off about 18" of thread to use at a time. Form a quilter's knot and tuck it underneath the binding. Then, grab a bite of the backing of the quilt and then a bite of the binding to complete each stitch. Continue forming each stitch by bringing the needle in behind each previous stitch and pushing it out ahead of the last stitch. Pull the thread slightly taut as you go. When you get to the corners, be sure to sew them closed.

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