T-Shirt Quilt FAQs

Hey everyone! We’re so happy you’re here as we dive into the world of T-shirt quilting. Whether you're a total beginner or have already made a quilt (or five!), this is a space for learning, sharing, and having fun!

Now, let me be clear—Mum and I are not t-shirt quilt experts, but we’ve been making T-shirt quilts for years, and we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. We want to share what we know with you!

A lot of experienced quilters won’t touch T-shirt quilts, and let’s be honest—getting one professionally made can be crazy expensive. But here’s the good news: if you’re focused and have the right tools, you can absolutely DIY a beautiful, memory-filled quilt yourself.

🚨 And just a quick reminder: There are no wrong answers when it comes to making T-shirt quilts. Different techniques work for different people, and that’s okay! If Mum or I share something that’s different from what you’ve learned, feel free to chime in—just keep it respectful, and let’s learn from each other.

Crazy to think about, but T-shirts actually started out as underwear! Yep, they weren’t always the everyday go-to like they are now. It took soldiers, Hollywood bad boys, and rock bands to turn them into the fashion must-have we all love today!

A quilt is a multi-layered textile consisting of three main parts:

• Top Layer: Made of fabric pieces sewn together in a pattern (like a T-shirt quilt).
• Middle Layer (Batting): A layer of insulation, typically cotton, polyester, or wool, for warmth.
• Bottom Layer (Backing): A solid piece of fabric that covers the back of the quilt.

🧵 Key Features:

• Usually stitched or quilted to hold the layers together.
• Often decorative and can be made from different fabrics.
• Can be handmade or machine-made with intricate designs.
• Provides light to medium warmth depending on the batting used.

Key Features of a T-Shirt Quilt:

• T-Shirt Panels: The quilt top is made by cutting T-shirts into squares or rectangles, usually featuring logos or graphics.
• Stabilizing Interfacing (Optional-ish): Lightweight fusible interfacing is often applied to the back of the T-shirt fabric to prevent stretching.
• Sashing & Borders (Optional): Some designs include fabric strips between T-shirt panels for a more structured look.
• Batting: A thin layer of batting may be added for warmth and softness.
• Backing Fabric: The quilt’s back is usually made of cotton, flannel, or fleece.
• Quilting or Tying: The quilt can be stitched together using machine quilting, hand quilting, or a simple knotting (tying) technique.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1.     How many T-shirts do I need for a quilt?

o   The number depends on the quilt size and quilt design, as well as the graphics on the shirts. You could use anywhere from 12 to 80 shirts!

2.     What size should I cut my T-shirt squares?

o   The size you cut the shirt depends on the design of the graphics as well as the design of the quilt. We do not recommend cutting the shirts until you know the quilt design

3.     Do I need to use interfacing on the T-shirts?

o   Interfacing is optional. There are definitely pros and cons to using interfacing.

4.     What kind of fabric should I use for the backing?

o   Cotton, flannel, fleece, and minky are popular choices, depending on the desired warmth and softness.

5.     Can I use different-sized T-shirt squares in the same quilt?

o   Yes! This will add interest and dimension to the quilt.

6.     What type of batting should I use?

o   Quilts by definition have a middle, batting layer. Different types of batting will give you different results.

7.     Can I make a T-shirt quilt without sewing?

o   Technically, yes. But not really.

8.     How do I keep the T-shirt fabric from stretching while sewing?

o   Using the right tools for the job! Like a walking foot and ballpoint needle.

9.     What is the best way to quilt a T-shirt quilt?

o   You can quilt it with straight-line stitching, free-motion quilting, or even tie it with yarn or embroidery floss.

10.  Can I wash a T-shirt quilt in the washing machine?

o   Yes! Use a gentle cycle with cold water and air-dry or tumble dry on low to prevent shrinking or damage.

11.  What tools do I need to make a t-shirt quilt?

o   Cutting mat

o  Rotary cutter (with new blade)

o   Ruler or templates

o   Pins

o   Scissors

o   Quilt pattern, graph paper, or computer for creating a customized quilt design

o   Iron &/or heat press

o   Interfacing: we like Pellon SF101 ShapeFlex

o   Sewing machine

·       Walking foot

·       Ballpoint needle

·       Thread

o   Let’s face it, you’ll probably gonna need a seam ripper too