Basic T-Shirt Quilt Instructions

Instructions below are based on a 12” square block.

1)       Size the t-shirt print to fit into a 12” square block.   You make have to increase or decrease the size depending on the prints.   You will want all of the prints to be the same size.  When you start to cut the shirts, cut the pattern larger than the print size.  It will be easier to fuse the interfacing on a larger piece of fabric and then cut it to the correct size.   Add ¼” for seam allowance.

2)       If you plan the sashing to be 1 ½” and a 2” border, your quilt will be approximately:

12 shirts  =  throw-size quilt, approx. 43” x 56” – 3 across x 4 down.
30 shirts  =  twin size quilt, approx. 68” x 83” – 5 across x 6 down.
36 shirts  =  double/queen size quilt, approx. 83” x 83” – 6 across x 6 down.

3)       Select Shirts - Shirts should be clean and in good condition. Avoid stained shirts and shirts with holes.

4)       Fusible Interfacing - Each print must be backed with fusible interfacing to prevent stretching.  You’ll need a medium weight good quality interfacing, and enough interfacing for a 14” square for each print.

5)       Fabric for Sashing/Border/Binding - Sashing strips form the decorative grid between each print block. Plan on 2" sashing strips (1 1/2" when finished) between the blocks, 2 1/2" strips (2" when finished) for the border, and additional fabric for the binding.  Calculate the amount needed and be sure to wash it before you cut the strips (you want to be sure that the color won’t run and that the fabric will not shrink after the quilt is finished).

6)       Cutting Shirts – Cut the front of the shirt from the back and press the piece so it will be smooth.

7)       Fusing - Cut (1) 14" square of interfacing for each print.  Only use a solid piece of the interfacing because the seam will show through on the print.  Position the interfacing on the back of the shirt, so that the design is centered. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fusing to the back of each print square.  You might want to use a press cloth so you don’t get any glue on your iron! Avoid getting any wrinkles while pressing because they won’t come out!

8)       Cutting the Squares - Square up each fused print to 12 1/2" Make sure you center the design and lettering - measure twice - cut once! Cut with scissors or rotary cutter.

9)       Arranging - Lay out the prints and arrange in a pleasing order.  You might alternate light/dark, busy/not so busy.  You want to the blocks to go in one direction so they can be read.

10)   Completing the Quilt - add sashing - Sashing strips are the horizontal and vertical strips between blocks. The horizontal strips should measure 12 1/2" in length x 2" wide. Cut enough sashing strips to add to all the prints except the bottom row.  Sew the horizontal strips to the bottom of each block, except the blocks in the bottom row.  Sew blocks together to form columns.  After all the blocks are sewn into columns, make long 2" sashing strips slightly longer than length of each column. Sew the 2" sashing strips onto the inside edge of the completed columns, one strip to each column (don't sew a sashing strip to the outside edges of the columns) and sew the columns together. Press the seam toward sashing.  Cut border strips 2 1/2" wide and add as desired. If you need to do a final pressing, put a cloth over the prints (the print may smear if the iron is placed directly onto it).

11)   Finishing - Layer backing batting and quilt top. Baste or safety pin together. If you have some experience machine quilting you can quilt your quilt or you can tie it to hold the layers together. Bind your quilt to complete.