What kinds of materials can I use for a t shirt quilt?

T shirts are the most common fabric used for t shirt quilts. However, you can also include things like old jerseys, tank tops, pajamas, and other cotton garments. Basically any 100% cotton item can work well.n

How do I prepare the t shirt material?

To get started, you’ll need to cut out the design from each t shirt. Try to cut reasonably straight lines. It’s also a good idea to get rid of excess printing ink on the shirts by either bleaching or washing them first. This helps prevents the ink from rubbing off later.n

What size squares should I cut the t shirts into?

There’s no set rule for square size. It depends somewhat on your intended purpose. Larger 6-8 inch squares allow the designs to show through better but will make a quilt that is less dense and may not be as warm. Smaller 3-4 inch squares make the quilt smaller and cozier. Experiment to see what looks best.

How do I assemble and sew the t shirt quilt?

Once the t shirt pieces are cut, arrange them into rows on a design wall or floor. Play with the layout until you’re happy. Then sew the squares together row by row. Finally, sew the rows together and add a backing and binding. It’s kind of like a jigsaw puzzle in blanket form! Some quilters get help from a longarm quilter for the final assembly if hand sewing seems like too much work.n

How much time does it take to make a t shirt quilt?

The time involved varies depending on the size of your quilt and how fast you sew . A basic queen size quilt using 6 inch squares may take 20-40 hours to complete over maybe a month or two of casual work. But you could knock out a small lap sized one in just a weekend if you sew quickly. It’s a great project to do together with friends since more hands make light work.n