How to Make an Applique T-Shirt Quilt: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Everything You Need to Know About Creating Applique T-shirt Quilts

If you’ve got a collection of old t-shirts from concerts, vacations, or favorite sports teams and you want to put them to good use, an applique t-shirt quilt is the perfect way to preserve those memories. From my experience making several t-shirt quilts over the years, applique is one of the best techniques for showcasing beloved graphic designs and logos from worn t-shirts. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully plan and execute your own applique t-shirt quilt project.

Choosing Your T-Shirts

The first step is selecting the t-shirts you want to feature in your quilt. You’ll need 8-12 shirts depending on the size quilt you want to make. Choose shirts that are meaningful to you or represent special people, places, or events. Make sure the graphics and text are still prominently visible – faded or damaged shirts may not translate well. Try to select shirts with complimentary colors so your quilt has a cohesive look. You may need to buy a few extra plain t-shirts in coordinating solid colors to fill in space.

Preparing the Shirts

To get the shirts ready for applique, you’ll need to remove any loose threads or pilling on the surface. Then, very carefully cut out just the graphic or text you want to showcase from each shirt, leaving about a 1/4 inch border around the edges. I like using small fabric scissors for this part since shirt fabrics can be thick. Be sure not to stretch or distort the pieces as you cut. Launder the applique pieces to remove any shrinkage before assembling your quilt.

Planning Your Layout

Sketch out your quilt layout on graph paper before you start sewing. This is crucial forapplique t-shirt quilts since the placement of graphics will make or break the design. Play around with different configurations until you find one that is visually appealing and balanced. Consider things like color blocking, focal points, and flowing the eye across the quilt. You may want to pin applique pieces to your sketch to “try on” arrangements.

Piecing the Background

Once you have your layout finalized, it’s time to piece the quilt background fabric. For a standard throw size, you’ll need 7-9 strips of coordinating fabric sewn together into rows and then the rows joined. Flat felling or straight stitch seams work well here. I like to use broadcloths or quilting cottons that are at least 100% cotton for the backing pieces. The background fabric should have enough contrast with the applique pieces to make the designs pop.

Applique Technique

There are a few different applique techniques you can use for your t-shirt quilt. My favorite method is turned edge applique where you turn under the raw edge of each applique piece and press it to the back side before topstitching it in place. This results in clean, finished edges. You can also use ribbon or bias tape to encase the raw edges for a fancier look. Fusible web applique works well too if you just want to iron the pieces down quickly. Hand applique with small blanket stitches is very detailed but time-consuming for a large quilt.

Attaching the Applique Pieces

Referring to your layout, pin then sew the applique pieces onto the pieced background following the pressed edge applique method. Start with focal pieces in the center and work your way out toward the borders. I like free motion quilting the applique pieces in place for added durability and texture. Check periodically that your placement still looks accurate as you work. When all applique is attached, trim away any excess background fabric still showing around piece edges.

Quilting and Binding

Layer your applique front with batting and backing fabric wrong sides together. Baste the layers together with safety pins or spray basting to prepare for quilting. You can quilt simple straight line designs around applique motifs or across the whole surface. For the binding, cut 2 1/2 inch strips of coordinating fabric and attach with a 1/4 inch seam. Fold and press to encase raw edges then hand stitch in place. Your applique t-shirt quilt is now finished!

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips that can help ensure your applique t-shirt quilt turns out great:

1. Press all fabric pieces before starting for a polished look.
2. Use a small, sharp needle and fine thread for applique sewing to avoid distortion.
3. Stabilize applique pieces with tearaway or cut-away fabric if they are prone to stretching.
4. Remove all applique thread tails as you go to avoid tangles later.
5. Stay stitch close to applique edges before quilt stitching for a neater finish.
6. Quilt designs with the straight of the grain of each fabric piece for less puckering.

From my experience, applique t-shirt quilts make such a meaningful heirloom. Not only do they share great memories, but the process of putting them together offers valuable bonding time with family and friends. You can involve others in selecting t-shirts, cutting pieces, or longarm quilting. At the end, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind keepsake quilt to cuddle under and look back on happy times. So go find those boxes of old tees and get started on your applique project today!

I hope this comprehensive guide has addressed all the questions and concerns someone may have when considering an applique t-shirt quilt. Please let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions! Quilting is such a rewarding craft, and applique truly allows the original shirt designs to shine through. With some time and patience, you can create a truly meaningful quilt to cherish for generations. Happy quilting!

Factors to Consider When Starting an Applique T-Shirt Quilt

FAQ

1. What is an applique t shirt quilt?

   An applique t shirt quilt basically combines t shirts into a comfortable and cozy blanket. You cut designs and words from old t shirts and sew them onto quilt blocks or panels.

2. How do you make an applique t shirt quilt?

   To make one, you first collect t shirts to cut up. Then you cut out images or text from the shirts to use as applique pieces. You iron these pieces onto quilt squares or panels following a pattern. Finally, you stitch around each applique shape to hold it in place and assemble the quilt top together. Perhaps some quilting is done as well before it’s finished off.

3. What supplies do I need?

   Some key supplies for an applique t shirt quilt include: retired t shirts to cut up, fabric scissors, thread to match the t shirts, quilt batting, and backing fabric. You’ll also need quilt squares, patterns or templates, an iron, sewing machine, and sewing needles. Perhaps some quilt glue can help apply pieces too.

4. How many t shirts do I need?

   The number of t shirts needed varies based on the size of the quilt you want to make. As a general rule, each t shirt yields 1-3 applique pieces depending on size. So for a twin size quilt, you may need 10-15 t shirts total. Always collect a few extra in case pieces are ruined during cutting. According to experts, it’s better to have mildly more t shirts than not enough.

   

5. Do old t shirts make good quilt material?

   While t shirts are quite thin, old ones can still work great as quilt material. After all, the cozy sentimental value is what makes a t shirt quilt shine. Some people even use t shirts with holes or stains just for sentimental parts rather than structural quilt pieces. However, it does get tricky if t shirts are too worn or delicate to cut without damaging them. Perhaps combine delicate shirts with sturdier options.