My Guide to Creating a Unique T-Shirt Quilt with Varied Block Sizes
If you’re looking to turn your collection of worn-out t-shirts into a cozy quilt but want each block to have its own personality, a t-shirt quilt with blocks of assorted sizes may be just what you’re after. From my experience piecing numerous quilts together, incorporating blocks of varying dimensions can add visual interest while allowing you to feature shirts in different proportions. In this article, I’ll break down the process of designing and constructing a t-shirt quilt with blocks of different sizes.
Planning Your Layout
The first step is planning how you want to arrange your t-shirt blocks on the quilt top. Sketch some layout ideas on graph paper beforehand to get a sense of how blocks of varying widths and lengths might look grouped together. You’ll want to consider not only the aesthetic flow but also how to minimize fabric waste. I’ve found it helpful to sort shirts by color or theme into size categories first, such as large graphic prints versus small logo prints.
- Cut out a paper template for each unique block size you want to use, such as 4″x4″, 6″x8″, etc.
- Play around arranging the paper templates on your graph until you achieve a balanced, visually pleasing design.
- Take note of any potentially troublesome areas where blocks may be difficult to quilt through later.
Taking the time at this stage to fully envision your layout will save loads of frustrations down the road. Don’t be afraid to try multiple concepts before committing to one.
Preparing Your Fabrics
Once you’ve nailed down a layout, it’s time to prep the fabrics. The key is to cut t-shirt pieces slightly larger than your final block templates to allow for seam allowances. I usually add a 1/2″ all around as a safe margin. It’s also a good idea to pre-wash and iron your fabrics before cutting to get them nice and flat for piecing accuracy.
When slicing shirts, aim for motifs or designs to be prominently centered within blocks. However, I’ve found slightly off-center placements can add to the homespun charm of a t-shirt quilt. Just watch hem and seams don’t get caught in your seam lines. Rotate and flip pieces as needed for aesthetic interest.
Piecing it All Together
Now comes the fun part – piecing your unique blocks! I like to start with smaller blocks and work my way up in size. This approach lets me focus on building piecing precision before tackling larger sections. Being meticulous about 1/4″ seam allowances is crucial when piecing blocks of varying sizes together into a cohesive design.
Use either a walking foot or acrylic ruler and rotary cutter to neatly and efficiently trim each seam allowance to precisely 1/4″ after sewing. The walking foot in particular is basically a lifesaver for keeping multiple layers aligned. Take your time and double check work as you go. I can’t stress enough how important seam accuracy is for a harmonious finished quilt top.
Quilting and Assembly
Once all blocks are pieced, it’s time to assemble them into your planned layout and add plain fabric sashing and borders if desired. Then you can quilt, trim, and bind – but watch for any tight squeeze spots where the feed dogs may have trouble going through layers. Free-motion quilting can add a lovely homespun texture. Or try horizontal or vertical straight-line quilting if you prefer a more unified look.
The end result of all this work will be a one-of-a-kind t-shirt quilt bursting with personal memories and nostalgia captured within its mixed-size blocks. Enjoy your creation for years to come!
Frequently Asked Questions:
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How do I prepare t-shirt fabric for quilting?
It’s important to pre-wash and lightly press t-shirt pieces before cutting to remove excess dyes and preparation chemicals. I also find using a small amount of spray starch while ironing helps stabilize the knit fabric for accurate piecing.
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What if I don’t have enough shirts to fill my planned layout?
No problem! You can supplement t-shirt pieces with coordinating cotton quilt fabrics. Just be sure to prep and cut non-t-shirt fabrics the same as the shirts for a cohesive mixed-media look.
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How should I finish the raw edges of t-shirt pieces?
To prevent raveling, serge or zigzag stitch the edges before sewing. You can also use fusible web or clear elastic to finish and stabilize knit fabric borders. Just test adhesive options beforehand as some may leave visible residue.
I hope these tips, ideas, and frequent questions have helped shed some light on how to plan, prepare for, and put together a unique t-shirt quilt showcasing blocks in assorted sizes. Do not hesitate to post other queries – part of the journey is troubleshooting together. Now go grab your shirts and get piecing!
Template T-Shirt Quilt Block Size Options
| Block Size | Approximate Finished Quilt Size | Approx. Number of Shirts Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 5 inches | 45×60 inches | 36 shirts |
| 6 inches | 54×72 inches | 25 shirts |
| 8 inches | 72×96 inches | 16 shirts |
| 10 inches | 90×120 inches | 9 shirts |
| 12 inches | 108×144 inches | 4 shirts |
FAQ
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What is the basic template t shirt quilt pattern?
The basic template t shirt quilt pattern involves cutting t shirts into uniform squares or rectangles and sewing them together like a typical quilt. Sorta like a patchwork blanket but made from old graphic tees instead of fabric scraps.
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Do the blocks have to be the same size?
Nah, the blocks don’t necessarily gotta be uniform. You can kind of do a mixed size block pattern if you want some variation. Basically just cut the t shirts into different sizes squares or rectangles and arrange them however seems cool. Nevertheless, keeping at least some of the blocks the same measurements makes it a bit easier to piece everything together.
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What size blocks work well for t shirts?
Most folks do 6 inches square for the blocks. Yet squares from 4 to 8 inches can look amazing too. Larger blocks let more of the graphic design show through. However, going too big and the quilt might end up with big empty spaces between designs. On the other hand, too teensy and it’s like a puzzle to sew! Aim for 5 to 7 inches perhaps.
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How many t shirts do I need?
It depends on the block sizes but plan on 10 to 15 t shirts for a twin size quilt. Maybe 20 shirts or so for a larger quilt. Does that sound right? Albert Einstein once said “I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious.” Maybe we’re all just passionately curious about how many t shirts it takes!
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Can I put plain fabric with the t shirt blocks?
Certainly! You can totally insert some plain colored fabric squares amongst the t shirt blocks. That provides visual contrast and helps tie the designs together. Kinda like the boring parts of a movie that develop the plot? It makes the bold graphic tees really pop. I’d suggest limiting plain fabric to like 30% of the total or it won’t read as a t shirt quilt anymore.
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Any tips for success?
Some advice – prewash all the fabrics before cutting to prevent shrinkage issues later. Also read up on pressing as you go, it makes assembly a breeze. Finally, plan your layout in advance on graph paper or just eyeball it – either way visualize the finished design. Good luck and happy quilting!