Memory Quilt from T-Shirts

 Memory Quilt from T-Shirts

Skill: Confident Beginner • Time: Weekend+ (prep-heavy but rewarding)
Size (approx.):

• Throw: 60″ × 72″

• Twin: 70″ × 90″

• Full/Queen: 85″ × 95″

Materials

• 15–30 old T-shirts (fronts, backs, pockets — any meaningful graphics)

• Woven fusible interfacing (lightweight, enough for each shirt square)

• Quilting cotton (optional for sashing, borders, and binding)

• Batting (match quilt size)

• Backing fabric

• Thread, sewing machine

• Rotary cutter, mat, ruler

• Square quilting ruler (12½" is ideal)

• Iron, pins, pressing cloth

• Binding strips (2½″ wide)

Steps

1. Deconstruct the shirts
   Cut side seams, sleeves, and necklines to isolate usable fabric.

2. Fuse interfacing
   Apply woven fusible interfacing to the wrong side of each panel to stabilize jersey.

3. Square the blocks
   Trim stabilized panels to uniform size (e.g., 12½″ square for 12″ finished blocks).
   Add borders if needed to bring smaller prints up to size.

4. Layout your quilt top
   Arrange blocks in rows or columns on a wall or floor. Use photos to remember layout.

5. Piece the rows
   Stitch blocks with a ¼″ seam. Add sashing or cornerstones if desired for spacing.

6. Layer the quilt
   Quilt sandwich: backing (RS down), batting, quilt top (RS up). Pin or spray baste.

7. Quilt the layers
   Use a walking foot for stability. Try straight lines, crosshatch, or echo around designs.

8. Bind the quilt
   Attach 2½″ binding strips. Machine or hand finish. Miter corners for a clean look.

9. Label the quilt
   Add a corner label with the recipient’s name, maker, date, and a brief note or quote.

Pro Tips

• Use woven interfacing — it keeps blocks square and prevents jersey from stretching.

• Sashing and cornerstones help separate busy graphics and make layouts feel cleaner.

• Add a border or solid binding to frame your design and pull it all together.

• Prewash all shirts and press well with steam off to protect prints.

FAQs

Can I use different block sizes?
Yes! Use filler strips, mini blocks, or background fabric to fill gaps mosaic-style.

What if some shirt graphics are smaller than 12″?
Frame them with cotton fabric or add to a block layout with other small elements.

Do I have to use interfacing?
Yes — without it, stretchy T-shirt fabric will pucker and distort your seams.

Story Prompts (Great for journaling or adding in a gift card!)

• When did you get this shirt?

• Who were you with?

• What memory does this represent?

• If this shirt could talk, what would it say?

Care & Longevity

• Wash cold, gentle cycle.

• Tumble dry low or air dry.

• Avoid high heat — especially on thick screen prints.

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