So you’ve purchased a t-shirt quilt or are considering buying one and want to know a bit about how it transforms from a pile of shirts into a cherished quilt. I hope this gives you some insight into the process. This isn’t a tutorial, just a behind the scenes look at how it all comes together!
“When things are in pieces, quilt them together”
When a box of shirts arrives, each shirt is carefully inspected to determine the layout possibilities and to assess whether there are enough shirts to create a full size quilt or if the quantity exceeds what is needed for a standard quilt.
Next, the cutting process begins. If the shirts have graphics on both the front and back, they are separated so each design can be cut individually.
Once all the pieces are cut, the real puzzle begins. Each quilt is unique, with different shirts, sizes, and layouts. There is no one-size-fits-all method for these quilts. I arrange the design on the wall or floor, carefully placing each shirt until the quilt forms a neat, rectangular shape. Once that is accomplished, the sewing process begin.
Once the quilt top is completely assembled, I prepare the long-arm quilting machine by loading the quilt sandwich: the quilt backing, the cotton batting, and finally the newly sewn quilt top.
The long arm quilting machine is expertly hand guided by me, creating a continuous all over quilting design.
The quilt is then trimmed down to size. The binding gets made: cut to size, sewn together, folded in half and pressed, then sewn to the front and then sewn to the back.
Every aspect of the quilt is done by yours truly and so that is why it takes three to six weeks for completion once the shirts arrive.
Ready to Get Yours Started
If you’re ready to have your custom t-shirt quilt made, there are a few things you need to do first. While you are boxing up your shirts, please indicate if there are any graphics that you don’t want included in your quilt. Otherwise, I’ll assume that you want all the graphics included. When you checkout, be sure to indicate in the notes section what color you would like for the backing. I can do any color that you can imagine! Not sure what you want? Email me and we can work together to figure out what will be best for your quilt!
Ready to ship them out but confused on the best way to ship? My post all about shipping should answer any questions and give you any tips you may not have known!
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