T-Shirt and Memory Quilts
Do you or your kids have t-shirts that you no longer wear but don’t want to throw away because of the memories that they hold? Do you have clothing from loved ones that have passed away and are looking for a way to remember your loved one? Let me work with you to turn those memories into a quilt that you will have for years to come. You will be able to wrap yourself in a quilt that holds memories of a loved one or a beloved activity.
How many shirts do I need?
For a lap quilt or throw, which is about 60 by 70 inches, you will need about 25 shirts. A twin size quilt requires 35 shirts. If there is a design on both the front and back of the shirt and would like to use both designs, it counts as 2 shirts. Depending on the number of shirts you have, I can make a larger or smaller quilt or a different style of quilt. Give me a call or complete the contact form to discuss the possibilities.
What kind of shirts can I use?
You can use almost any type of shirt: t-shirt, sweatshirt, jersey, casual or dress shirt. The only type that will not work are sweaters because of their bulk and the open weave.
What do I need to prepare the shirts?
Shirts should be washed and dried. Use detergent only, without fabric softner. No cutting is needed. Just bring or send me your shirts and I will do the rest.
How much does a t-shirt/memory quilt cost?
The cost of making the quilt will vary depending on the number of shirts, size of the finished quilt, and whether you want borders. As a guideline, a finished lap size quilt (60 by 70) made from 25 shirts with a border would cost $450. Please complete a t-shirt/memory quilt inquiry to get a specific estimate based on the number of shirts you have.
Interested?
Contact me by phone (708-672-5031) or email (quilter853@yahoo.com) to discuss your specific needs. Then gather your shirts together and complete T-Shirt/Memory Quilt form. The form includes information on delivering or shipping quilts to me.
Process for Making a T-shirt or Memory Quilt
I specialize in collage t-shirt/memory quilts. The collage format means you will have a unique quilt. When I make a quilt, whether for myself or a customer, I want to make something that will be beautiful, of a high quality, and will last a lifetime. I do not mass produce quilts or contract the work out to others. I look at each shirt and decide what size to cut each block. Before cutting, I apply a stabilizer to the back of the are to be cut, which is a step that some may skip. Some material can easily stretch. While that may be good for clothing, the stretching creates problems when making a quilt. The stabilizer reduces the possibility of stretching to occur during the sewing and quilting process.
Once each shirt is cut, I use a software program to determine the best way to arrange the different size shirt blocks. After identifying the best arrangement, I sew each of the block together. After the shirts are sewn together, I like to add a border. The border serves as a frame for the quilt picture.
Once the top is complete, I start quilting, which is the sewing of the top, batting, and back together. Generally, I use a simple pattern so that it does not distract from the shirts but keeps each block from shifting. Last, I add a binding to the outside of the quilt.