T-SHIRT QUILTS and PILLOWS

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Now there is something you can do with the t-shirts you have collected over the years, from sports, high school, college, vacations, concerts, an engagement or wedding gift (combination of shirts from the couple) or just out grown. Now make them into a memory t-shirt quilt and/or a pillow. This quilt is guaranteed to make you smile and keep you warm too. The quilt could be a wonderful graduation gift or a special present.


How to prepare your t-shirts for the quilt…

1. Wash and dry all the shirts, new and used, so they are all pre-washed. Stains or marks on the shirts will remain, as they add character and good memories PLEASE NO FABRIC SOFTENER!

2. Choose a color of 100% fabric for the border strips and backing of the quilt. I can purchase this for you or calculate the amount of material you will need. I suggest 100% cotton and generally it looks good with a solid color or a subtle calico.

3. DO NOT cut the shirts up. Send the whole shirt

4. Mark which side to be used, or both and if any logos are to be maintained. Please mark it you would like them sewn together in a block or in separate blocks.

5. If there are special ones you want in the center or corners, please label them as to the desired location.

6. Box or bag them up and send them to me.

Styles: T-shirts may be done in two different styles.

Traditional- Cut the same size from 12" to 18" from the t-shirts
Variable- The shirt blocks are cut in various sizes. This allows for sleeve, pockets, photographs and logos to be used. I can even piece logo's from the front or to go with the design on the back if requested.
Sashing or no Sashing. Borders or no borders.
Let me know the finish size you are hoping for. By making the borders between the shirt blocks larger or smaller, and the size of the borders, I should be able to get it to size.

What goes into making a T-shirt quilt?

I measure the desired size of shirt design and record it. This prevents cutting shirts to an assigned size and not big enough for some. I use a stabilizers on the on the back before final cutting to size. The shirts are laid out for best continuity. Sashing is added if you would like fabric that separates blocks from each other. The border will be added on all 4 sides, if you would like. I will include polyester batting in between the top and the backing of the quilt, but will give you an option on different batting for price difference. The quilting will be a medium to large meander or a design that contains more open spaces or I can try to create a pantograph for a edge to edge quilting design to compliment the T-shirts if they have a similar theme.

Real-Quilts charges $16.00 per shirt for stabilizing, piecing, labor, polyester batting, machine quilting and binding. The material for the sashing, borders, binding material and backing are up to you. You may choose cotton, flannel, polar fleece for the backing and complimentary fabric for the top. If you need measurements, send me an email or call and I will calculate the fabric or buy it locally. There is a difference is quality of fabric from the Local Quilt Shop (LQS) to large chains stores that sell fabric. I want you to choose what kind of fabric you want included and where to have it purchased at. This quilt is for you or your special person. Provided the most material is 42 inches wide, which would cover the sashing, borders, binding and backing. Polar fleece comes in 60 inches wide, and there is some wide 100% cotton backing that is 108" wide or wider on the market, so it may just be easier to call.

I can also do matching T-shirt pillows small 12 inch for $25.00 or Large 16 inch for $45.00.