T-Shirt Memory Quilts
One of my favorite things to do is to take your box of old clothing memories and repurpose them into a one of a kind memory quilt.
T-shirt quilts are a wonderful way to celebrate major life events including graduations, health & fitness accomplishments, childhood activities, summer camps, vacations, family memories, and sports, as well as memorializing a loved one.
I have made quilts out of T-shirts, sweatshirts, baby clothes, old blankets, and sports jerseys. If it is washable and lays flat, I can incorporate it in a quilt.
Layout Options
Traditional
This is the most affordable, and a great choice if all T-shirt designs are similar in size.
Adding a fabric sashing between t-shirt blocks can be a fun way to give a uniform look to a variety of different color shirts, or highlight special things like team or school colors. Many universities and professional sports teams have licensed print fabric available to coordinate with a T-shirt collection.
The number of T-shirt must allow for a even grid. For example, 9 shirts = 3 x 3 grid, 12 T-shirts = 3 x 4 grid, 30 T-shirts = 5 x 6 grid.
Mosaic
Modified Traditional
This design also uses rectangular blocks but they are cut in different sizes to accommodate different size graphics. Each block is framed with a narrow cotton fabric border and a different color cotton fabric is used for the sashing.
Due do the varied shape of the blocks, you are not restricted to making an even grid as with the Traditional layout. Each row may contain a different number of T-shirts. I recommend at least 12-15 adult size shirts for nice size throw quilt.
Hexagon
This is the most popular layout and tends to be more interesting to look at. If your collection of T-shirts include a variety of different sized designs, or if you want to include small details (like front of shirt or sleeve elements) I recommend this layout.
This layout can accommodate almost any number of T-shirts.
This is my newest design and has become my favorite. It requires 17 or 18 adult size T-shirts
You can choose the layout order of your T-shirts, or you can leave that up to me.
T-shirts will be interfaced with a light weight fusible interfacing to keep the quilt soft and cozy, but also ensure durability.
Quits are backed with cotton, flannel, or minky "cuddle" fabric, and quilted on my Juki long arm sewing machine.I use Cotton, 1/4" thick batting. All-over quilting ensures that your quilt will not get lumpy over time.
The quit edge will have a full binding finished by hand in a coordinating cotton fabric.
Finished quilts are machine washable and get softer with use!
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Pricing Information
Due to the custom nature of these projects, I do not have a set price list. I provide a personalized quote after speaking with you about your specific project, the number or shirts, and additional fabric and materials required.
In general, the labor price for quilts will range from $300 for a simple grid layout with 9-12 shirts to $450 - $550+ for a more complex design with many clothing items. Fabrics for accents, borders, and backing are additional and are typically $60 to $100 depending on the amount of fabric needed. I am willing to work with you to stick within your budget and create a keepsake that you will treasure for years to come. I provide a design and quote before any work is begun and require a $150 deposit (cash or Venmo) to starting working on your project.
Turnaround time varies but is usually about 4 weeks. It is best to plan ahead. The holidays and months leading up to Graduation season tend to be the busiest.
Email me about your specific project so we can get started!