My approach to T-shirt quilts
Unlike T-shirts from some online vendors, the quilts I make are the result of a multi-step process which will ensure that the final product will be an attractive, well-designed keepsake.
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I consider every quilt unique, and I know that the components of it may be many and varied. Clients might want to use the front AND back of some T-shirts, or only have a shirt-pocket logo. I have incorporated logos from baseball caps, gymnastics uniforms, baby pillow covers, and pajamas. ​
My process for creating T-shirt quilts
Step 1.
I review the shirts and/or other items (e.g. football jerseys) with the client. I recommend that clients put the shirts into three piles:
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This shirt must be in the quilt - it is most important
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I would really like for this one to be in the quilt
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It would be nice to include this one, but it won’t bother me if it is left out.
I also ask that if you only want the front of a shirt but not the back, you should attach a note with a safety pin (so it doesn’t get lost) which expresses your wishes (e.g.”Use the front only”) and so on. Rock music shirts often have a list of concert dates on the back, and some clients want to include them, some don’t. Same with team/tournament shirts, where the participating schools are listed on the back, or teammate names. It doesn’t matter to me if you want both, as long as you tell me what to include.
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Step 2
I photograph each T-shirt against a background grid to determine the minimum portion of the T-shirt that I can use without cutting off or spoiling the design on the shirt. Even front pockets can be a part of the quilt, so I photograph them as well.
Step 3
I print the photos , cut out the photos, note the amount of space each T-shirt will need. Then I arrange them, noting the usable size, colors, and content of each element ,and following the parameters the client has provided. I work on this arrangement until I’m satisfied that the quilt will look balanced and attractive, with the most important shirts in prominent positions.
Step 4
I cut out the portions of the shirts to be included, and, where needed, apply a lightweight interfacing to the reverse side in order to stabilize the fabrics. Otherwise, the T-shirts, which are usually a cotton knit, will stretch.
Step 5
I assemble the quilt, add the selected backing and batting, and machine quilt it. I sew a color coordinated binding on the quilt to provide a finishing touch.