Want to create a one of a kind t-shirt quilt but have absolutely no sewing skills? Follow these easy steps to get your upcycled shirts prepared for someone else to sew them into your memory quilt.
Looking for a gift idea?
Or a way to keep memories in special way?
Custom t-shirt quilts are a perfect way to display a collection of shirts.
I’ve saved t-shirts over the years as my children grew up…you know the ones they just loved and wore all the time…or the shirts that held a memory of a special event…or even shirts worn for sports they played.
As they outgrew their clothes most were donated but during every purge of their dressers and closets, there were always a few that as I held them in my hands I just couldn’t part with them.
Those shirts went into a large bin in a storage closet.
While at a home show years ago I visited a booth of a quilter.
She had created beautiful quilts with upcycled t-shirts and I instantly knew that’s what I wanted to do with all those shirts I had been saving.
But wow was it super expensive to have a handmade quilt created with the t-shirts.
I understand and absolutely appreciate the time and skill involved in making a quilt, but I just wasn’t able to spend that much money.
Posts on Simply2Moms may contain affiliate links which means we may earn a small commission on purchases at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read our full disclosure policy here.
How to Create a Custom T-Shirt Quilt
I did some research and found a company that made t-shirt quilts for a very reasonable price right here in the USA.
You can read all about Project Repat here.
I really loved the company’s story and mission, so I purchased my first quilt for my oldest son Jake as a graduation gift back in 2016.
And now, 4 years later as Gavin, my middle child is getting ready to graduate I’m creating my second quilt.
The company really makes it super easy for you with step by step instructions on their website.
This is not a sponsored post! I just wanted to share how I created a custom t-shirt quilt using Project Repat.
Not only does a t-shirt quilt make a great graduation gift it’s something that can be created for any occasion…birthday, anniversary…or just because.
Be creative!
I’m going to share how you can create a one of a kind quilt out of your upcycled t-shirts…
Gather Upcycled T-Shirts
As the years went by, I had saved lots and lots of shirts, so when it was time to find shirts for Gavin’s quilt I had plenty to chose from.
Using t-shirts that I had saved throughout his childhood created a sentimental memory quilt that I’m sure he will love.
I included shirts he wore over and over as a little boy, uniform t-shirts from the sports he played, favorite professional sports team shirts, and more.
Each shirt holds a special memory.
Which T-Shirts to Include?
Each size quilt requires a certain number of t-shirts.
But don’t worry this information is all listed on the website.
Since I was creating a twin size quilt I needed 24 t-shirts.
After sorting through an entire bin of t-shirts for the ones I wanted to include, I lined them all up so I could measure them.
What Supplies Do You Need?
How to Measure Shirt Graphic
You can also choose your quilt panel size when deciding which quilt you want to purchase.
I went with a 12″x12″ panel.
You want to be sure that the graphic on the front of your shirt isn’t bigger than 12″.
Cutting Shirts for Quilt
According to the directions, I needed to cut the front from the back of each t-shirt.
The company requests the entire front of the shirt to be sure they have enough material to make each quilt square.
The smaller the shirt the harder it is to get a square large enough for the quilt.
So you may not be able to use those tiny baby or toddler sized tees.
Shipping T-Shirts
After I separated the front from the back of each t-shirt, I folded them to get ready to shipment.
Some t-shirts may have a graphic on the back that you want to use on your quilt so for those you would send both the front and back sides in and they will be used on two separate quilt squares.
But for the others you will just send in the side of the t-shirt you want to be used for your quilt.
Completed T-Shirt Quilt
This was the perfect way for me…just a mom without any sewing skills…to create a sentimental gift for my son’s graduation.
I can’t wait to give it to him!
If you have any questions or suggestions, contact me or leave a comment!
Don’t miss any of our tips, tricks, or stories! We’d love for you to follow us on social media! You can find us on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
Pin it to Remember it:
