Making your t-shirts into a quilt

Examples of Common Shirt Issues

A logo that was pre-cut too small has been made into a usable block

Position of small logos on a block

The "I don't want this green shirt color on my quilt" logo placed onto another color block

Sometimes the best side is the one with all the sponsors on it

Sometimes there is no best side. No information about the event - just the name and sponsors.

This shirt had good logos on both the front and back. Both were placed on a complementary color block (Click to Enlarge).

This bicycle ride uses the main festival shirt front and places the ride information on the back. That information is taken from the back and placed on the front (red outlined area).

Bicycle silhouette used in place of a t-shirt to form a block (Click to Enlarge).

"Too long to read" summary: I can probably make any shirt work.

But if you want to know more. . .

Your t-shirts are the whole point of the quilt, and most shirts work really well for quilting. People often have questions or concerns about their t-shirts, so I'll address some of the more common issues that come up.

Please do not cut your shirts

Everything will go more smoothly if I can cut the shirts to the necessary size.

If you have already cut some, that is usually not a problem. Shirts that are cut too small can often be placed onto another piece of fabric to form a block (see example to right).

Even if you've cut ALL your shirts, I may still be able to make you a quilt.
Some sites upcharge for every shirt they fix. I don't do that. However, it is significantly more work to fix a lot of shirts - and that can heavily impact the time it takes to make your quilt.
If you know (or think) that a majority of your shirts are an issue, just let me know beforehand so we can work it out.

Material and condition of t-shirts

Most t-shirts can be quilted, including polyesters and performance fabrics.
Mixing old and new shirts generally does not make a difference.
Very old or worn shirts may not "square-up" well. It might not be possible to get the design or printing perfectly straight on the quilt. I will let you know if I foresee a problem with any particular shirt(s).
Shirts that are too threadbare or ripped may be unusable - although many designs can be salvaged onto a different backing.
If I believe a shirt is totally unusable, I will contact you so we can figure out a solution.
Red, purple, and some other dark shirts, particularly new ones that have not been washed frequently, can bleed. There are ways to help prevent this; and I will discuss this issue with you if there might be a problem.

Issues with the logo/design

All the blocks on the quilt are made to the same size.
The size of the design on the shirt may matter. On rare occasions, I have to crop a design.
Wrap-around designs can be difficult to make into a nice block.
There may not be enough material on a very small t-shirt to make a block. It would have to be pieced onto a larger square - especially if that one shirt is significantly smaller than all the others.
I will contact you if I think there is an issue with any shirt/logo size.
Small front designs generally are not a problem. The logo will just sit toward the upper right hand corner of the block.
This style of quilt provides a frame for the blocks and keeps the logo size from being much of an issue.
Often the shirt back has more event information or a better logo but is also covered in sponsors. If you have a preference for one side or the other, let me know.
It is sometimes possible to combine the front and the back into a single block (see example to right).
If you want to use each side as an individual block, let me know.

Issues with the number of shirts you have

I can usually make you a quilt even if you don't have enough shirts, but still want a certain size quilt

Solid color blocks - I provide these, you pick the color(s) - can be interspersed with your shirts to increase the number of blocks.
A silhouette can be sewn onto fabric in order to make non-shirt blocks - this is called an applique'. (See actual example below-right and suggested placements to the left)
The applique' design needs to be fairly simple; so this doesn't work for every theme or type of event.
The applique' does not have to be related to the event theme. Simple designs like a butterfly, smiley face, or other item of interest may suit your need.
These options do not change the cost of the quilt, as the substitute blocks have to be assembled in the same manner as t-shirt blocks.
I do not upcharge for appliques', but please let me know that this is an issue when you contact me - this type of block takes quite a bit more work.
A quilt with a limited number of shirts can also be made somewhat larger by making the frame, sashing, and border wider.

Other information

If you want the remnants of your shirts returned, just let me know; and I'll toss them in the box with the finished quilt. Some places charge to return them.

If you don't want the remnants, I can certainly use them in other projects.

If you want a quilt made out of something other than t-shirts, please contact me first.

Fixing shirts is time-consuming. There's no extra charge for this, but it can affect the production time of your quilt.

Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns about your shirts.

Your collection of shirts may have conflicting colors that seem like they won't go well together. They will work fine. The design of the quilt, plus the fabric colors you select, will be the main scheme and pull all the shirts together.

info@eventquilts.com