If you’re considering having a T‑shirt quilt made, one of the decisions to make is which T‑shirts or clothing items to include in your quilt. Here are a few tips:
1) First, make sure you have all of them. Look through all of your drawers and any other places you may have tucked T‑shirts away. Check the closet, laundry room, under the bed, storage in the basement or attic, Mom’s or Grandma’s house, a friend’s house, or a child’s room. Gather them all together. We can work with any quantity.
2) Next, go through them one by one and decide if the T‑shirt is still special. Does it make you smile? Does it transport you back to a special event from the past? Are you reminded of why you tucked it away in the first place and glad you still have it? Is it colorful, does it have your name or team on it, or does it have an interesting picture?
3) Now separate the T‑shirts into three piles. The most special ones that you want to include go into the “yes” pile. On each of those, pin a safety pin to the part of the shirt or clothing item that you want included, such as the front, back, sleeve, or pocket.
Other items can be included, too, such as hats, jackets, lanyards, cloth bags, patches, dresses, or shorts. Pretty much anything that can be sewn down can go into your quilt.
4) Next, separate out the “maybes”—shirts or items that you’ll include only if they’re needed to complete the quilt. These go into the “optional” pile. Bring those along as well. If you would like them included in a certain order, mark that, too, so we’ll know in what order to use them if needed. Be sure to wash anything in the “yes” or “optional” pile. That authentic sports fragrance doesn’t always wash out, so make sure you’ll be happy with any lingering scents.
5) Lastly, those you clearly don’t want to include or no longer want go into the “no” pile.
Count how many items are in the “yes” pile. Do you have enough for the style you want? If so, you’re done. If not, add from the “optional” pile to the “yes” pile until you have enough. Bring them all in a sturdy bag or container. If you are still not sure which style or how many, we can help with that. Meanwhile, for some ideas on styles, check out the pictures in the portfolio. Hope this helps you take the “leap” and get started on creating your special quilt!
