How to Make a T-Shirt Quilt

By Sherri Lynn Wood
Published on September 12, 2014
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Learn how to make a t-shirt quilt with a modern twist in this project from
Learn how to make a t-shirt quilt with a modern twist in this project from "Quilting with a Modern Slant" by Rachel May.
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Figure 1: Gather and prepare your T-shirts.
Figure 1: Gather and prepare your T-shirts.
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Figure 2: Pin the neck cuff of the T-shirt over the contrasting memory lane cloth and sew in place with a blind applique stitch.
Figure 2: Pin the neck cuff of the T-shirt over the contrasting memory lane cloth and sew in place with a blind applique stitch.
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Figure 3: Trim away excess cloth on the wrong side and across the top from shoulder to shoulder.
Figure 3: Trim away excess cloth on the wrong side and across the top from shoulder to shoulder.
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Figure 4: Create a base-cloth that roughly matches the size of each T-shirt section.
Figure 4: Create a base-cloth that roughly matches the size of each T-shirt section.
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Figure 5: Layer the T-shirt logo under the base-cloth, right sides up, so the top edge of the base-cloth overlaps where you want to make the first cut.
Figure 5: Layer the T-shirt logo under the base-cloth, right sides up, so the top edge of the base-cloth overlaps where you want to make the first cut.
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Figure 6: Cut the same line horizontally across and through both pieces of cloth.
Figure 6: Cut the same line horizontally across and through both pieces of cloth.
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Figure 7: A couple of inches below the first cut, make another horizontal cut, this time layering your T-shirt section on top of the memory-lane section.
Figure 7: A couple of inches below the first cut, make another horizontal cut, this time layering your T-shirt section on top of the memory-lane section.
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Figure 8: Gather all your cuts, keeping them in order.
Figure 8: Gather all your cuts, keeping them in order.
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Figure 9: Pin the first two strips with right sides together and sew.
Figure 9: Pin the first two strips with right sides together and sew.
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Figure 10: Attach the third strip in the same way and continue down the strips until you're done.
Figure 10: Attach the third strip in the same way and continue down the strips until you're done.
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Figure 11: Assemble your memory lanes, and don't worry if the sides are unequal.
Figure 11: Assemble your memory lanes, and don't worry if the sides are unequal.
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Figure 12: Once arranged, match up the outer edges by overlapping sections that will be next to each other and cutting them so that they mirror each other.
Figure 12: Once arranged, match up the outer edges by overlapping sections that will be next to each other and cutting them so that they mirror each other.
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Figure 13: Make the quilt sandwich and quilt.
Figure 13: Make the quilt sandwich and quilt.
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“Quilting with a Modern Slant” by Rachel May is full of quilting tips and tricks, as well as ideas on how to make a quilt that builds on the aesthetics of traditional and art quilts.
“Quilting with a Modern Slant” by Rachel May is full of quilting tips and tricks, as well as ideas on how to make a quilt that builds on the aesthetics of traditional and art quilts.

T-shirt quilts are all the rage, probably because T-shirts with logos of all sorts have become a staple of the American wardrobe. More often than not, the T-shirts’ logos are centered and cut into large uniform squares and sewn into a grid. This approach effectively concentrates sentiment by gathering all the memories in one place, so let’s take it to the next level by adding more visual interest.

When I’m working with memories, I want to create a quilt that is as beautiful as it is meaningful. So when I make a quilt with lots of T-shirt logos, I like to mix it up.
To do this I combine a contrasting mix of fabrics with the T-shirt to create what I call a memory lane. Even though this process fragments the logos, they are still readable, because they are held together in a path of color.

What You’ll Need

• T-shirts
• Contrasting fabric from your stash or other meaningful clothing

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