I did the cutting (or dismembering) of my Mom's favorite T shirts to make into great remembrance quilts for my brothers and I for Christmas----I have the stretchy backing to iron on...And the question is "Do I apply the backing first then cut the 12.5" squares....or cut the shirt first and then apply the backing??

I fuse then cut so the edges will get a good bond. I don't use the "stretchy backing". I use a cheap fusible. Be sure you turn the "stretches" in different directions, cause you don't want the t shirt to stretch when you are sewing. Good luck with 'Mom's" quilt and be sure to post a picture.

Yes, fuse first and then cut. Is it fusible tricot you are using? That stuff works great!