Backing for T-shirt quilt
 

Have any of you used the back of the t-shirts for the backing? And if so, should the pellon be put on it also?
Thanks.

Yes, it also needs the pellon on it to keep the shirts from stretching.

Glad you asked this question as I have been thinking of doing this. It's a shame to throw all those backs away.

I also been thinking of doing my quilt as quilt as you go and sew the blocks in row and put raw edge sashing in between the block and row, clip the seams and let it fray.

I would NOT add the additional weight to the quilt. They are heavy enough with just the top being made from t-shirts. Also, the bulk on both sides just might make any sewing machine to skip stitches because of the bulk. Just something to consider.

So you are thinking I should use fabric as the backing...

Being a professional machine quilter, my machine would handle the two sided t-shirts, but it would certainly make the quilt very heavy. That said, if you decide to use the t-shirts on the back, the pellon would help to keep them from stretching.

I know people who have done this. Just to make sure it wouldn't be an issue when quilting you may want to take some extras (maybe sleeves) and put them into a sandwich and test. See what you think

I am glad to see this thread. I ammaking my first t-shrt quilt after the first of the year and have 30 t-shirts to work with I was thinking of making a front and back but I think I will rethinkthat idea. Thanks

I used fleece on the back of my t-shirt quilts.. made them very snuggly

I just finished a t shirt quilt, 88 x 102 inches, and it is heavy. I was concerned because it was so heavy. When I spread it out on the bed, I guess the weight is distributed and it is not bad at all. But carrying it folded, it does feel extremely heavy. I used cotton fabric for the backing , along with the fusible intefacing attached to the fronts.

Do you use batting.

If I make the front and back with T-shirts I wouldn't use regular batting but rather a very low loft, or even none at all because both back and front would have the Pellon interface ironed on. I'll make a test since I have some shirts I could cut up and Pellon. Let you know how it work tomorrow.

Just finished squaring up one today. I did not use any stabilizer on my shirts. I took a class and the teacher does not use it. I used fleece on mine. Turned out great, but I agree they are really heavy.

I've done several quilts with t-shirts on the front and back. I used fusible knit interfacing on all the t-shirts. Some young people have way too many "important" shirts for just one side! The quilts were rather heavy and I did use a moderately thick batting. I had no trouble quilting it on my DSM- Janome 6600.

I made a T-shirt quilt for my granddaughter and since I didn't have any fusible interfacing I ironed freezer paper on the parts I wanted to use. Didn't remove it until I sewed all the blocks together. Worked fine for me. Used regular cotton backing material & puffy polyester batting. Also used cotton (in her school colors) for sashing.

I am saving all the t shirt backs to make t shirts for American Girl Dolls!