One more suggestion, do a google search for local Quilt Guilds in your area. Contact them and just ask if anyone would like to help you with your project. I am willing to bet one of the Guild members has a machine they may let you borrow, or even better, help you with your project. I don't live in Ohio, but would be willing to help you and even let you use one of my machines. 99% of the Quilters I know are amazing and generous. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by just contacting a guild.
Good luck with your project!

Dear Broke College Student-
Get yourself over to the college theatre department and find the person in charge of costumes. Organize some kind of labor swap for time on the school's sewing machines.

And I don't recommend skipping the interfacing. It stabilizes those knit fabrics. Yes its an extra step but it actually makes them easier to work with.

Where in Ohio? I live in Mentor and would be happy to help you

I encourage you to get fixed up with a sewing machine and do a couple of easy baby quilts to get the “feel” of sewing. Use them for gifts or donate. The t-shirts should wait for a while. As you can see, quilters are more than willing to help you. I’ve had many good conversations with other shoppers in fabric stores, it might get you connected with a mentor, which you need. Good luck !

So many good suggestions, especially about finding a sewing machine which I would highly recommend. Youtube is a wealth of information .... for free. Good luck!

What part of Oh do you live, if you live near me, I'll gladly help you. I live near Dayton

Welcome. This definitely is the place to ask questions and learn. Also, I would suggest finding a Quilter's Guild and/or a quilt shop in your area to go and explain what you want to do and get advice/help from individuals who have expertise as well who will be right there for you. It will take time so don't give up and just take it slowly.

I learned that t shirts stretch. The interfacing whatever you use, also stretches. Fuse the interfacing stretching opposite of the shirt, preventive shirt from stretching out. Also, but the shirts as large as you can, add interfacing then cut to size. You tube has lots of tutorials I suggest that you watch them before cutting.

If you live close to portsmouth area I would offer to help you