My first quilt.
 

Well I made a t-shirt quilt top. I have my sandwich made. Now my question is where do I start quilting so I don't have puckering? Do I start in the middle and go out or do I start on one side and go to the other? Also is it ok not to quilt over the actual pictures? I don't want to mess them up. I am concerned that if I only stitch in the ditch they will puff out. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I do have a picture attached.

Howdy!!! I'm not that far from you!!! :) I always start in the middle of my quilts, but I've never done a t-shirt quilt. What if you tied it instead??? Just an idea I've seen on here. :)

Hi. I know where that is. I am originally from Louisiana but my husband was transferred so here I am.
Thanks. The only other thing I made was a small quilt for my grand-baby. It was done different and I had some puckering. It is just for her to play on on the floor so not a big deal. This one is for a friend and she wants to use it. It is 47 x 68. I had a heck of a time getting the sashing on but finally figured that out.
I did think about tying. But she wants to be able to wash it as it will be used as a cover up on her sofa. I was afraid it would not hold up to the washing's if I tie it. Do you have experience with tying? And if so would it hold up with frequent washing?
I am learning as I go. Kind of self taught. The only help I have gotten is talking with 2 ladies at JoAnn's. I have not found a person I could not talk to. LOL So I look on the internet and learn. I just don't want to mess up her shirts. They are from races she has run or walked. Memories.
Thanks.

No suggestions on the quilting as I have yet to do a T-Shirt quilt, just wanted to say I think you did a wonderful job with it :)

I've seen many quilted all over with a meander with invisible thread. Google images of t-shirt quilts.

Well Thanks sharon b. It was trying. I had to rip a few times till I got it like that. But it was worth it. And the lesson was wonderful. I will never forget this quilt.

tesspug. I will look for the invisible thread. I looked for t-shirt quilt pictures and the ones I found did not quilt all over. I will try again. But thanks for the thought and the tip of the invisible thread. Never heard of that.

I have quilted t-shirt quilts for other people and I would not quilt on the design, just do around the edge of the block and around the design, but not through it. Nice job of putting the quilt together.

Thanks Iamquilter. I take it as a great compliment. I started earlier just going around the design. I did not think I wanted to go through them. I did go get a clear thread but am having trouble with it breaking. I will try again later. Thanks again.

I have 4 quilts my grandma made me that were used heavily everyday as bedding, tents for the kids, etc. and washed as needed for 20+ years.The tying is still good but the bindings and blocks show wear. In fact I got into quilting so I could repair them...1 is done and is again in use by my son and his 3 boys!