I made my first quilt with the help of all of you for my grandaughter Kaylin for her birth in April. Now my daughter who just graduated college would like one made , out of her college t-shirts she accumulated in 5 years at WKU. How much harder is a t-shirt material quilt and do you have any tips of the trade for me on this one?

I think I would apply some fusible interfacing to the backsides of the t-shirts before cutting to stabilize the material (squares) while the quilt is in construction.
Kirsten

I have made 5 T-Shirt quilts. They are very easy and go together quickly. I tied them all. The biggest thing is you have to put fusible interfacing on them to keep the blocks from stretching out of shape on you, it also keeps the T-shirt knit from curling up on you as it is prone to do. I use aPellon iron on, usually feather mid weight or light weight (whatever I can find the best deal on). I usually cut the T-Shirt emblem out with my 12 1/2" square ruler then cut the interfacing out the same size and fuse it. I assemble the prepared blocks with sashing and cornerstones. Sorry I don't have any pictures to share but if you do a search of the board you will find some beautiful examples others here have done.

Here is my method, not better than others, just my way.

I cut out the t shirt fronts over sized and fuse whatever fusible I'm going to use before cutting out the finished square. That helps with keeping the stretch at a minimum. I use the tricot fusible, just making sure that the "stretch" in the fusible goes opposite the "stretch" in the t shirt. The tricot makes for a softer product. I than do a large stipple over the entire quilt top when it is pieced together.

What ever method you use it will be beautiful!!

Happy New Year!

Okay here is my two cents. I had been using interfacing on the t-shirts but saw a tutorial on using quilter's grid to do these types of quilts. It made it ten times easier to do and work with. Just google quilters grid and t-shirt quilt and should bring up the site.

Sheila

This is an excellent site, I've bookmarked it! Need to try it sometime. Thanks

I used a light weight fusible woven interfacting. I ironed it on the whole back and front so I would be able to use scraps from one shirt on another to make the blocks as large as I wanted....16 in. I was using shirts from head start through high school, so some of the emblems needed a lots of extra.
I'll post a photo of the t-shirt quilt I did. Been wanting to do that since I joined the board.

There are a lot of books/patterns available and most quilt shops offer classes too. Be sure and post a picture when its complete!!

Thanks for the replies so far, I have tried to sign up for classes at my local JoAnns, and they have never had enough interested people sign up to warrant having a class for quilters :( My first one ( crib size ) made from my sons baby clothes for his firstborn, "my Angel Kaylin"
was a huge hit, and I am proud of it. So with your help Im ready for another keepsake to add to the family!

Is there a local quilt shop near you? They might try to organize a class for you and 3 or 4 friends. Some shops will start a class with 3 people.

I also like the tricot fusible; keeps the fabric soft. Tricot fusible is less expensive if purchased from a drapery company. I got mine from the following online source:
http://www.bblackandsons.com/tricot-...-60-p-302.html

Wow! Is inflation hitting, or what? The price has doubled since I purchased an almost-lifetime supply 4 years ago.........

How would the tricot fusible keep the fabric soft if it says it is canvas?

Have made 17 t-shirt quilts. Only one important thing to remember: back t-shirt fabrics with fusible tricot interfacing! Pellon makes Stacy Easy Knit. I always buy a bolt from JoAnns with my 40% - 50% coupons. Check the web for many ways to put quilts together.

Goodness, I looked at Joanns and the interfacing is really expensive.. I have another dilema ,, I want to use a Western Ky University collegiate print for the back , but I cant seem to find it anywhere , any suggestions?