T-shirt quilt steps
 

I've made several t-shirt quilts. My first one had borders around each panel, which also looks good, but I prefer the "jigsaw" placement better.

• The first thing I do is cut the shirt, separating the front half from the back half. Sometimes sleeves have usable graphics, so I'll separate them from the shirt if needed.
• Designing is the most important step. I rough fold the material around the graphic to lay out on my bed. Just jump in!
• I start in the center with a centerpiece and work outward to a rectangular-ish shape.
• Then, I rearrange the pieces to even out the t-shirt colors. And balance out large and small graphics.
• When I think they are ready to go, I take several pictures of the layout with my phone.
• Now is time for graph paper sketch. This tells me the finished size for each panel.
• I use another piece of paper to record each panel's cut size, including (1/4" SA).
• Fusible interfacing stablizes the material to keep it from stretching out of shape. I cut the interfacing first, according to the size needed for each shirt (including SA), then center it on the back of the graphic and apply. After it cools. I use the interfacing as a guide and cut out the rectangle/square to make the quilt.
• (I have a new light table for my stained glass hobby. It worked great for centering the interfacing over the graphic!)
• When the top is done, the back has to be decided. I used minky fabric, so that is what I am going to explain.
• Make the back 1 1/2" larger on all sides to fold to the front as a fuzzy binding. Lay it out face down on the table, It smooths down nicely without wrinkles.
• I don't use batting with minky backs.
• I recently learned about spray basting--love it. Put your front and back together however you choose.
• I SID around each panel. Put newspaper under the minky side as you sew. It tears away easily afterwards.
• For binding, I double fold the minky towards the front and sew with a zig-zag stitch.

Very lovely quilt and great instructions. I have not worked with Minky and it sound perfect for this quilt. Who ever gets this one has a treasure for life.

Been wanting to do a T shirt quilt and your instructions are great. Love your quilt.

I have a bunch of t-shirts I hate to throw/or give away, a lot of stains. so I am a newbe in this one, so any help greatly appreciated.
I suppose you can create about anything, from blanket to rug to whatever, right? and yes those instructions were fantastic,

Do you have a preference on what interfacing weight or brand you like to use?

I just use lightweight fusible interfacing.

Thanks, I am considering using Pellon Sheer weight.

I have just been asked to do a T-shirt quilt (for the 2nd time!) by my cousin. Thank you for your step by step instructions/ideas. I've made dozens of quilts, but never a T-shirt one. This makes it seem so doable!

https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/heart.gif This quilt has the snuggle factor with your t-shirt/minky combo! Thanks for sharing the how to info. I love the way you folded the minky to the front for binding!

Dumb question - am wondering why you put newspaper under the minky when sewing it?