Harley Davidson T-shirt Quilt

This is my first instructable and I’m going to instruct you on the making of a T-shirt quilt.

I used to live overseas and we’d make these quilts whenever friends were due to depart. A group would inevitably get together to make “the quilt” with each donating a T-shirt meant to represent themselves. These quilting get-togethers were loads of fun and there was usually plenty of adult beverages consumed. Once the quilt was finished, we’d sign a farewell message or some sort of witticism on the quilt with a permanent marker. The quilts were coveted and everyone departing wanted one.

If you’ve ever wanted to make a quilt yet felt intimidated by conventional quilting, then a T-shirt quilt is perfect for the beginner. It’s ultra easy and doesn’t require a lot of money or special supplies, only a little patience. And imperfections will not ruin this kind of quilt, are easy to blend or cover-up, which further helps to make it a favorite of the novice quilter. Some like to purchase new, unused shirts for these quilts, but I find used T’s tell a story of its previous owner and help lend a more personal touch to the quilt. Besides, IMHO slight imperfections are what handmade is all about and it should be about the thought and love that went into the making of something, not what you spent or how perfect it is.

I’m going to teach you the basics as well as tips and tricks I’ve learned to make your first quilt a huge success!!

But enough yakking, let’s get you quilting!

Step 1 Supplies Needed

The T-shirt quilt made is 73” x 59”. This will make a large lap cover or small bed cover. To make this size quilt, you’ll need:

Twenty (20) – 12.5” T-shirt squares
Queen flat sheet
Quilt batting – twin size
Fabric for 12 – 2.5” squares
Fabric for 31 – 12.5”x2.5” rectangles
Scissors and/or rotary cutter (optional)
Straight pins
Seam ripper, optional
Pencil, fabric marking pencil or permanent marker
2.5” lucite square OR cardboard template
12.5”x2.5” lucite rectangle OR cardboard template
12.5” lucite square OR cardboard template
Rotary cutting mat, optional
Sewing machine
Thread for sewing machine

I made many of these quilts using cardboard templates, but using lucite makes it easier to see what's directly below the template. I suggest you not go out and incur the additional expense unless you think this is something you’ll want to continue to do.

Tip: You may also hear about fusing each T-shirt square to Trans-Web in order to give the square support and keep the edges from rolling. You can do this if you like, but I don’t subscribe to its use. Reason #1 is the additional expense. Reason #2 is you can pin enough to reduce the problems incurred from the fabric’s tendency to roll. #3 is I don’t like the stiffness that occurs from its use and like my T-shirt quilt soft like a T-shirt, not stiff like paper. It’s not a bad thing, I just don’t like to use it and won’t be covering it in this instructable.

Comments

[vintagecharms]

What a fun idea. I know I have about 2 dozen tees my husband can't over his head anymore! Thanks.

[diverjudy]

Having been the recepient of one of the t-shirt quilt some years ago, I can tell you they are one of my pride and joys. Because so many people contribute to them, makes them very special.

[leonardml]

thank you, you should definitely give it a go!

[SWV1787]

this is pretty nice I ad considered doing this with all of my Boy Scout Camp shirts