Learn How to Piece a T-Shirt Quilt Top with Rob!

[@allieshepherd7860]

Thank you Rob. A friend's husband recently passed-away, and she and asked me to make a small quilt from his t-shirts. Now I know how to do it, and have ordered the supplies from Missouri Quilt Company.

[@allieshepherd7860]

Quilt was made and turned out beautiful, my friend loves it. Thank you again for showing me how.

[@holillolie]

I have watched countless lame-o videos trying to educate myself how to stabilize a tshirt in preparation for a tshirt quilt. Thanks for making a video that is a good quality and not lame.

[@melaniehefner1098]

Your the best for taking the fear away of diving into any project. Continue this great work.

[@killercricketman]

Love the EFY squares

[@mandamorris7934]

Well Rob... you did it again...but this time, this project is way over and above amazing. Short back story... My husband passed almost 3 years ago and I have an entire load of his t-shirts (and he was a connoisseur trust me haha). I have been loathe to start this project and perhaps mess it up, so your tutorial is exactly what I needed. I have watched it twice and will do so again and again. You have given me the courage to get into this. That stabilizer is the bomb and I will absolutely use it. I've said this to you before and I will say it again... Thank you so much...I so dig your work and I appreciate what you do and the time you take to explain. 'Keep on keepin on' cute boy and I will be watching!

[@ManSewingVids]

Hello Nalla, I am so happy to hear this tutorial has inspired you to work on such a memorable project. Thank you for watching the Man Sewing tutorials, and stay tuned--I will be working on a follow-up to this tutorial with more information on backing and quilting t-shirt quilts. :)

[@tnwanda1963]

I'm looking forward to the follow-up quilting video. My mother passed away 2 months ago, (today, 11-20, is her birthday) and I really want to make a quilt from her shirts and skirts. This video -is exactly what I need. Thank you

[@barbaradelarwelle7280]

Rob you are reading my mind. I'm currently working on two t-shirt quilts and was so hoping you would show FMQ.

[@jylromain6439]

I have several tees from my grandson and rather than let them be hand-me-downs, since some are special to him, I said I'd make a quilt. Haven't done a tee shirt quilt before and do not want to mess this up. Thanks for the video. It will help me to get the job done. And thanks for leaving the mistakes in. I told you to turn the shirt over to iron it. I guess you heard me! :D

[@cindykillgo2215]

Wanting to make my son a graduation quilt like his father's granmother and he has played Football since Kindergarten. Thank you for all these great tips! I'm a beginner and hoping for the best.

[@emseclecticcrafts7549]

Thank-you so much for this inspiring tutorial on t-shirt quilting. I’ve made numerous t-shirt quilts, as I had wrote to you about many months ago. This answered so many of the questions I had. Thanks! I so look forward to seeing how you Quilt the t-shirt Quilt. BTW I also owe you a huge thanks for the weighted blanket tutorial as I’ve watched it multiple times, then I was able to make several weighted blankets for some friends, both child and adult - they all thank-you as they received comfort and noticeable calming under their weighted blanket!!!

[@ManSewingVids]

Hi Bernadette! We are so happy you enjoyed this tutorial! Thank you for spreading some quilting kindness to those who can benefit from weighted blankets. :)

[@kallewirsch2263]

The whole project is an excellent idea! Just wanted to add, that often one can make good use of the grid printed on the mat to do straight cuts for trimming. Having said that - I often see that people underestimate what the mat can do for them. I "learned" a lot by watching Jenny from the Missouri Star Quilt Company. She uses her mat very often in this way or for measuring.

[@ManSewingVids]

Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed the tutorial! :)

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

Hi Rob, I am currently making a T-shirt quilt for a friend. I ran into a problem where I literally had to take my top almost completely apart because there was a buckle in the middle and could not get it to flatten out. Normally I use a little stiffer interfacing but I was using what I had on hand and it just did not do the trick. I also normally use the whole shirt, front and back and it makes a very colorful quilt. This client/friend wanted to use a flannel which worked fine (not the choice I would have made) but it is looking good. I am now in the process of putting it back together with the heavier interfacing. These t-shirts are very old and flimsy which is the reason I opted for the heavier than usual interfacing. She did not like the look of the shirts butted up next to each other so I used the flannel in between each shirt alternating the sizes. To make things a little bit harder, she wanted the back to have t shirts as well. This has become a HUGE quilt! Once done, I will use a tie method to connect the top and bottom. If I use any batting, the quilt is going to be so heavy. I’m thinking of using a flannel for the backing. Do you think this is a wise decision. It’s mainly going to be used as a focal piece in her room and not actually used. Thanks for all the helpful tips you bring to all of us quilters. You ROCK!

[@tammygamble8405]

Our daughter called, thought I could use a new project. Would I make her a T-Shirt quilt? Thank you Man Sewing for this great and fun filled tutorial!

[@alkurashi]

This pattern is in my list.i watched so many videos but I liked yours it's different and good way to use most of the t-shirt.thank you Rob.

[@rebeccabrown7572]

Thank you. I've made 2 quilts using your videos as a guide and they turned out great. Keep the tutorials coming please.

[@AllQuiltedTogetherLLC]

Hey Rob! Lots of great interest and responses to your latest video!!! Thank you for explaining that the seams should not be pressed open. (If you ever want to know about a longarm nightmare, ask me about open seams!) Even though the shirts are stabilized, t-shirt fabric still gives. Being able to stitch in the ditch on seams that are pressed to the side helps stabilize the knit fabrics even more and its any paid quilter’s dream come true!!! So many quilt tops have been coming In lately with open seams. SMH.!! Our industrial machines can handle multiple seams. No worries or we quilt a perfect design around those multiple seam intersection! 🤓 My approach to quilting my customers t-shirt quilts is a bit different from traditional quilts on the longarm. I slow down the speed, lessen top/bobbin tension and lengthen the stitch per inch. I also use PRE WASHED flannel for backing. Shrinkage is very unpredictable with flannel and your shirts have all been pre-washed too. This is what works from my experience. Take it, take some or leave it. I only want happy quilters with a successful t-shit quilt in the end! 💕 Thanks again my friend!

[@faitharrowood8001]

Great demo Rob! My son is in elementary school now and he gets various shirts every year with the schools name & mascot. I am saving them all to make him a quilt for high school graduation.

[@jaclynmoylan1905]

Love this instead of T-shirt quilts that the blocks are all uniform and lose the design elements as you mentioned. I will be using these techniques. Thanks for sharing!

[@ManSewingVids]

Glad you enjoyed this tutorial! :)

[@vickyls8132]

Totally different way from the class I took. Yours looks so much easier!

[@jeantaylor9440]

Rob, why do you put the interfacing on the t-shirt before you make the final size cut? Seems like you could get a lot more finished squares if you ironed on after you have your final size cut, even with the sashing pieces. I love your tutorials! Can't wait for the next one!

[@ManSewingVids]

Hi Jean! Rob cut strips and blocks from the extra t-shirt material to add sashing and extra blocks to the quilt. However, you could cut your t-shirt logo and sashing strips before adding the interfacing. Thanks for tuning in!

[@fannyfayvintage7668]

You're a great teacher and art creator. Thank you for your clear and interesting presentation. Your instructions are informative and inspiring.

[@brendabordas4466]

Thanks for explaining things well and acknowledging so many different ways to do t-shirt quilts. So many different designs. I struggled today with doing 2" sashing between each t-shirt square but it is proving to be to difficult to line up when attaching the next row. I am going to tear out the sashes now and go with a different idea. I don't know if the t-shirts are still stretching just a bit or what the problem is I made sure the t- shirt squares are the same size.

[@loistaber5810]

I love the way you "cheated" on the sashing - what a great idea!

[@ladyd54]

Thanks Rob for this video and please do one addressing the quilting. This would be great for new moms to keep in mind as their little ones grow and then you could make a memory t-shirt quilt. Talking about memory quilts, would love to see you do a video for one.

[@bevcote2357]

I started my daughters band t-shirt quilt four years ago, all the blocks are done, and all the sashing. I'm scared of the quilting part, so I do hope you share with us the rest of the Man Sewing t-shirt quilt. Great video as always thanks Rob.

[@ManSewingVids]

Thanks for tuning in, Bev!

[@terryboyd4352]

This video was just what I needed! I've been asked by a neighbor to make a wall hanging from a collection of 9-11 tshirts he's collected. I'm saving this video and will refer to it often

[@lainiefinnell590]

Tks for the great new ideas for putting together t-shirts quilts

[@debimdza]

Now I know what I’m making the Hubby for Christmas. Thanks Rob!

[@catherinecharlwood2532]

another wonderful video thank you. Time to raid the wardrobe of the old tshirts

[@shazb.2043]

Yeah, thanks Rob. This is the video I've been waiting for. Great tips. And our weather here in Michigan is getting cold enough to want to snuggle into it. Well, I won't but I've convinced my husband he could quit wearing those well over warn t's that he loves the sayings on but they are not street worthy. It should make a great Christmas present. Or his birthday in February. I'll enjoy making it and love your backing ideas.

[@ManSewingVids]

Thanks for tuning in, Sherry! Hope you have fun creating your t-shirt quilt!

[@lalaa7520]

Would love to see a finished picture of this quilt. Thank you Rob

[@cc83jc85]

this video is great for its details in: blocks NOT in line, you did a great job of explaining that!- I'm making my daughter a T shirt quilt from her Squash games 20 years ago!..I didn't get as much T shirt fabric as I had hoped it will work out..I've kept the neck labels too..I'm wondering if I can use them??? Thanks deary

[@kylierigby1953]

Great video Rob. I am also waiting to see your finished "Man Sewing" quilt. Cheers.

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

Man, I wish I had seen this before I started my t shirt quilt for a friend. I have the front already done. It’s a really big quilt and this would be an awesome way to quilt as you to go.

[@robynwilliams6185]

my friend has been wanting to make one using daughters track t shirts. never thought about using my quilt t shirts rhat are stained or to small. thanks for the tutorial. might try making 4 patch between t shirt logos with back fabric without logo

[@barbarab8870]

This is awesome! I can't wait to see the FMQ for this t-shirt quilt design. I have a ton of race shirts that I want to make into a quilt, but I've been nervous to cut into them.

[@laurabarba3515]

What a great tutorial! !!!thanks for sharing your tips.😃👑

[@catercoz2491]

Thanks, Rob. I had made bags from t-shirts before and the curling edges drove me nuts. I will try stabiliser.

[@janedeskis6516]

Hi Rob, thought you’d get a grin from this - my husband arranged for a coworker to buy a couple of KSU t-shirt quilts I️ had made but at a very discounted price. I️ wasn’t thrilled but husband then asked that I️ make him a third quilt with shirts I’d have to supply. He only had two. As a past coach I️ had athletes I️ could contact so not too big of a deal. Today, after taking the quilts home from hubby’s office. The coworker called. He had found a sweat top and wanted me to change out one of the shirts he had given me. So glad he couldn’t see my face. I️ carefully explained how ripping out the FMQ and binding and shirt from the quilt could be a big problem.

[@ManSewingVids]

Oh wow! Haha! You can always suggest he use it as the start of his next t-shirt quilt! :)

[@futuresenatorleader7210]

I love your idea!!!!!.... Thanks

[@rosefuller9201]

Rob when I watch your videos I always admire the iron that you use. What kind is it? Where can I find it? The iron I have does not do this on my t-shirt squares.

[@moniquepgarner]

Thank you for this video. Just did a t-shirt quilt top.

[@racheltomlinson2257]

That's cool sewing t shirts together because some t shirts are a work of art in their designs. Not been able to make t shirt patch work until you taught us the trick of putting the backing on to stabilise it.now instead of little cushions we can change to nice cosy soft patchwork blanket from our next lot of t shirts.thank you for sharing the tricks. Ace :-)

[@sharonwilson6489]

Thanks for the help getting my daughter and me started with our first quilts. The tutorial was very informative and easy to follow.

[@cindygehrke5249]

Great tutorial! I’m piecing my first tee shirt quilt and I want to add as much color by using the “scraps” of shashing from the tees. You have given me a lot of good info! Thanks! I’ll be looking for your quilting tees ideas!

[@annduvall3835]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing

[@patrickquinlan3149]

T-shirt quilts were my very first attempt at quilting. They were so successful, I am making quilts all the time it seems. Right now, I am making some for a very dear friend of mine who has terminal cancer so she can give them to her loved ones before she passes.

[@ManSewingVids]

Patrick, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I am sure the quilts you are making will be cherished forever.

[@patrickquinlan3149]

Thank you for the kind words. One of the neatest things about being a quilter is you are not only creating memories, but, we are preserving them as well.

[@susankotzatoski7530]

Plan on making a T-shirt quilt, you made it look so easy. Love it!

[@annes2601]

AWESOME Tutorial!! I've been wanting too make a t-shirt quilt. I will definitely be using this one. Thank you!! 🤗

[@zacharysandler9199]

Love watching! Always such great information.

[@pamelacasey1699]

Great T shirt tutorial!

[@rodneycampbell2978]

I have a t shirt quilt started now I can finish I hope.

[@ramonacooper6131]

This is a great tutorial! I can’t wIt to see more of your T-shirt quilt!

[@tracyshaner1182]

What do you think about using strips of jeans for the sashing in a t-shirt quilt? If so, what size needle would be best for that? AND... do you need any special needle considerations when working with the iron-on backing? I'm a newbie, learning as I go... THANKS!

[@ManSewingVids]

Hi Tracy! We have not experimented with using jeans as sashing in a t-shirt quilt. It could be an interesting experiment, however, we think with the differences in material, it may be best to stick with a flannel or more t-shirt material. However, feel free to try it and let us know how it turns out! Have fun sewing!

[@sueiyusuf6865]

Great tutorial.thank you

[@gailwhitaker4670]

I loved your video. Do you have an issue with the sewing machine needle "gumming up" from the stabilizer? I have and what do I do to prevent this? Thank you in advance.

[@coopsgrammie7212]

Thank you. want to make one for my son.

[@laurenml1222]

Awesome video! Can you tell me where I can get the 1/4 inch guide you have on your machine please! Thank you!

[@djlehn1967]

Thanks for the video!

[@mommahippie4483]

Great video Rob! Right now I am working on a tshirt quilt for a friend made from car show tshirts. Thanks for the tips! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@brenttrom5147]

I was asked to help with a T-shirt quilt in honor of my friend. She was a teacher and they want to hang a quilt in school with her class t-shirts. When hanging a t-shirt quilt, would you suggest cotton sashing (to help keep it flat)? What batting, if any and backing material would you suggest for a hanging quilt? I was thinking of stitching in the ditch but they suggested tying it. Hmmmm not sure about that. The blocks will be approx 8" finished. Any advice is appreciated.

[@tishfish01]

Thanks for all the great tips! I plan on making a t shirt quilt out of all my race shirts! I have quite a collection going! P.S. I love your Man Sewing shirts!

[@ajc2268]

Thanks for the tutorial. My question concerns stabilizer. I used a pressing cloth and it is sticking to the stabilizer even though the stabilizer only has glue on one side. I put the shirt with logo down then the stabilizer on top of that with the glue down then my pressing cloth on top. I spritzed the cloth then pressed. Am I doing something wrong? I had to pull the cloth off the stabilizer.

[@imafreeamerican7443]

AJ, I'm beginning my first t-shirt quilt. I cut the interfacing approx 1" larger than the piece it's going onto, then put a large piece of parchment paper on my ironing board, then the t-shirt face down and positioned the interface centered on the t-shirt pressed the interface. The interface would peel off the parchment paper no problem. Good Luck

[@joyceanglinmiller8758]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I've been saving my oldest son's t-shirts to make a quilt for him and I was never very clear on the process so this has been a great help. I have a question, when you do stitch in the ditch will it be enough to hold the quilt together or will I have to also use free motion quilting?

[@iamdarkphoenix489]

I have a lot of my son's onsies from when he was in NICU. How can I make a quilt top with those and keep the onesie as whole? I have seen some and they are nice. Maybe you can do a tutorial on a onesie quilt?

[@JulieJSchmidt]

That will be a great addition to the man-sewing "cave"

[@dikilajones9489]

I was about to make a t-shirt quilt for a fundraiser. My original vision is not going to work because the prints are different sizes including the different sizes of shirts I have. Thanks for the ideas and inspiration.

[@karriehendrickson247]

Have you ever used fleece as a backing without batting?

[@dawnpelsor3903]

Thank you Rob. My question is because its a quilt, can you add batting? or is batting not needed?

[@user-yr2gm5ni4c]

Thanks it help me to get my done faster

[@jeanniepatrick5533]

I have my daughter's t-shirt and sweatshirt collection just waiting...I am very interested in how to quilt it...that seems daunting to me.

[@rebeccanewell4385]

For the t-shirt quilt, do you use batting as well as the flannel backing, or no batting?

[@renealee]

Rebecca Newell , I used batting and cotton backing for my Tshirt and FMQed it. But I know others that used fleece. So, it's whatever you want to use.

[@chimichata]

So, if you use flees no batting is required? I’m working on my first T-shirt quilt

[@wendyc7690]

Hi Rob I’m currently working on a T-shirt quilt. My question is the shirts and are all different sizes. How do I get the smaller shirts to match up with bigger shirts? I have five of the shirts that are a least 16 to 18 inches wide and some are 12 inches.

[@belindafoster7103]

I wish you could give us the link to the products you are using such stabilizer, rotary cutter, mat etc

[@hannahaguilar435]

I love your t shirt. Where can I get one?

[@jolienahi]

Hi Rob, I want to make a quilt using my baby's old clothes and I was wondering, what happens if you don't stabilize the fabric?

[@ManSewingVids]

Hi Jolie! Thank you for tuning in. If you don't stabilize the fabric, the clothing will stretch, and you may not end up with the same size block or quilt you intended to. Hope this helps!

[@TroyboyQUE]

Hello Brother Rob, Gotta question for you if you don't mind. It's okay for me to do a quilt with using most of the t-shirt right. As long as I put that,,,,,, nevermind you just answered my question in the video🤜🏾🤛🏾👍🏾LMAO Thanks

[@barbra429]

can you please share the iron model you are using and your thoughts on it versus a corded iron?

[@ManSewingVids]

Hi Barbra! Rob uses a Panasonic 360 Freestyle while filming tutorials. He likes the versatility and freedom of movement it provides since there is no cord attached. The one downside is that it only warms up when it is on it's base, so if you do a lot of ironing, you have to return it to the base frequently. You can purchase one here: www.missouriquiltco.com/shop/detail/35414/panasonic/-/360-freestyle-cordless-iron-silver

[@olgaparsons2762]

Do you have any tips and tricks for jersey shirt quilts? All of my grandsons shirts are Jerseys .

[@SuperYukaaa]

Hi t-shirts had rock cafe from Ukraine , kyiv 😱 on your wall 👍

[@howardhall9519]

I get really depressed in the winter, so I decided to find a hobby to do. I decided on making a t shirt even though I've never sewn in my entire life. I'm getting fairly good at hand sewing the shirts together but I'm having a problem that I cant figure out how to fix. When I get to the part where I'm sewing the corners with 4 shirts together, I just cant seem to get them straight. Can anyone offer any ideas to help me with this problem. I really like making it but I don't want to get frustrated and quit because I cant to my shirts to line up. Please offer any suggestions. THANKS

[@brittnifoster8660]

would fusible fleece work? Currently it is what is available.

[@dtharge4082]

Do you have to use cotton thread?

[@RedrumRobyn]

you can borrow my left hand (and the rest of me goes with it lol) . Great video!! ( :

[@nancysmith6344]

Where did you find your cordless iron

[@cathyguzick279]

What do you do if you have a longer logo

[@stephpennell129]

Going to have a go but 1st got to work out how to be on my best behavior lol😅😅😅

[@LauraJayne64]

Would you please let us know about the iron you use?

[@ManSewingVids]

Hi Laura! Rob uses a Panasonic 360 cordless iron. You can purchase one here: www.missouriquiltco.com/shop/detail/35414/panasonic/-/360-freestyle-cordless-iron-silver Thanks for tuning in! :)

[@lindabond578]

it doesn't look like your interfacing is fused to the tshirt material.. i am having trouble with getting the fusible to fuse to the tshirt.

[@naydenaschlecht8572]

Az

[@dianewhite4816]

Just the pops please

[@briannag7177]

is anyone here from that one high school announcement tik tok

[@kellylamas6420]

Why waste so much interfacing fabric when you can cut a small piece.

[@ManSewingVids]

Hello Clelia, Rob used the fabric strips cut from around the t-shirt logo to create the sashing for his t-shirt quilt. However, you can cut your t-shirt blocks and sashing strips before adding the interfacing, just be careful about ironing the interfacing so it doesn't get on your ironing board.

[@imafreeamerican7443]

When I added my interfacing to my T-shirt pieces I used parchment paper to keep the interface from sticking to the ironing board.

[@tammy5590]

I can see this quilt has a lot of waste. Not sure that is a good thing.