T-Shirt Quilt Along - Week 2 - Find Center of Logo & Cutting Out Your Blocks

Welcome back to week #2!! Today we learn how to find the center of our logos, use the 15" ruler to cut out our blocks, how to use a straight edge ruler to cut our blocks, and some basic design tips to laying out our quilts. Make sure to subscribe so that you'll get notified when new videos are uploaded!!
If you have questions, feel free to ask, I'd love to help :)
To view the Q & A video regarding this series click here:
• T-Shirt Quilt Along - ...
To check out our 1st video in this series, follow this link:
• T-Shirt Quilt Along - ...
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[@JulzHair]

I'm obsessed with your videos! I'm new to sewing and you explain things perfectly! My Dad passed on 2/2/22 and I'm wanting to make my mom and 2 sisters quilts from his clothes. My fingers are crossed that I can get these done! Thank you for all of your knowledge and ideas!

[@appalachianadventure4870]

I lost my mom last November and Im wanting to use her clothes to make all the grandkids quilts as well.

[@maryannsdigitizingvideos2937]

You are the best Lisa

[@karengardiner75]

Really like your hair in this style

[@DenisePoole-Closet-Crafts]

Great video, very informative you explain things so well. I do have a tip that I find helps a lot with cutting with rulers of any shape & size. I have an arm that's not totally functional, so I'm always looking for ways to help sew. When using a ruler to cut I use an exercise weight, not sure of the name of the one I use lol, its round with a handle but its 4.5 LBS in weight, I can say its been a life saver,. I position it differently depending what I'm cutting. When using a long ruler I sit it on the ruler further away from me as I cut, as that is the place the ruler would try to move with out the weight. If cutting around the square I would put it in the middle, I still use my hand also and press to hold firm but having that weight on the ruler really helps it not to move. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

This is such a helpful tip Denise, thank you so much for sharing here as I'm thinking someone may come along and find this useful!!

[@bucs1100]

Lisa, So glad I found your video's, so very helpful. I am a newbie and this endeavor is going to be a challenge. My BFF passed 4/20, her husband gave me her shirts and here I go crafting my 1st memory quilt for her family. Wish me luck. So thanks again for the easy instructional videos.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

You are so welcome! Keep me updated on your progress :)

[@annakosek763]

Was pleasantly surprised to see the Poquoson shirt I graduated from Poquoson High School in 1986. Love your videos, cant wait to get started on my memory quilt.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Thats so awesome, I graduated from there in 92 :)

[@sueschneider7722]

Great video! Very helpful. 😊

[@barbaraevans5077]

Oh my gosh !!! You make me want to sew sew sew.. can’t wait to do my first quilt !!!!! You are WONDERFUL!!! Don’t even know how I found you but I thankful I did!! Now I’m hooked !!!! Thank you again ..

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I'm glad you did too Barbara, keep me updated on your first quilt! I'd love to help if you have any questions

[@michellethomas1379]

This is a great video. Thank you for the tips to cut t-shirts with a ruler and matt.. this is my second t-shirt quilt and I am looking to improve my skills on this one..

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I just saw your picture over on Facebook :) I hope you have a lot of fun making your quilt, and I'm really glad this video was helpful!

[@triciathurman-beckman4661]

You are very detailed in your video!! I love them!!

[@robincharles1460]

I love your videos! So easy to folloow

[@cindygehrke5249]

Love the tape marking arrows on the cutting mat! Great idea! Thanks again for sharing!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

it saves so much time with the marks on the mat! Thank you for watching :)

[@jacqualinesilar2653]

Cindy Gehrke m

[@tracymaysmith7894]

You are awesome!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

aweeee, thank you so much Ms. Tracy!

[@piperhensley3160]

Just heard you say 15”. Thanks for the video!

[@janidemaree9704]

Very helpful video. Thank You

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

my pleasure Jani!!

[@jaclynmoylan1905]

Girrrrrl, I’m gonna be so behind, but that’s ok I will catch up.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Wacky Jacky yes, you'll catch up!! It won't take you long....I hope you are feeling better!!!

[@joanmccarthy7321]

I bought different size square rulers which for some logos are not the right size. Is there a tip where you can improvise and make the blocks larger but using the square rulers? For example I want a 16 1/2 block using the 15inch or a 6" for an 8" block?

[@spiritwolf4582]

Hi I really love the way you do your quilt , but do the shirts have to be the same sizes

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Nope, you can use all different sizes ♡ check out my channel...I have tons of tshirt quilt tutorials for all different styles :)

[@DianaHernandez-kn1ne]

Great video, are you allowing room to sew when you cut? Tfs

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

yes, you add 1/2" to your block size to include your 1/4" seam allowances

[@carollantz5647]

When do you put the stabilizer on?

[@jenniferschuette4558]

Hi Lisa! I love your videos! I have a question though. If you are wanting 15” blocks wouldn’t you want to cut them at 15.5” first to allow for the seam allowance?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Jennifer Schuette hi Jennifer :) yes, you are right, if you desire a 15" finished block then you must cut them at 15.5" x 15.5". My blocks in this out finish at 14.5".

[@chauneceyomally]

hi, tku for yr videos…i watched 2 of them on how to adhere the interfacing. (p44f on both) on 1 you used steam, on another you used a dry iron (these were both on t-shirts). i am doing a memory quilt from a woman’s tops (various materials) should i use steam or not? also since these clothes have all been use is it necessary to wash again? tku..appreciate yr help.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

If they were washed the last time with fabric softener you may want to wash them again without the softener. I prefer to use steam when pressing on the interfacing . When doing this though make sure to cover your shirt and the interfacing with a pressing cloth a pressing cloth like an old cotton pillow case

[@chauneceyomally]

@@TheQuiltmakerHomestead tku so much. have a great life!

[@angieworks663]

Lisa, do you already have a video on how to use the front of the t-shirt that has a small logo over the left breast area? I would like to incorporate them into my quilt but not sure exactly how to cut my square. Any ideas would be welcomed. Thanks.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Hey Angie, I dont currently have a video for that but thats a great topic!! I have a quilt coming up that maybe I could show this. In the meantime if you have Facebook reach out to me and I'll walk you through it :) lisa capen quilts on fb

[@PinkRibbionJayGee]

Lisa what if you have a lot of black shirts do yo have any suggestions on how to lay them out since most are the same color?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Hey Jeanene! What if you put some fabric boarders around some of the shirts, that would break them up and add some division between them, and also a pop of color :)

[@dorotheakupstas8873]

I'm thinking of using 12 inch squares. Should the grid still be 4 x 5 and what size quilt would this make.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I think first you need to decide the quilt size you WANT to make, then figure out how many squares it will take. You can orientate them however you need to in order to make the size quilt you are going for. If you are using a 12 inch block, with a layout of 4x5 then your quilt will be 48x60

[@clairepereira8592]

Good info. 👍

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

+Claire Pereira thank you Claire!

[@pegeenoconnell7487]

How do you cut your tshirt when you have a v neck tshirt? and to add to that, the logo is very close to the v neck?

[@lauriefox-coursolle]

So is it ok to cut into the emblem? I noticed that you did in your video.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

it's okay to cut the logos :) I even quilt right through mine and not one issue :)

[@lauriefox-coursolle]

@@TheQuiltmakerHomestead Thank you!

[@nancyfuecker5271]

Hi Lisa, How do you cut a polo type shirt where the logo goes passed the tab on right side of shirt?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Hello Nancy! Hmmm....it might be helpful if you could send me a picture so that I could help you better. My email address is [e-mail] I'd love to help if I can :)

[@annkennedy3767]

I don't have a cutting mat with measurements. I borrowed a sewing machine, cutter, a straight ruler and a strip of cutting mat from neighbours--this is my first quilt and I can't really afford to invest a lot beyond the sizing and the batting and thread, without knowing how it will turn out or if I'll ever do it again! Is it possible that I could create a cutting mat out of very thick cardboard from a large box? I could measure and draw the lines. What do you think? Any other suggestions?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I'm thinking the cardboard may not work, as your blade with go through your fabrics into the cardboard repeatedly as you are cutting. I know the stores are crazy right now, and availability is too......you may want to check Walmart as they have cutting mats....or Joann's and use a coupon to save money :)

[@Craftbags33]

Love the quilt did I miss lesson 3 ??

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Thanks Colleen! There is a whole series of videos for this quilt on my KZbin channel, if you scroll through the videos you will find it there :)

[@stacikinson]

I'm watching all the videos! My question this time is, I'm going to be doing a collage quilt. I know that the design layout should be light, dark, light, dark but the majority of my shirts are black. Do you think this will be bad? I do have some other colored shirts but not enough to do light, dark or even light, dark, medium.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Hi Staci! To break up the shirts when you have a majority of one color...like a lot of lights or a lot of darks....maybe add a fabric border around your blocks to add some color and some division between them :)

[@barbaracorry3619]

Just going through your videos again and was wandering what’s the biggest size you’ve made? I’ve had some Harley Davidson shirts that the logo measures 16-17”? Do you try to get the whole logo in or do you always stick with the 15”?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Let's see.....if I remember right the largest quilt that I've made was 104 x 120. It really depends on the quilt, I try my best to get the whole logo in, but every once in a while there is that one shirt that just has to be included and ya gotta trim her down lol. In that case I usually like to try to convince my client to do a collage style quilt where all the blocks are different sizes and then it's not an issue........however they may not want to do that....then ya gotta chop chop the logo lol

[@barbaracorry3619]

Lisa Capen Quilts thanks a lot. A lot of my blocks are 17” because they want that logo. I tell them that makes the quilt more expensive but it’s fine with them. I guess there aren’t any quilt police to say it’s wrong or right! Have a great day, stay safe!

[@djlehn1967]

when centering your block wouldn't it be better to leave a 1.4" for your seam above the upper words?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

It would always be ideal that there is some space around the logo......that's not always the case. Some logos are just too big to fit within the block size that you've chosen for the quilt

[@djlehn1967]

Hi Lisa thanks for your answer. I have one more question. I m making a menmory quilt for a very close life long friend's wife that passed away last October. I wan the quilt to be the best possible finished product. I haven't made a T shirt quilt before. Some say you don't need batting . I have also heard to use a good quality flannel in a single layer.??? I also like your idea of adding a photo to the quilt after watching your photo ppyou tube video. Thanks hoping you are staying warm where you are! Thanks Dot @@TheQuiltmakerHomestead

[@delinaquilter1418]

It seems from the video that there is no seam allowance around the logos on the larger ones. Do you lose the logo top and/or bottom/sides when you stitch?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

yeh, unfortunately, a few of the logos ran all the way into the seam allowance on this quilt. I could have made all the blocks a little bit bigger if that was an issue for me, but I'm good with the little bits being gone.

[@joanmccarthy7321]

Like another commenter asked -- you cut a 15" block with no mention of 1/2 inch seam allowance. The first logo cut out filled the whole 15" square how are you going to sew the blocks together with no seam allowance

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

They will finish at 14.5 x 14.5" ........

[@dottiebezanilla5924]

Why do you not add seam and what should it be 1/4” or more

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

When planning my quilt layouts I use the FINISHED measurements, however when I cut my pieces I include the seam allowance. I sew my t-shirt quilts together using a 1/4" seam allowance, which means when I cut my pieces I add 1/2" on width and length.

[@angelastoutenger7944]

I’m going back to watch all your videos on T-shirt quilts. I have a question that I hope you can answer. Many of the shirts my granddaughter gave me our tank style/sleeveless t-shirts. How would I handle that style as far as attaching the interfacing, etc to be consistent with a regular tee. I assume it has to be attached to background fabric to achieve a 14” or 15” block. I hope you receive notification of my question because I need help!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

A question like this is best sent by email or to my etsy where we can talk. Please send me a message by one of those which you can find the information for in the description box.

[@angelastoutenger7944]

@@TheQuiltmakerHomestead Ok. Thanks Lisa. I did find a video you had done on this subject so I understand the process now when using that style of shirt. If I have any questions when I start this quilt I will definitely contact you. It will be awhile though before that happens. Just doing all my research now so I know what to do. Thank you so much for responding to my question.

[@roseriddle7585]

What size ruler would you use for kids shirts

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

for onsies I like using the 5.5" ruler and for Toddler clothing like an 8" ruler :)

[@sherrieschnelle1064]

Lisa, I'm getting ready to make my first T-Shirt quilt for a friend, and have been binge watching your great videos! I've made a lot of baby quilts, and rag quilts for friends (not T-Shirt quilts), and they always insist on paying me for it. I really do them just because I have fun doing them, and don't expect them to pay me, so. I just ask them to make a donation to my American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser that I do every year. Can you give me an average of what you charge your customers to do a quilt, just for labor, so that I can give them a suggestion on the amount?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I would love to help the best I can, message me in Facebook and I'll walk you through pricing for YOU and why it's different according to your area/skill level and so on :)

[@kimberlyswaney9749]

Sherrie, I have tons of RFL tshirts from my Years Of doing Events That Will Eventually Become A Tshirt Quilt!

[@dianephillips2444]

What do you do with the left over t-shirt fabric. I hate to throw away big pieces but don't have a use for them.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

You can add it to your stash and use it in upcoming quilts if you need to fill in some areas (really helpful in collage style t-shirt quilts)..........I like to use it as stuffing in my pillow projects hahaha......it makes for a heavier pillow but I kind of like it :) You can also use the scraps and make cleaning rags from them

[@mgs783]

Diane, I don’t know if you have a Goodwill resale shop that accepts donated goods but if you do they recycle clean unusable clothes and fabrics. They bundle up these things and sell them to a second party that pays them per pound. So the cut off scraps you can beg up and give it to them. It’s another resource that helps charity organizations. Our local animal shelter also uses scraps to make bedding for dogs. Hope that helps .

[@lauriefox-coursolle]

Hi Again, What size needle and color thread do you use when doing your quilting designs on the t-shirt quilt? Thanks, LJ

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I usually use a size 16 needle on my Nolting and I try to match the thread color to the backing usually :)

[@lauriefox-coursolle]

@@TheQuiltmakerHomestead I use a size 16 needle on my machine/long arm too. There are so many different colors in the tee shirt quilt that I'm not sure what color thread to use and I haven't decided on what color backing to use. I thought about using invisible thread but it can be a hassle sometimes. By the way I love your videos, thank you for taking the time to do them.

[@wam0357]

Before its too late, video 3 starts out saying that you will need a different needle on your machine made for t-shirt material or "knits". A sewing needle for knits might also be called a ball point. but she says a size 12 or 14. Be prepared!

[@barbaracorry3619]

I’ve noticed the number 10 on my grandson’s T-shirt is off center. To make it centered I have to cut about one and a half inches into the sleeve. Should I do that or just cut it off center?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I cut into the sleeves all the time :) the only time it's REALLY noticeable once the quilt is made is if the sleeves are a different color then the shirt, sometimes jerseys are like that. If you don't like the sleeve included at all, cut close to the 10 logo and just add a border on all sides to bring it up to desired size

[@barbaracorry3619]

Lisa Capen Quilts okay, the sleeves are the same color, so will do that. Thanks. I’m sure this won’t be the last question. Sure would be nice if everything was centered to begin with.

[@barbaracorry3619]

H

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

@@barbaracorry3619 ask away, I'd love to help! And I agree.....many many logos I've come across are not centered

[@piperhensley3160]

What size is the large square ruler for your blocks?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

hahaha....I saw your second comment :) Thank you so much for watching!

[@karenelpers292]

Where can I find printable templates for planning quilt?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Hi Karen, if you go to Etsy and search for my shop: Lisa Capen Quilts, you'll find all of the grid sets there :)

[@jaclynmoylan1905]

I do not know why I didn’t think about color til now when I saw your colored grid. As you know I’m using Harley Davidson shirts and if I remember right 90% of them are black. I may have to rethink my plan and throw in some other shirts for color. What are your thoughts? I’m also concerned about the logo size. I haven’t measured them yet but I bet a lot of them are larger than 15”. I’m getting over a yucky sickness so I have to get my house back in order before I start, but I may need to pull out some different shirts

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Wacky Jacky I did a concert quilt for an awesome client last year, it was prominently black, with a few colored squares, it turned out awesome. Some of the logos in this quilt here didn't quite fit, and some bits were cut off, but overall most of it fit in the 15". Yeh, check your shirts and see what you think.....when you get 100% and are ready ♡♡

[@jaclynmoylan1905]

Good to know! I thought of maybe being brave and add some sashing or corner squares or something. I will figure it out when I get to that point.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Wacky Jacky what ever you decide you must share pictures, I'm excited to see!

[@jaclynmoylan1905]

Lisa Capen Quilts oh I definitely will girlfriend

[@triciathurman-beckman4661]

Thats what I would suggest, is to add sashing. That will break up all the black!!

[@patrobinson9450]

What if my square block is a 12” instead of 15” would I need to use the straight ruler

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

You could use a straight ruler plus they make the square rulers at 12.5" which is nice because it includes your seam allowance

[@gwennadoty7374]

looks like you seam allowance is going to take some of the design away from your shirt

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

unfortunately a shirt or two had logos a bit larger then the size of the blocks for this quilt :(

[@katherinesimonton9286]

How do you cut a logo that is narrow in neck area and widens lower on body-if I cut at neck, lose part of logo-cut at body-no fabric at the top around the neck-patchwork with pieces of leftover tshirt material?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Hi Katherine! I think I have a video that will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6fHZZajpsd8pbc

[@katherinesimonton9286]

@@TheQuiltmakerHomestead Thanks for leading me to the perfect video to answer my ???s. Great series-learning A LOT! Katie

[@margaretlee4931]

OMG You never cut towards yourself

[@triciathurman-beckman4661]

Oh, you scare me cutting across your arm. You need one of those cutting board that rotates. Just suggesting!!!!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

+Tricia Thurman-Beckman. I've been waiting for someone to mention this since I filmed this video hahahahaaaa.....I guarantee I don't normally do this :) I really should have moved the camera so that it wasn't in my way and not risk cutting myself!! I got away lucky hahaaaa

[@glendak4093]

I use a dumbbell weight. It holds down very well. No slippage.

[@CreativeTrish]

Glenda K THAT is a great tip!

[@LarkOnWheels]

Yes, this horrified me, as well. A trip to the ER is in anyone’s future with this method! Please do not do this! All you need to do is align your 6” x 24” ruler along the left side of the big square ruler, then remove the square ruler and cut properly along the 6” ruler. Yes, you will then need to twist the fabric 90 degrees and repeat, but better to take the time to do that than slice a finger!