T-Shirt Quilting - Tips for T-Shirt Quilts With Different Size Blocks

Let's make a t-shirt quilt with different size blocks! Today I'm going to show you how I use graph paper to design my quilt layouts and reduce the cost of interfacing used in your quilt AND save you time.
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[@deborahn.6150]

Thank you. So much easier than laying out the pieces on the floor!! Getting up again isn't as easy as it used to be 😊

[@pamthetraveler7224]

For me I also mark an arrow if the measurements aren’t square. If you have 10x6 logo and you don’t want logo sideways, you’ll need to mark little piece of paper and know that when playing it out on graph paper. I wasted 30 min getting a great layout only to later realize some of my blocks were sideways. Aggravating. So now I mark size and color but also direction up/down if needed.

[@shannonsevart3798]

I'm not a seamstress, but sewing is often on my mind. The graph paper and set-up looks like fun. I do similar planning at work for cabinetry. Your hands and voice make the project exciting. I'm really looking forward to making a T-shirt quilt.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

You can do it!

[@anat7203]

This is a complicated t-shirt quilt. I love the look of this collage quilt. I didn't even know the name of it! Your video has really helped me get started. Thank you so much! This is very kind of you. I hope good karma rewards you. Subscribed!

[@marymanis5255]

Thank you for this great idea with the graph paper! It’s the first t-shirt quilt I’ll be making so I’m trying to get as many ideas as possible!

[@amiealbergo4303]

I have a bunch of my grandma's hankerchiefs I want to make into a quilt and wasn't sure how to do it. The graph paper is a great idea. Thanks!

[@savoirthyme]

This is great! I've never made a quilt before and I had no idea how to lay out all these t-shirt pieces. Now I know just what to do. Thanks so much!!

[@LITTLEMISSBOOTIE]

I'm getting ready to make my first t-shirt quilt for our younger son. He brought over at least 75 t-shirts!! This video was SUPER helpful. I'm looking forward to watching more from you. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@filmspot3859]

Something interesting under $20 for home decor is already on the channel!

[@allisonholloway833]

Nothing is simple in the process of planning a quilt. You do an excellent job. I love the process of planning including all the math.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Thank you so much Allison! I love the planning process.....the math not so much hahahaa :)

[@dorothybennett2191]

Sweet, Humble, brilliant, kind smart..Lisa you are precious, generous !! The world is better because of you. I am always so amazed by the wonder of KZbin of meeting people all over the country and world 🌎!! To quote Lucy Maud Montgomery .we are “thrilled “ when we see and and hear you!! What would we do without people like you teaching us all the long, hard won years these precious things. Thank You so much. Love Dot

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

aweeeee, thank you sooooo so much Dorothy! You have made my day!!

[@rachelmiller495]

Ditto!

[@rsislandcrafts]

I used to color my graph paper but I really like the idea of having moveable pieces instead. Brilliant as usual!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I was coloring directly on the graph...and then I'd move something around and it created a big mess hahaha...I'd have to start all over.....this way is so much easier!

[@christinenelson7021]

This is a great idea! As much as I don't like to pre plan, it does make it easier down the quilt road. I believe all quilters love to do puzzles so your way makes it like doing two favorite activities in one project! Thank you Lisa for all of your wonderful and helpful videos!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Thank you so much Christine! Puzzles are so much fun, you are right, this is like a puzzle only a lot bigger hehehee....awesome!

[@julieg4969]

This is genius. This was exactly what I was looking for. I had the stack of shirts knew what size I thought they should be cut but this explained all I needed to know to completely plan my quilt before you cut. Thank you so much.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Glad I could help!

[@Kitkat-mn5ud]

LIsa, I always learn something every time I watch one of your videos. Thank you for taking the time to explain your techniques!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I'm so glad that these videos are so helpful and that I can share the process with you making it easier, thank you sooo much for following along!

[@robertarouse5018]

Lisa you’re graft allows me to see what I’m doing. I have used my floor but I throw them down and use my yard stick to rearrange them.. Yes I don’t have a design wall.. should have one,. And can’t get down on the floor since I have two new knees. Anyway now I shall do this from now on. You have the cutest laugh too! I wanted to send a photo of the ones I finished for my grandchildren, so you can see that I’m still a novice. Of course they love what i did, and I don’t quilt them all over. Now I’m up for the challenge. Mine are usually only lap or throw size. I don’t know how to send you a photo. If you can send the info how to so it, you’re a genius. As I’ve said before I’m still learning. Thanks to you.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I like the idea of moving everything around with the yard stick...I'll tell ya, quilters will find a way when they set their mind to a task!!! If you want to send me photos you can send them to my email address: [e-mail] I would love to see them!

[@MorningDove204]

I would laminate a blank master sheet/copy of graph paper then peel and stick easily and reusable for future quilts. You can then, draw with dry erase markers too, for placement, use rolled tape on little pieces instead of glue! Hope that helps

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

That's a fantastic idea!

[@50tmack]

Boy, how I wish I would have seen this video BEFORE cutting my shirts😖😖. Nonetheless, your graph method is extremely helpful, as I’ve been a bit perplexed trying to puzzle together my T-shirt blocks! Thank you so much!

[@phylliscampbell2325]

This was super helpful! I am starting my first tshirt quilt. I make flannel pj pants for my family every year. My daughter wants to include some of that fabric in her quilt and I have saved leftover scraps so I’m going to try to fill in spaces with that. This graph will help! Thank you

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Ohhhh, that sounds fun! You'll have to keep me updated 😀

[@undergroundstamper9907]

The timing of finding these video tutorials was amazing. Just got to the next step on my boys quilts. Love the grid idea & will use it...starting today! Thank you !!!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I'm so glad these videos have been helpful for you, and I really hope you ENJOY making your quilts :)

[@undergroundstamper9907]

@@TheQuiltmakerHomestead I got the graph done. It was amazingly helpful. I decided to use the same fabric for filler. It looked so nice laid out on the bed. I start sewing tomorrow. Wish me luck & patience.

[@PrettyAliceNight]

So helpful- thanks so much! I’ve been wanting to make a tshirt quilt for years but I’ve been worried to mess it up.

[@pamdempsey3647]

This is great!!!😃 Thank you for sharing. Now I am anxious to see if there is a video showing how you iron your stabilizer on....Hoping you have a better way🙃. Also I see you have a video on sewing binding on your quilt with your longarm.....I have a longarm but have not attempted to attach the binding with my longarm. You are going to be another added valuable tool in my sewing and quilting tool box. 💗

[@oneminutemom]

I have a wonderful craft weekend coming and decided to convert my children’s baby clothes into t-shirt quilts for them.

[@LarkOnWheels]

This is absolutely brilliant! And exactly what I was looking for. I would have paid $$ for this tutorial, definitely.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Wowwww, thank you so much!!

[@hazelem1266]

I just started quilting 3 weeks ago, in fact sewing. And I’ve decided to do everything by hand. I bought graph paper and made one inch one block so I have 60x80. So ambitious for a youngen 😂 so I am quite pleased that I had thought of this all on my own. Thank you for a great video

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Wonderful!

[@Aljobritt]

Lisa thank you so much for these wonderful videos, you have made me believe I can make this quilt for my Son! Thank you

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

You can do it!

[@amycarrington8702]

This is amazing - I'm so glad I stumbled upon this! Super helpful!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

So glad this was helpful for you Amy :)

[@angelaking1617]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I am just starting the process of making a T-shirt quilt for my oldest daughter. I am looking forward to learning from your videos. 🙂

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Thanks for watching Angela, I hope you enjoy the process of making your daughter's quilt!!

[@cathyschadler7096]

Thank you for explaining how to plan a T Shirt quilt.

[@tinawelch3005]

joy from beginning to end!

[@chrissyluna8183]

Thank you so much for sharing , I've watched almost all your videos.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Thank you so much Chrissy!!

[@Reikiht56]

How did I miss this one! Amazing technique as usual.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Thank you!

[@eileenfox7813]

Thank you. You make it so clear !

[@lindaboyer2301]

I love this idea!

[@elizabethsawyer5906]

What a great way of planning a T-shirt quilt Lisa and thank you so much for sharing it💕

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I'm so glad this explanation was helpful! Thanks for watching :)

[@rosiegarcia7664]

Lisa you always make everything look so simple that it inspires me to want to create 😊

[@susancooksley2023]

Hi Rosie I'd love to see some of your journals. Where can I find you online? You tube? Facebook? Thanks, Susan New Zealand.

[@rosiegarcia7664]

Susan Cooksley hi Susan I am not on line I actually just started making journals but I can send some pictures on my Facebook Messenger if you like 😊

[@susancooksley2023]

@@rosiegarcia7664 yes please. Always love to see others work. I've only just started my first jnl. And look for inspiration everywhere.

[@rosiegarcia7664]

Susan Cooksley no problem not sure how to do this lol I guess go to your Facebook and look for me ( Rosie Garcia or [e-mail]) send a message on messenger than I can the pictures 😊

[@susancooksley2023]

@@rosiegarcia7664 I did look on Facebook.... do you know how many Rosie Garcia's there are in the world! Lol. Couldn't pick you out. I'll try Yahoo.

[@QuickQuilter]

I needed this!! Thank you, as always!!!

[@ImGinaMarie]

I sure could have used this graph technique a few years back when I made one of my first tshirt quilts!

[@marygonzalez8902]

Sew very informative! Loved your way of explaining, just in time for trying my first T-shirt quilt.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I'm really glad the video was helpful for you Mary, have fun making your t-shirt quilt :)

[@lauramendoza801]

So easy to understand! What a helpful tutorial. Thank you.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Thanks for watching Laura! I'm so glad this was helpful :)

[@laurarelph7803]

Soo very practical and helpful!

[@loriar1027]

This is really helpful!!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bettygibbs7058]

Love your videos! I made quilts years ago and I'm enjoying your videos as refresher (and new info) as I'm preparing to make a t-shirt quilt. Two things: (1) You could copy the grid design onto different colors of copy paper and quickly cut out the exact size blocks you need without using crayons! :-) (2) In this stage of design, when you say a block is 10x20", is it really that size, or is there an extra quarter inch all the way around (so the finished/sewn size is actually 10x20)? I'm just trying to figure out how the outer edges match up when there are different numbers and sizes of pieces at any given horizontal place on the quilt. Hmmmm.....

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Betty I love your idea of printing the grid on different colors of paper....genius!! When I mention a block that measures let's say 10x20" that is the finished size. When you cut your blocks out, you'll add half an inch to the measurements so you would cut your block at 10.5x20.5" :)

[@kerrypalmer8991]

This soooo awesome!!!!

[@denisedeleon4841]

Love your detail and ideas.... I so want to do this.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

You can do it Denise!!!

[@normadieterle4852]

So cool. Love this technique.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Awesome, thank you so much for watching Norma!

[@bgturman]

I always like to do this too! Love your process!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Thank you so much Genevieve :)

[@tammystuckey3206]

I am very excited to purchase your graph. I am getting into making my first t-shirt quilt and hoping your grid will help me.

[@LVXMagick]

This was really great! I do wish I could see how you sewed them together though. My trouble is coming in trying to sew uneven blocks together in a way that look good. The uneven blocks are giving me odd shapes to try to sew. Like if you have 3 blocks, the too and bottom block are large but the middle block isnt as wide. It creates three edges to sew instead of a single even line...I've spend hours trying to figure this out. This was really helpful in so many ways....I just need more help than most! Lol thanks for teaching us!!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Here is a video I did about partial seams....maybe this will help?? kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4bGY6uZhdV0sM0

[@LVXMagick]

@@TheQuiltmakerHomestead Thank you so very much! I actually found the other video right after this one and learned exactly what I asking! You really helped me. Deepest gratitude!

[@ale347baker]

Two thumbs up!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Thank you so much!

[@DenisePoole-Closet-Crafts]

Thank you so much for sharing such a great idea, I have never seen a video on how to do the layout and yours is great its explained so well I wish I had seen this before I did my quilt. I am new to memory quilts, only done one, that was baby memory quilt from babygrows (thats what we call them in UK, think in USA they called oneses?) I now got another one to do, so I am very pleased to have found your channel it really is so helpful. Have you done a memory quilt on newborn baby clothes?. Once again thank you for sharing, your videos are excellent.😀

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Usually when I add oneses to a quilt I cut them into a small block right around the logo, however occasionally I will take the whole garment and sew it onto a larger block which is always fun and adds a lot of interest to the quilt.

[@rachelmiller495]

And it makes it interesting to see how small your baby was

[@BonnieLeah]

Lisa, if I use regular graph paper (say from the dollar tree) do I still count each little square as a 2 inch square? And I think this technique could be applied to any quilt top .. I think I might try to use it when I start my next quilt.. It will help me decide where to put each strip or block on my quilt top before I sew it together.. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge with all of us Lisa and God Bless..

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Hi Mary! If you get some graph paper you can assign the little squares any number you wish :) Maybe a 1 inch grid works for you, or a 2 inch.....sometimes I like to make my t-shirt quilts with a 4 inch grid. Just remember to stay consistent all through the design of your quilt top and it'll work. I'm so glad I could share these tips that I use in my quilting with you!

[@BonnieLeah]

thank you ...@@TheQuiltmakerHomestead

[@nancyreid6084]

Thank you for this tutorial. Great ideas. I'm doing my first collage after years of only doing 12x12 blocks. Do you make sure your measurements are divisible by 2?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I like them divisible by 2 or 4 :) You could also do all your blocks divisible by 3

[@dworsham234]

Have you made a t-shirt quilt using pinnie fabric ? I told someone yes before I really knew if it was going to work… do you have any advice on this? And will it work with a long arm quilting machine?

[@leahjohner9284]

Is this something you can add sashing to?

[@maryscherder5976]

Hi Lisa, I loved your video. Could you share how to set up your cutting mat. This is an amazing idea to just lay the shirt on and cut! Thank you!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Hi Mary, here's a video that might be helpful for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2fRkIeGpbaYiNU

[@maryscherder5976]

@@TheQuiltmakerHomestead thank you. I've got 3 tshirt quilts to do. This will be so helpful!

[@vanessaharless9082]

Wonderful tutorial. Why did you number your shirts? I'm working on my first quilt. You make it look so much easier.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I number my shirts to help myself stay more organized. This way I don't get my shirts mixed up :)

[@ljeanwoe]

The B. When you cut it it became a 10 x 12.

[@sherrymaylee8755]

start with a mug rug to keep you thinking

[@donnakehoe2751]

Hi Lisa do the tshirts have to be the same jersey fabric? Thank you .

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Nope, they can be different :)

[@ksergas5301]

how do you know how big to make the quilt, throw, twin, etc. How do you know if you have enough t-shirt logos to make a certain size. I loved this segment.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I use my grids to take away the math part hahahaa.... after making SO MANY quilts I know an approximate number of shirts I need for each size.

[@ksergas5301]

Have you posted anywhere the amount of t-shirts are required for each size quilt?

[@lwaite439]

Can you make a blanket (on fleece) with this? No batting. Your thoughts please?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

You could, I do prefer batting but I have seen many do that.

[@Sparkle_Ninja]

What are the dots on your numbered pieces? Some are on the bottom some are on two sides, what do they represent?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I count the squares lol...when I do that I count with a marker...it leaves a small dot

[@brandibelger3505]

@@TheQuiltmakerHomestead LOL I had the same question. I was like ohhhh what do the dots mean. LOL Thanks for sharing.

[@ea3125]

How do they go together? They wouldn't be rows since they are all different sizes, would they??

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

nope, not rows :) I have some series on my channel that walks you through the entire process if you haven't come across them yet. They are really helpful in showing step by step how to sew together a quilt like this.

[@peggyperna1395]

How do you get blocks 6 and 8 sewn together? We don’t see how you sew all of this together because you don’t have blocks or rows. How do you get it together?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

This kind of quilt layout requires partial seams :) here on KZbin search for Lisa Capen partial seams, I have a few videos showing how to sew sections like this together.

[@katrinalucas9823]

Such a helpful tip thank you!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

It is my pleasure to pass along these tips, thanks for watching!

[@allisonholloway833]

The way you do it with the number system, how do you know if all your logos are facing up when you fit them in place?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

The width of my block is the measurement from the left to the right side of the logo, this ensures my logos stay right side up :)

[@ev-ii5tq]

Do you use heavier hoodies in tshirt quilts?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Yes, quite frequently :)

[@alisaellis7515]

In working with my grandson on his HS graduation t-shirt quilt, we're finding that he has WAY too many for a throw size quilt. Would it be prudent to make a larger quilt? This is Penny

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Hi Penny, you could certainly make your quilt larger....keep in mind you need to think of how you are going to quilt it, and will it be more difficult being much larger. Other then that....I say go for it!

[@christinemele4908]

Great video! Where can I get the fabric? Super cute!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

I did a search and found this fabric on Etsy and Ebay :) If you search for "license plate fabric" this one and lots of others come up :)

[@amnerisjacobucci6067]

Are you accounting for a seam allowance? Thank you!

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Hi Amneris! When planning the quilt, I'm using the finished size of the blocks, HOWEVER....when then cutting out those blocks I add 1/2 inch to allow for seam allowances :)

[@carenmarks4980]

My license plate says SEW HPY

[@rachelmiller495]

Darn. I already cut and stabilized my blocks before seeing this. But I only have 9 T-shirt blocks. My total size came to 42x 43. And So Now I have to figure out how to sew the missing gaps and with what. I did use some of the T-shirt scraps. Do you or anyone have suggestions?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Using the extra t-shirt scraps is a great way to fill in the extra spaces! You already have the fabric and it's no extra cost. You could also find some fabric that goes with the theme of the shirts....or colors that go with the shirts, that would look great too!

[@rachelmiller495]

Lisa Capen Quilts thank you. How do I get to your Facebook page?

[@rachelmiller495]

Wher do they sell repositioning glue sticks? I haven’t heard of it.

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Hi Rachel, I've seen them at Walmart and Joann's :)

[@rachelmiller495]

Thank you I ii think I found one at Joann’s by Dritz says for temporary basting & positioning. Is that it?

[@SarahQuilting]

Elmer's glue stick are good too. I've also used the canned sticky spray (use outside or in a box) last time I sprayed the sheet before cutting the squares.

[@denisesefton9432]

What do you use to fill in the blank spots ?

[@TheQuiltmakerHomestead]

Sometimes I use extra bits of the unused portions of the same shirts, sometimes I use regular quilting cotton fabric :)

[@dagmarcardwell3635]

;