Do you have a collection of t-shirts that you want to keep but don’t know what to do with? Have you ever thought about making a t-shirt quilt with fleece? It’s a great way to get creative with your memories and show off your style. In this article, we will show you how to make a t-shirt quilt with fleece in 7 easy steps. We will provide tips and tricks to help you create a unique and personalized quilt that will last for years. So grab your fabric, scissors, and sewing machine and let’s get started!
Gather Supplies
| Fabric for the backing of the quilt | 1-2 yards |
| Fleece for the middle layer | 2-3 yards |
| T-shirts | 15-20, depending on the size of the quilt |
| Thread for sewing | 2-3 spools |
| Sewing machine | 1 |
| Scissors | 1 pair |
| Sharp fabric pencil | 1 |
| Basting spray | 1 can |
Gather the supplies necessary to make your T-shirt quilt with fleece. You will need fabric for the backing of the quilt, fleece for the middle layer, T-shirts, thread for sewing, a sewing machine, scissors, a sharp fabric pencil, and basting spray. For the fabric, plan to buy 1-2 yards. For the fleece, you’ll need 2-3 yards. The number of T-shirts you will need will vary, but plan on 15-20, depending on the size of your quilt. You should have 2-3 spools of thread, 1 sewing machine, 1 pair of scissors, 1 sharp fabric pencil, and 1 can of basting spray.
Prepare Fabric
Cut the fleece into 12” squares. The number of squares needed depends on how many t-shirts you want to use. The squares should be big enough to fit each t-shirt’s design. Fuse interfacing to the back of each t-shirt design. This will help the design stay in place when you sew the quilt together. You can use either the iron-on interfacing or spray adhesive for this step. Cut the t-shirt designs apart, leaving a ½” seam allowance around the edge of the design.
Cut the batting into 12” squares. The number of squares should be the same as the number of squares of fleece. Lay out the arrangement of the t-shirt designs on the fleece squares, leaving 1” between each design. Place a batting square behind each fleece square. Pin the layers together to keep them from shifting while you sew.
Now you are ready to begin sewing your how to finish a tshirt quilt made with fleece.
Cut T-Shirts and Fleece
| Material | Size |
|---|---|
| T-Shirts | 11″ x 11″ squares |
| Fleece | 11″ x 11″ squares |
Cut your T-shirts and fleece into 11″ x 11″ squares. If you are using multiple T-shirts, cut each one into four 11″ x 11″ squares. When cutting fleece, you can use a rotary cutter and a self-healing cutting mat for best results. Make sure all the pieces are the same size for a nice, even quilt.
Sew T-Shirts and Fleece Together
For a t-shirt quilt with fleece, it is important to accurately sew together the t-shirts and the fleece. Start by measuring the size of the quilt you would like to make. It is important to remember to add extra inches to the measurements for the seam allowance.
Cutting the Fabric
Once you have the measurements, cut the fleece and the t-shirts to size. Make sure to make all the cuts neat and precise.
Layering the Fabric
Lay the fleece on the bottom and then place the t-shirts on top. Make sure that the fleece and t-shirts are laid out in the arrangement you desire. Ensure that the edges are even and that there is no excessive overhang.
Sewing
Pin the fabric together along the edges. Make sure to pin the fabric at regular intervals to ensure that it doesn’t move while sewing.
Using a sewing machine, sew the fabric together along the edges. Start from one corner and sew along the edge. Sew slowly to make sure that the stitches are even and straight.
Once the edges are sewn together, turn the quilt inside out and press the edges. Now the t-shirt quilt with fleece is ready.
Sew the Quilt Tops Together
- Lay the quilt top pieces on a flat surface and arrange them in the desired pattern.
- Pin the pieces together using straight pins.
- Thread the sewing machine with the same color thread you will use for your binding.
- Sew the pieces together along the edges, leaving a ¼-inch seam allowance.
- Remove the pins as you sew.
- Press the seams open.
Add Backing and Binding
- Cut a piece of fleece backing material to the same size as the front quilt top.
- Lay the backing material out on a flat surface.
- Place the quilt top on top of the backing material.
- Pin the two layers together.
- Sew the quilt top and backing material together, using a sewing machine.
- Cut a piece of fleece binding material to the same size as the front quilt top.
- Lay the binding material out on a flat surface.
- Fold the binding material in half, lengthwise.
- Pin the binding material to the edges of the quilt top and backing material.
- Sew the binding material to the quilt top and backing material, using a sewing machine.
Quilting the Quilt
Once you have sewn all the pieces of your quilt together, it’s time to quilt it. Quilting is the process of adding a layer of batting (cotton, wool, or synthetic) and stitching the three layers of fabric (top, batting, and backing) together.
To begin quilting, layer your quilt top, batting, and backing fabric. Make sure all the layers are smooth and even. Pin the layers together to hold them in place.
Lay the quilt on a flat surface and begin stitching the layers together. Use a walking foot to ensure even stitching. You can use a pattern or design for quilting, or simply stitch in a crisscross pattern.
Trim the excess fabric and batting when you have finished quilting. Now your quilt is complete!
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Layer the quilt | Lay top, batting, and backing fabric, pin together |
| Quilt | Use walking foot to stitch top, batting, and backing together |
| Trim | Trim excess fabric and batting |
Finishing the Quilt
- Bind the quilt. Cut the fleece into strips 1.5 inches wide and long enough to go around the perimeter of the quilt. Attach the strips together end to end and press. Pin the binding to the back of the quilt and sew it down using a zigzag stitch. Fold the binding over the edge of the quilt and sew it down with a straight stitch.
- Layer the quilt. Place the batting on a flat surface, then put the quilt top face down over it. Place the backing fabric face down on top of the quilt top. Pin together the layers.
- Quilt the layers. Sew the layers together with a quilting stitch, either by machine or by hand. Quilting stitches should be evenly spaced and should not be too close together, or the quilt may bunch up.
- Finish the edges. Trim the edges of the quilt to remove any excess fabric. Sew a zigzag stitch along the edges to reinforce the seams and to keep the batting from shifting.
- Wash the quilt. Wash the quilt in cold water and line dry or machine dry on low heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any special tools required to make a t-shirt quilt with fleece?
Making a t-shirt quilt with fleece requires some special tools and supplies. Here are the essential items needed:
- Rotary Cutter: A rotary cutter is a great tool for cutting out t-shirt shapes quickly and accurately. It also helps to keep fabric from shifting while cutting.
- Cutting Mat: A cutting mat is essential for protecting your work surface and provides a stable surface for cutting.
- Ruler: A ruler helps to keep straight lines and measure accurately.
- Fusible Webbing: Fusible webbing is used to adhere t-shirt fabric to the fleece backing.
- Scissors: Scissors are needed to cut out the t-shirt shapes and trim the edges of the quilt.
- Sewing Machine: A sewing machine is needed to stitch the quilt together and attach the binding.
- Iron and Ironing Board: An iron and ironing board are needed to press the quilt blocks and quilt seams.
In addition to these tools, other supplies such as pins, thread, and fabric will be needed to complete the quilt.
Are there any safety precautions to consider when working with a sewing machine?
Always read the manual: Before using any sewing machine, make sure to read the manual. It will provide you with all the necessary details about how to set up the machine, how to use it, and safety precautions to consider.
Always be careful: When using a sewing machine, be sure to be aware of your surroundings and not to put yourself or others at risk of injury. Make sure that the machine is properly set up and all the parts are working properly.
Keep the machine clean: Cleaning the machine regularly will help keep it in good working condition, and also help you avoid any potential accidents.
Keep a safe distance: Make sure to keep a safe distance when working with a sewing machine. Always keep your hands and body away from any moving parts of the machine.
Be aware of sharp needles: When using a sewing machine, be aware of the needle as it can be sharp and cause injury. Wear protective clothing and eyewear when using the machine.
Turn off the power: Always make sure to turn off the power to the sewing machine when not in use. This will help prevent any accidents and damage to the machine.
How Much Fleece Do I Need To Make A T-Shirt Quilt?
The amount of fleece you need depends on the size of the t-shirt quilt you are making. Generally, you will need one yard of fleece for every 12-inch square of your quilt. Additionally, you will need extra fabric to accommodate the seam allowance. For example, if you are making a quilt that is 36-inches by 48-inches, you will need 3 yards of fleece for the backing. However, if you are making a quilt with an eight-inch seam allowance, you will need 4 yards of fleece.
Is it Possible to Make a T-Shirt Quilt Without Using a Sewing Machine?
Yes, it is possible to make a t-shirt quilt without using a sewing machine. Fusible webbing and an iron can be used to bond the layers together, creating a no-sew quilt that is easy to assemble. First, cut the individual t-shirts into squares and rectangles of equal size. Lay the fabric pieces on a flat surface, and arrange them in a pattern. Then, cut the same size and shape pieces from the fleece backing, and attach the webbing to the wrong side of the t-shirt pieces. Finally, place the pieces, fleece side down, onto the backing and press with an iron to bond the layers together.
How thick should the quilt batting be for a t-shirt quilt?
For a t-shirt quilt, the quilt batting should be between 1/4″ to 3/8″ thick. The batting should be thick enough to provide cushioning and warmth, yet thin enough to give the quilt a soft drape. Choose an all-natural batting such as cotton or wool for the best results.
Conclusion
Making a T-shirt quilt with fleece can be a fun and creative way to preserve memories. With a few simple steps, you can create a unique and beautiful quilt that can be enjoyed for years to come. Selecting the right fabrics and design, as well as paying attention to the details, will ensure that your quilt is a success.
