I am getting ready to make my first t-shirt quilt. I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on what to use as a stabilizer for the t-shirts? I know it needs to be one sided, but is woven or non woven interfacing best to use. Are there any particular brands that you like or dislike? Thank you for your help in advace.
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Re: T-shirt quilt advice
I don't remember if I used woven or non-woven, hopefully someone else can answer that question for you. I just remember I asked for interfacing and ironed that to the back of my pieces.
One thing to be careful of though - if you press the top of the shirt, make sure you put another fabric over it. I've had some cheaply made and the decals will come right off - quickly! Or they will smear. Even though the shirts have been washed many times over the years, I told the kids they can never iron their quilts unless they lay a cloth over the top of it first.
And, once you are ready to quilt it, it is hard to hand quilt cause you are going through the top layer, the interfacing, the batting, and the backing. I ended up machine quilting all 3 of mine.
If you want to see photos, I'd be glad to post them.
Hugs,
quilting trish -
Re: T-shirt quilt advice
Hi,
I believe the woven is the interfacing that you iron on. That's the one to use. Consult with the sales people at your fabric store. They'll probably recommended the best weight to use. If not, I would just go with a lightweight one. I machine quilted the one I made. If you plan to hand quilt it the lighter weight will probably be easier to use in terms of manipulating your needle. Such a great way to reuse those old t's. Trish's suggestion of using a press cloth over the design of the t-shirts is a really good idea. Have fun.
RebeccaGoodbye Europe! Hello California! Home sweet home.Comment
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Re: T-shirt quilt advice
My friend who makes the best t-shirt quilts I have ever, ever seen used woven iron-on interfacing. Yes, it costs a lot. Yes, it makes a big, big difference. She has cut pieces of shirts to make quilt blocks, and done a lot of very intricate things and the shirts DO NOT stretch or pucker, but lay very smooth. Don't be afraid to use pockets of shirts, neckties, collars. These can make it special and very unique!Best of luck with your quilt!Comment
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Re: T-shirt quilt advice
Thank you all for your advise. Yes, I would love to see pictures, quilting Trish. I have no started the quilt yet, but I will soon. I was planning on having it machine quilted, so I guess I will go with the woven iron on interfacing. I love this forum. It is so helpful. Thanks again for all your help.Comment
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Re: T-shirt quilt advice
Here are my 3 kid's I Spy's. Hope they give you an idea or two. Each one is geared to each of the kids' interests.
Hugs,
quilting trishComment
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Re: T-shirt quilt advice
Very nice quilts trish! One question... how did you do those letters?Comment
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Re: T-shirt quilt advice
Thank you Trish! I love them. They are all so unique. Wish me luck on the one I am making. Just finishing up my sons quilt and then will get started on the t-shirt quilt for my hubby.Comment
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Re: T-shirt quilt advice
I was going to buy premade letters and iron them on but couldn't find any large enough. So just drew my own and and ironed them to the fusible web (one sided sticky), pinned them down and then appliqued them on just turning under the edges as I went. I guess you wouldn't have to use the fusible web, but since most of the rest of the blocks had it on them, I figured that this way, they would be the same weight as the rest of the stuff on there.
Oh - the 3rd photo - I forgot to put "Reach for the Stars" strip on it, so I just added it to the back!
Hugs,
quilting trishComment
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