{"id":39759,"date":"2023-03-24T14:18:50","date_gmt":"2023-03-24T18:18:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/?p=39759"},"modified":"2023-03-25T13:19:26","modified_gmt":"2023-03-25T17:19:26","slug":"keepsake-quilt-old-t-shirts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/keepsake-quilt-old-t-shirts\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Make A Keepsake Quilt From Old T-Shirts"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"788\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Make-A-Keepsake-Quilt.png\" alt=\"Make A Keepsake Quilt\" class=\"wp-image-77880 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Make-A-Keepsake-Quilt.png 940w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Make-A-Keepsake-Quilt-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Make-A-Keepsake-Quilt-500x419.png 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Make-A-Keepsake-Quilt-768x644.png 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Make-A-Keepsake-Quilt-150x126.png 150w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Make-A-Keepsake-Quilt-250x210.png 250w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 940px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 940\/788;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Make-A-Keepsake-Quilt.png\" alt=\"Make A Keepsake Quilt\" class=\"wp-image-77880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Make-A-Keepsake-Quilt.png 940w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Make-A-Keepsake-Quilt-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Make-A-Keepsake-Quilt-500x419.png 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Make-A-Keepsake-Quilt-768x644.png 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Make-A-Keepsake-Quilt-150x126.png 150w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Make-A-Keepsake-Quilt-250x210.png 250w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>For a long time now I've wanted to improve my <a href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/category\/quilting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">quilting skills<\/a>, yet somehow I never seem to find the time or the right materials.\u00a0 Add to that that I have two kids in their late teens.\u00a0 One has already flown the coop and is living far away and another who seems overly anxious to do the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both my kids were active in sports and in school activities and they have closets full of old sports uniforms and <a href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/t-shirt-upcycle-madness\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">t-shirts<\/a> of all kinds.\u00a0 So it dawned on me, what better gift for a child moving away than a keepsake quilt with all the childhood memories sewn in?<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_719830033-500x334.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77882 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_719830033-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_719830033-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_719830033-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_719830033-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_719830033-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_719830033-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_719830033-250x167.jpg 250w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/334;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_719830033-500x334.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77882\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_719830033-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_719830033-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_719830033-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_719830033-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_719830033-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_719830033-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_719830033-250x167.jpg 250w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>I don't have a lot of pictures of this project as I'm going to be doing it myself in the lead up to Christmas.&nbsp; Since I'm relatively new to quilting, I have asked one of our contributors, Kathryn, to write up the process I should use when making this quilt which I'll share this with you now in case you want to begin a similar project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-transform:capitalize\">How to Make a Keepsake Quilt from Old T-Shirts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>By Kathryn M. D\u2019Imperio<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When your kids are in sports or any activity, countless t-shirts usually end up in their wardrobes over the years. What is one person supposed to do with all of these t-shirts? While some t-shirts may be fast favorites, others may just sit in drawers, or worse, plastic storage boxes, for months, if not years at a time. What is one to do with all of these forgotten t-shirts?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, let\u2019s think about t-shirts. Very often they are made from preshrunk cotton, making them perfect to toss in the washer and dryer at a moment\u2019s notice. T-shirts usually feature a soft and snuggly jersey cotton type material, making them comfortable and nice to wear even when you aren\u2019t feeling the greatest. The combination of being comfortable and easy to wash make t-shirts a great candidate for creating a keepsake quilt.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"333\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1478432183-500x333.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77881 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1478432183-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1478432183-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1478432183-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1478432183-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1478432183-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1478432183-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1478432183-250x167.jpg 250w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/333;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"333\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1478432183-500x333.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77881\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1478432183-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1478432183-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1478432183-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1478432183-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1478432183-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1478432183-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/shutterstock_1478432183-250x167.jpg 250w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The best keepsake quilts usually feature a constant theme running throughout the blanket. You can make your keepsake quilt large enough to fit a twin bed or even a full bed, or you can make it as a simple throw for snuggling on the sofa or in the car on a long trip. Depending on the number of t-shirts you have saved for the occasion, you can make your keepsake t-shirt quilt single-sided with a fleece or flannel backing, or you can make it double-sided with even more t-shirts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the best t-shirt quilts may feature your child\u2019s involvement in a sport or activity over his or her grade school or high school years. You can handcraft a cross country or track and field quilt, a soccer quilt, a marching band quilt, a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.scouting.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boy Scouts<\/a> or <a href=\"http:\/\/www.girlscouts.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Girl Scouts<\/a> quilt, or just about any kind of t-shirt quilt you want, combining memories from your child\u2019s earlier years. A handcrafted keepsake quilt made from t-shirts can be a memorable, cherished high school graduation gift to take to college. Just make sure you don\u2019t cut up any of your child\u2019s favorite t-shirts without asking!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To create your very own keepsake t-shirt quilt, follow these basic steps. You may need to brush up on some sewing and quilting techniques if you are a beginner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>&nbsp;Gather as many old t-shirts as you can find from your child\u2019s sports and activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;Create a pattern on a piece of newspaper or a paper bag in the size and shape you would like each patch to be. Basic squares tend to be a great shape for a starter keepsake quilt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;Using your pattern and some sewing pins, cut out a square on the front and back of each t-shirt so that you get two pieces of the quilt from each shirt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;Lay out all the pieces to make sure you have enough patches for two equal squares or rectangles to form your quilt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;Using a sewing machine or by sewing freehand, stitch together half of the squares into one large square or rectangle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;If you are making a double-sided keepsake quilt, repeat for the other half of your blanket. If you are using a different fabric for the reverse side of your blanket, make sure you have a piece of fabric that is as long and as wide as the rest of your t-shirt squares once assembled. Some basic math and measuring may be necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp; Before stitching your two completed sides together, decide if you would like to add a little batting to your quilt for added warmth and snuggle factor. Read up on quilting techniques to ensure you properly affix the batting inside the quilt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp; After adding quilters\u2019 batting if desired, sew the quilt together one side at a time, with the bad side facing out so that you won\u2019t see your stitches on the finished product.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp; For the last little bit of the sewing, very carefully stitch together both sides of the quilt so that your stitches blend nicely with the rest of the sewing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;Deliver your special keepsake quilt to your child, niece, or nephew as their going away to college gift or a present for any other special occasion.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you get the hang of it, this quilting project should be easy enough for even a beginner. Don\u2019t be afraid to experiment and add your own special finishing touches like trim and other adornments. Just be mindful \u2013 once you create your first keepsake quilt, your friends and family members may be lining up to request their own special blanket handcrafted by you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<h2>If You'd Like To Support Our Site<\/h2>\r\nIf you want to help us continue to bring you a wide selection of <a href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/free-sewing-patterns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">free sewing patterns<\/a> and projects, please consider buying us a coffee.\u00a0 We'd really, really appreciate it.\r\n\r\n<center><div class=\"ko-fi-button\" data-text=\"Buy me a coffee!\" data-color=\"#ff5f5f\" data-code=\"\" id=\"kofiShortcode684Html\" style=\"float: none; text-align: left;\"><\/div><\/center>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For a long time now I&#8217;ve wanted to improve my quilting skills, yet somehow I never seem to find the time or the right materials.\u00a0 Add to that that I have two kids in their late teens.\u00a0 One has already flown the coop and is living far away and another \u2026 <a class=\"continue-reading-link\" href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/keepsake-quilt-old-t-shirts\/\"> Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr; <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":309,"featured_media":40444,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","wds_primary_category":70},"categories":[70,161,4,66,89],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39759"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/309"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39759"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39759\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":77883,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39759\/revisions\/77883"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40444"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39759"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39759"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39759"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}