T-Shirt Quilts are the Most Popular of Memory Quilts!

Why T-Shirt Quilts Are So Special

Everyone has that stack of T-shirts they no longer wear but just can’t part with. Maybe they hold memories of:

• High school or college days

• Favorite teams or hobbies

• Places traveled

• A career path taken

• A mix of random favorites

Each shirt tells a story, and together, they make the perfect foundation for a memory quilt.

Designing the Quilt: My Favorite Part

For me, the magic is in the designing process. I love listening to each client’s stories—what the shirts mean, their favorite colors, the look they want. Then comes the creative puzzle: shirts in all sizes, different graphics, and unique fabrics—all pieced together in a way that’s aesthetically pleasing and balanced. While I admire traditional quilt blocks, I’m especially drawn to designing quilts with a contemporary flair—unique layouts that reflect the personality behind the shirts.

Style Decisions That Make Each Quilt Unique

Every quilt comes with its own design decisions. Here are a few key considerations:

Sashing or No Sashing? Sometimes there are so many shirts that adding extra fabric borders (called sashing) would make the quilt enormous. In those cases, I keep it simple. Other times, when there aren’t quite enough shirts to reach the desired size, I’ll creatively add sashing, quilt blocks, or even piece a stylish background to complete the look.

Traditional or Contemporary?

• Traditional: Symmetrical blocks, uniform sizes, clean lines.

• Contemporary: Freedom in layout, asymmetry allowed, more modern and artistic feel.

Regardless of style, the goal is always a harmonious design that tells your story beautifully.

My Goal for Every T-Shirt Quilt

Whether traditional or contemporary, big or small, my goal is simple: To take those shirts that have been hiding in a closet and transform them into a treasured quilt—a quilt to be displayed, loved, and used for a lifetime.