Memory Quilt – Cutting Shirts

When making a memory quilt, the shirts could be of varying fabrics; button down dress shirts may be cotton or cotton/polyester blend and typically do not need to be interfaced. If you are working with stretchy materials – such as t-shirts, you will want to apply interfacing to stabilize the shirts and prevent stretching. While these are general instructions, keep in mind that there are many ways to cut and interface and it really comes down to personal preference. For instance, I like to interface after cutting, but some like to interface prior to cutting the shirts.

Cutting T-Shirts

1. Choose the t-shirts you want to use: Start by choosing the t-shirts that you want to include in your quilt. These could be t-shirts that represent special memories or events, such as sports teams, concerts, or vacations.
2. Decide on the size of your quilt blocks: Once you have chosen your t-shirts, you will need to decide on the size of your quilt blocks. This will depend on the size of your t-shirts and the overall size of your quilt. A common size for quilt blocks is 12 inches square, but you can make them smaller or larger depending on your preferences. I like to use every bit of the shirt that I can so I also include logos, front and back of the shirts.
3. Cut your t-shirts: Once you have decided on the size of your quilt blocks, you can start cutting your t-shirts. Use a ruler and fabric scissors to cut the t-shirts into squares or rectangles that are slightly larger than your desired quilt block size. You can then trim them down to the exact size later.
4. Stabilize your t-shirt fabric: T-shirt fabric is often stretchy, which can make it difficult to work with when sewing. To stabilize the fabric, you can use a fusible interfacing or stabilizer. Simply cut a piece of interfacing or stabilizer that is the same size as your t-shirt fabric and iron it onto the back of the fabric before cutting.
   

Cutting Dress Shirts

1. Choose the dress shirts you want to use: Start by choosing the dress shirts that you want to include in your quilt. These could be dress shirts that represent special memories or events, such as weddings, graduations, or other important occasions.
2. Decide on the size of your quilt blocks: Once you have chosen your dress shirts, you will need to decide on the size of your quilt blocks. This will depend on the size of your dress shirts and the overall size of your quilt. A common size for quilt blocks is 12 inches square, but you can make them smaller or larger depending on your preferences. If you are using a quilt pattern, please refer to the pattern instructions and plan your cuts accordingly.
3. Cut your dress shirts: Once you have decided on the size of your quilt blocks, you can start cutting your dress shirts. Use a ruler and fabric scissors to cut the dress shirts into squares or rectangles that are slightly larger than your desired quilt block size. You can then trim them down to the exact size later.
4. Stabilize your dress shirt fabric: Dress shirt fabric is usually more stable than t-shirt fabric, but you may still want to stabilize it to ensure that it doesn’t stretch or warp when you sew it. You can use a fusible interfacing or stabilizer to do this, just as you would with t-shirt fabric.

Honestly, I am late posting this segment because I had every intention of creating my own video on cutting shirts, but there are so many great ones out there already!

Here is a great video on cutting shirts by Lisa Capen of Lisa Capen Quilts. This is the very first video that I watched several years ago before I embarked on my first memory quilt. I absolutely love the way she teaches and can’t recommend her enough!

Here is another great video on breaking down the cutting of dress shirts for memory quilts from Fallon at Sew Be It Quilts.

I really found these videos helpful and I know you will too! Until next time, keep stitching!