Difficulty Level: Advanced

Memory Quilts are a great keepsake for displaying meaningful and important mementos. Grab your vacation t-shirts, baby clothes, or school memorabilia, and take a trip down memory lane as you follow our step-by-step tutorial to create some really special!

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Simple Block Quilt Example:

To make a simple quilt cut out 13.5" squares using the T-Shirt Quilting Transformation Template. The whole area of the 13.5" square will be with the same fabric. Then sew all blocks together. Be mindful of the graphic placement within the block. 9 Full Blocks.

View B: Simple Line Designs

For a more advanced look try combining different sized pieces within the 13.5" block. Then sew all blocks together keeping in mind the end look.
4 half blocks, 4 full blocks, 1 centre block.

Full Block

Centre Block 5pcs

Half Block 2pcs

Step 1: Choose and Cut T-Shirts

Pick out the t-shirts or other materials you will need and then cut open the seams of the t-shirts to allow you to cut on a single layer of fabric.

Step 2: Simple Quilt Step Only. Mark and Cut Blocks

Frame the graphic in the T-Shirt Quilting Transformation Template. Make sure to leave 0.25"(0.63cm) or more on each side of the graphic for seam allowance within the template. This will prevent you from sewing over the graphic when you sew the pieces together.

Mark with chalk around the template block lines. With a rotary cutter and a ruler, cut on the chalk lines to make a square block.

Cut the interfacing to the same size as the cut fabric block by using the same technique.

Tip: If you want a smaller block, trace around the desired size.

Step 2: Advanced Block Quilt Step Only. Cut Pieces

If making an Advanced Block Quilt, make sure all the pieces are cut to the appropriate sizes in fabric and interfacing (measurements listed below).

Full Block

13.5" x 13.5" (34.29cm x 34.29cm)

Half Block

2 pcs of 7" x 13.5" (19.05cm x 34.29cm)

Centre Block

Blocks around centre square 4 pcs of 1.62" x 12.9" (4.11cm x 32.76cm)

Centre Square 11.5" x 11.5" (29.21cm x 29.21cm)

Step 3: Stabilize with Interfacing

Stabilize the back of the t-shirt with interfacing by placing the rough side of the interfacing on the back side of the fabric and iron to fuse.

Tip: When ironing, lift and place the iron without sliding the iron on the fabric because the fabric is stretchy. T-shirts have a lot of stretch making them harder to work with. Steam is encouraged.

Step 4: Turn and Press

When piecing the centre block together, align the long side of the rectangle parallel with the edge of the square and let the edge come off of one of the sides. Repeat this for the other 3 of the rectangle pieces.

Piece and sew all of the pieces together to form the block for the half block and the centre block, using a 0.25"(0.63cm) seam allowance. The pieces may stretch out a bit as you sew them. After sewing all of the pieces together, use the T-Shirt Block Template and chalk to mark the block to the right size. Use a ruler and rotary cutter to cut out the shape.

Optional: For blocks with small pieces you can also topstitch the seams with a twin stitch.

Step 5: Arrange Blocks

Arrange the Blocks the way you would like them to be shown on the finished quilt.

Blocks Being Arranged

Blocks Sewn Together

Step 6: Sew Quilt Top Blocks Together

Sew all of the quilt top blocks together with a 0.25"(0.63cm) seam allowance to finish making the top of the quilt.

Step 7: Layer The Top, Batting and Backing

Sandwich the batting between the top of the quilt and the quilt backing. Wrong sides should be facing the batting.

Step 8: Pin the Quilt in Place

Pin the quilt in place and smooth out any gathering so that all layers are perfectly flat. Cut off any excess fabric from the edges.

Optional: There is an option to machine quilt the fabric if the maker has a long arm sewing machine. Feel free to use stencils. This project can also have hand-stitching done.

Step 9: Finish the Edges

Place and sew the foldover broadcloth around the edges of the quilt and zigzag stitch on the inner edge of the foldover binding, around the top of the quilt.

Want an easy way to get clean & professional looking mitred corners on your project? Check out this simple cheat!

To make custom foldover, check out these instructions and video.

Step 10: Completed!

Your quilt is now complete and perfect for a cozy night in!