Need Help! T-shirt quilt and photo fabric transfer

[Maleficent53]

I am making a quilt for my niece out of her old college t-shirts. She was a cheerleader and I want to add (as a surprise to her) a block that has a photo of her in her cheer outfit.

I know people take designs that are created by many of the very talented people on this board and put them onto shirts. How do you do this? Do you need special equipment? I have until Christmas to get this done, but obviously need to get started ASAP to have time to put it together.

Also, if anyone has made a quilt from t-shirts, any suggestions/warnings would be appreciated

 

[PrincessNancy96]

I have not put a photo on fabric so hopefully someone else can answer that question.


I make t-shirt quilts of my kids' MS/HS and sports shirts... they love them.. they are a gift when they graduate and they take them off to college to have a little bit of home with them...

I cut my blocks at 15" square.. here is the website I used for directions... (no affilitation with this website - just googled it looking for directions).. http://www.goosetracks.com/T-Shirt Quilt Instructions.html

I think I did 5 across x 6 down.. (one block I did a DISNEY shirt)...

I bought my iron on fusing by the bolt at Joann's like 10.00 or so... and I still have some left for this years quilt.

I used a flat sheet for the back, my DD says everyone loves the back because it's cool and smooth...

I used quilting border around the outer edge for the trim.
I also did not tie yarn to the corners of each square.. I left it as is..

Good luck!!
Thanks for posting this as I believe that my DH throw away my 15" square template so guess what he needs to make again this weekend.

 

[Maleficent53]

Thanks for the link and encouragement. A friend of mine also suggested the fusible interfacing - I saved a 50percent off coupon for JoAnns from Sundays paper - planning a trip there for tomorrow!

What did you say you used for your back? I was thinking of buying flannel in coordinating plaid. Also, did you put any type of filler in? Or are yours done with just the t-shirt side and the backer?

 

[PrincessNancy96]

Sorry, I typed another word in for the word I wanted...

I used a flat sheet for the back.. (I used a full I think? whatever size the 5x6 was I matched it with the flat sheet).

I did use the quilt filler it was the quilt batting I got it at Joann's with a coupon and it was a roll I think was full size or queen.. it worked great!!!

 

[Maleficent53]

Thanks! I'm excited to get started on this project

 

[mkymouse40]

Printing photos for shirts is very easy, but I do have to ask a question first. Do you think she will use the quilt and wash it regularly or just display the quilt?

The reason I ask is because of what I would recommend for transfer paper. You can buy t-shirt transfer paper from most craft stores, but it is very poor quality and the photos will end up bleeding or cracking after several washings.

There is a lady named Amy at amymickey.com that sells the best transfer paper around. It is not inexpensive, but it is worth it if you want the picture to last. She will provide iron on instructions with the paper. Shipping is included in the price and very fast. If you go to the Creative Disigns thread, you will see how many people use and rave about this paper.

After you buy the paper, it's very simple. You can just use Microsoft Word, insert the photo, size as you want and print. One important thing to know though is that your fabric needs to be prewashed, without fabric softener. They do not adhere well to the fabric if softener was used.

Good Luck.

 

[Maleficent53]

Thanks for the info....

 

[Mamajama4]

Sounds like a great project! Can't wait to see pics