First, we will explore the different quilting options available for a T-shirt quilt.
Next we will show you how to identify the different styles in photos on the web. Armed with this information, you will be able to figure out what you like and don’t like.
If a quilt doesn't have quilting it is not a quilt. It would be a blanket. Here's more about the differences between a quilt and a blanket.
Ties should be placed every 4 inches to secure the three layers. If the ties are too far apart, the batting may sag and bunch over successive washings.
Although this method holds a quilt top, batting, and backing together, it may not stand the test of time. Ties can come untied. The T-shirt material might rip between ties.
A tied quilt costs a lot less than a fully quilted quilt. First, a quilt maker who ties a quilt has less experience than someone who long-arm quilts her quilts. Second, someone tying a quilt didn't have to invest in the cost of a long-arm quilting machine. For reference, a long-arm quilting machine is like having a car sitting in your shop.
Tying is a great choice if you are looking for a low-cost quilt.
Stitching in the ditch will hold the quilt together. You might have problems in the areas that are not sewn down. That is the middle of a block. These areas will droop and sag over time. This is because the quilting is not close enough. Most batting manufacturers say, “for the best outcome, stitching will need to be no more than 4 inches apart.” Stitch-in-the-ditch quilting leaves large areas un-quilted.
Like the tying method, this is not a long-lasting solution. After several washings, the batting in the unstitched areas can ball-up inside the quilt. This makes for a lumpy quilt.
Quilting in the ditch takes about the same amount of time as tying a quilt. But unlike tying, large areas of the quilt are left un-quilted.
A stitched-in-the-ditch quilt might cost a little more than a tied quilt. The equipment needed is no different than a tied quilt. But it may seem a better quality because it is “quilted” and not tied. The drawback is that there is too much area left un-quilted.
Definition: A long-arm quilting machine is a sewing machine that rides rails along an X/Y axes.
The machine moves over the three layers of a quilt.
A computer or a human can control or drive a long-arm quilting machine.
This quilting method does result in a quilt that will last for a lifetime. If... quality materials have been used for the backing, thread and correct number of stitches per inch.
If you choose a company using computerized long-arm quilting, be sure you like the pattern you choose. That pattern is going to be repeated over and over throughout the entire quilt.
This method uses the same long-arm quilting machine but a human operates it from either the front or back of the machine.
Companies using this method may have a limited number of patterns choices. The result, you will have a limited choice of designs to choose from. So, be sure you like the pattern you choose. That pattern will repeat over and over across the entire quilt.
Bonus – the back of the quilt is as fun as the front. The long-arm quilting artist can choose to outline or trace the designs on the T-shirts or freehand designs as they work.
The drawback to this is that it will cost more than any other style of quilting. This is because is it time consuming and requires an artist.
This is the quilting style that we use here at Too Cool T-shirt Quilts.
Planning a T-shirt quilt?
Here are step-by-step directions for ordering your T-shirt quilt.
Figuring out what you like will take a little sleuthing. If you just Google “the back of a T-shirt quilt” you won’t see much. There are not a lot of photos of the backs of T-shirt quilts. Why? Photos of the back of a T-shirt quilt are difficult to take well.
This is a blanket – read more about blankets here. A blanket will have a flat backing with no indentations. A blanket and a quilt are different. If you want a quilt, make sure it has some type of quilting.
Here are some things to look for to determine what style of quilting is being used.
Do a Google image search for “T-shirt Quilts.” Sort through the photos and look at quilts styles you like. Read more about different quilt styles here.
Once you know what you like, click on photos you like. Go to the quilter’s website. Then look for photos or a photo gallery. Then look for photos of the backs of their quilts.
You should see photos of the backs of their quilts. If not, and if you love their style, email and ask for photos of the backs of her quilts. Ask what type of quilting she is doing.
Then compare a number of companies to find the company for you. Here is a resource that has a number of articles to help you find a quilt maker that’s a great fit for you.
Be sure you know which style of quilting you want used on your T-shirt quilt. If a company does not offer what you are looking for, keep looking!
To learn more about T-shirt quilts, visit our Learning Center.
We have over 200 articles about all aspects of T-shirt quilts.