My Experience Making A Tee Shirt Blanket

As someone who loves to hold onto memories, I’ve always had a hard time parting with my old t-shirts. They held so many memories and good times, that it was hard to just throw them out. That’s when I heard about tee shirt blankets. I decided to make one myself, and it turned out to be the perfect way to keep my memories close while also getting rid of some clutter in my closet.

How To Make A Tee Shirt Blanket

Making a tee shirt blanket is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You’ll need:

Old t-shirts
Fabric scissors
Rotary cutter and mat (optional)
Iron-on interfacing
Fleece or flannel fabric for backing
Sewing machine and thread

Step 2: Cut the Shirts

Using your scissors or rotary cutter, cut the shirts into squares or rectangles. You can make them all the same size or mix it up for a more eclectic look. Be sure to include any designs or logos you want to showcase.

Step 3: Interface the Squares

Iron the interfacing onto the back of each square, following the instructions on the package. This will give the squares stability and prevent them from stretching or distorting during sewing.

Step 4: Arrange the Squares

Lay out the squares in the order you want them to appear on the blanket. Play around with the arrangement until you’re happy with how it looks.

Step 5: Sew the Squares Together

Starting with the top row, sew the squares together using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Repeat for each row until all the squares are sewn together. Press the seams open.

Step 6: Add the Backing

Cut the fleece or flannel fabric to the same size as the front of the blanket. Lay the backing fabric right side down on top of the blanket front. Sew around the edges, leaving a small opening for turning.

Step 7: Turn and Finish

Turn the blanket right side out through the opening. Sew the opening closed, either by hand or with your machine. You can also add additional quilting or stitching to secure the layers together.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Making a Tee Shirt Blanket

Use shirts from a specific event or time period for a themed blanket.
Include shirts from different people to make a collaborative blanket.
Use a solid color t-shirt as a break between patterned shirts.
Consider using a different color thread for each row of squares.
Use fleece for the backing for a cozy, warm blanket.
Make a smaller blanket with just a few squares for a baby or child.
Use a border or binding to finish the edges of the blanket.
Experiment with different layouts, such as a diagonal or chevron pattern.
Include shirts from your favorite sports teams or bands.
Make a matching pillow or throw pillow with leftover squares.

Pros and Cons of Making a Tee Shirt Blanket

Like any DIY project, there are both pros and cons to making a tee shirt blanket. Here are some to consider:

Pros:

A tee shirt blanket is a great way to repurpose old shirts and keep memories close.
You can customize the blanket to your personal style and preferences.
It’s a fun and relatively easy project to do.
A tee shirt blanket makes a great gift for family and friends.

Cons:

Cutting up old shirts can be a bit daunting, especially if they hold sentimental value.
The interfacing and backing fabric can add extra cost and time to the project.
Sewing all the squares together can be time-consuming and tedious.
If you’re not an experienced sewer, the finished product may not look as polished as you’d like.

My Personal Review and Suggestion for Making a Tee Shirt Blanket

Overall, I absolutely loved making my tee shirt blanket. It was a bit time-consuming, but the end result was totally worth it. I love having all my old shirts in one place, and the blanket is both cozy and sentimental. My only suggestion would be to take your time and be patient. It’s easy to get frustrated with all the squares and sewing, but the finished product is so rewarding. And, don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts and designs. The possibilities are endless!

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Can I use any type of t-shirt for my blanket?

A: Yes! You can use any type of shirt, as long as it’s made of a knit fabric. This includes cotton, polyester, and blends. Just be sure to use interfacing to stabilize the fabric and prevent it from stretching or distorting during sewing.

Q: Do I need to have prior sewing experience to make a tee shirt blanket?

A: While it’s helpful to have some basic sewing skills, you don’t need to be an expert to make a tee shirt blanket. The sewing is relatively simple, and there are plenty of tutorials and resources available to help you along the way.

Q: How do I care for my tee shirt blanket?

A: You can wash your tee shirt blanket in cold water and tumble dry on low heat. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as they can damage the fabric and designs.