How the Memory Stitch Process Works, From Box of Shirts to Finished Quilt
It’s time to get started! No matter if you’ve just discovered MemoryStitch or you’ve been thinking of transforming your memories into keepsakes for years, this is the perfect place to get everything started creating your t-shirt quilt.
We understand that sending your sentimental clothing items away is an emotional moment, so we want to make everything as low-stress as possible. Eventually, this is a moment you’ll cherish for years to come with you memories all stitched together into a tapestry of your or your loved one’s story.
Often, in these blogs we discuss specific types of t-shirt quilts and how best to preserve your memories––but this one is going to be a little different. In this blog, we’re zooming out and giving you a quick and easy-to-follow rundown of how we preserve your memories and make a quilted keepsake you’ll cherish for years to come.
STEP 1: CHOOSE THE SHIRTS YOU WANT TO PRESERVE
The first step is in some ways the easiest and in some ways the hardest. Start by taking stock of all of your favorite t-shirts in your wardrobe, closet, basement, attic or anywhere else you store them and then take time deciding which shirts to include in your quilt. An easy way to approach this is to sort your shirts based on styles, themes, locations or times when they were bought. No matter what the shirts you choose are or where they came from, what’s most important is the emotional connection you have to every garment.
Also, keep in mind the many flexible options you have for quilt styles and layouts. A standard t-shirt quilt or premium t-shirt quilt comes in five sizes: Lap (16 shirts), Twin (24 shirts), Full (30 shirts), Queen (49 shirts) and King (64 shirts). If your collection of shirts is even larger than those options, there is also the option for double-sided quilts with full fronts and backs of t-shirts, meaning up to 128 shirts! Additionally, depending on the size of graphics on your shirts, you can request 12” or 14” shirt panels to fit every detail onto the quilt––and for extra-large graphics consider the ultra-cozy Fuzz Monsta quilt that by default has 15” panels. Finally, of course there are options for a kids’ shirt quilt, onesie quilt or t-shirt pillow for alternative collections.
With your shirts chosen, the hard work of sorting and choosing is done, and the next steps are much less daunting.
STEP 2: PREPARE AND SHIP YOUR SHIRTS
Time to get your shirts ready to transform! First, make sure every piece of clothing gets one final wash to ensure fresh scents and maximum cleanliness. Then, it’s time to cut apart the front and back panels of each shirt, which can be done by simply cutting with scissors along the side seams of each shirt, continuing through each sleeve without removing them. Keep the panels of the shirt you want to display––front, back, or both––and discard whatever is left. Also, if you don’t feel comfortable cutting up your own shirts, there’s an option for us to take care of that for you.
Next, fill out the order checklist form and email it to info@memorystitch.com before shipping your shirts. In this email, be sure to also include any additional instructions you have for any specialty garments and a photo of how you want your shirts laid out on the quilt if you’ve worked that out yourself. We recommend sending in the photo of a layout to make sure your shirts are exactly where you want them on the quilt.
Finally, once the shirts are cut and the email is sent, it’s time to ship your shirts over to us. Make sure the shirts are being sent in a box with plenty of room for them to travel comfortably and write your order number on the shipping label. Also, remove any paper notes, rubber bands, pins or anything else additional––if you have the urge to add notes in the box to make sure we understand your design ideas, get in contact with us via email or phone instead to share your ideas.
STEP 3: RECEIVE AND ENJOY YOUR FINISHED QUILT
With your shirts shipped off, all of your hard work is done! We’ll take care of the rest from here. You’ll receive a shipping update when you shirts have been delivered, and we’ll also send in-progress updates when we begin working on your quilt. Once your quilt has entered production, it will be shipped back to you within 14 days.
In a few short weeks, your shirts will be transformed into your new favorite keepsake. Your quilt can be proudly displayed on a wall, as a bed spread or anywhere else. The warmth and comfort a memory quilt brings to a family is unparalleled, and it’s sure to stay in your heart and your home for many, many years to come. To continue caring for your quilt, feel free to safely machine wash on cold and tumble dry on low or air dry.
WHY CUSTOMERS TRUST MEMORYSTITCH
From the ease of the process to the quality of the quilt, customers have been praising our work preserving memories for years. But don’t take our word for it––here are some recent satisfied customers and what they have to say about MemoryStitch:
“Extremely happy with this purchase! Communication was great. My [quilt] looked exactly as I hoped. Couldn’t be happier with the outcome.” – Michaela K.
“I wanted to gift my high school senior something to commemorate some of their favorite activities and find a way to reduce their closet without having to say goodbye to favorite shirts. So delighted to have come across a MemoryStitch long arm quilt at a roadside museum to understand the importance of which quilting company to choose. I am so impressed with the results and my eldest says it is ‘rad.’ Grateful for a mom win!” – Jen L.
“My husband received this memory quilt as a Father's Day gift from our family, made from his late father's classic car and hot rod T-shirts. It was one of the most meaningful gifts he's ever received. The craftsmanship is incredible, and every shirt was thoughtfully placed to preserve so many special memories. This quilt is more than a keepsake, it's a beautiful tribute that our family will cherish forever. Thank you for creating such a priceless gift. I highly recommend your work!” – Kelly N.
TURN YOUR FAVORITE SHIRTS INTO A KEEPSAKE YOU’LL TREASURE FOR YEARS
With MemoryStitch’s proven easy and meaningful process, transforming your favorite clothes into a memory quilt keepsake has never been easier. Get started today by choosing the perfect keepsake for you and your family, and get a head start on upcoming birthdays, celebrations and the holiday season!
For any questions you may have about how our process works, check out our FAQ page. Also, for upcoming savings events, blogs and announcements, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
