Make a Sorority T-Shirt Quilt in 5 Easy Steps

by Shelby Larsen April 07, 2020

Did you graduate from college with a plethora of sorority t-shirts? They commemorate a huge part of your life, but you're likely never going to wear them again.

Consider giving these t-shirts a new life in a t-shirt quilt. You can do this at home in a few easy steps or an online retailer like would be happy to make a t-shirt quilt for you!

1. Picking T-Shirts

Find the correct amount of t-shirts for the size of quilt you want. Here's a simple guide to follow:

Quilt Size Shirts Needed

Lap 16

Twin 24

Full 30

Queen 49

King 64

2. Getting Fabric

To make a full size T-shirt quilt (60" x 72") you will need the following:

30 t-shirts - Works best with graphics that are 9" or less wide and 10" or less tall. If you use the front and back of a single T-shirt, you will need fewer.
60" x 72" backing

PRO TIP: It’s best to wash and dry your tees before beginning. Shirts that are a little worn are fine but avoid using those with holes or rips.

3. Cutting Shirts

Using a rotary cutter and a mat (or a pair of scissors), cut the shoulder seam, sleeve seams and side seams of each t-shirt to separate the front from back. You’ll then need to cut out panels.

Pick a panel size, possibly 12x12 or 14x14, and cut the panels out using a ruler and rotary cutter. You’ll need 12 ½ inches of fabric for 12x12 panels and 14 ½ inches of fabric for 14x14 panels.

Pick the panel size based off the size of shirts and the size of the graphics on the shirts.

4. Sewing It Together

Lay out your squares to find a pleasing configuration. Pay attention to colors and prints to not bunch up similar T-shirts in the same area.

Now it’s time to sew your rows. Take your first and second squares from the first row graphic sides together and sew the left side. Next, put square 3 on square 2 and sew the right edge together. Continue until you’ve sewn your row. Press seams open to reduce bulk.

Once all your rows are made, it’s time to put them together. Pin row 1 to row 2 graphic sides together, aligning seams and sew the top seam. Then, press your seam open. Repeat until all your rows are sewn together.

5. Completing the quilt

Find a material to use as the backing and sew the front and back together. Have fun with the color, print, and material. The possibilities are endless!

This is the opportune time to find a color or print that unites your t-shirts together or makes them stand out even more.

Show it off!

Use it as a throw on your couch, or place it somewhere others will see. It will make a great conversation piece, and you will have a great collection of college memories all in one place!