Framed T-Shirt Quilts | Custom Memory Quilts with Sashing

The Framed T-Shirt Quilt features classic t-shirt blocks outlined with coordinating fabric sashing, creating a clean, framed look that beautifully highlights each shirt. This style is perfect when you want to separate similar colors, add visual balance, or increase the finished size of a quilt when you don’t have as many shirts available.

Framed quilts are especially popular for graduation quilts, sports shirts, milestone keepsakes, and memory quilts where color coordination and a polished appearance are important.

How the Framed Quilt Is Made

1. Shirt Preparation & Stabilization

• Shirts are carefully prepared and reinforced with a lightweight fusible stabilizer to help the fabric hold its shape during cutting and sewing.

• This process keeps the shirts soft and flexible while ensuring long-term durability.

2. Cutting Uniform Blocks

• Shirts are typically cut into 13" x 13" squares, resulting in 12" x 12" finished blocks.

• Larger designs or graphics can be accommodated upon request.

3. Adding the Framed Sashing

• Each shirt block is outlined with fabric sashing, giving every shirt a framed appearance.

• The sashing helps:

  • Break up heavy or dominant colors

  • Create visual flow between different designs

  • Add length and width when fewer shirts are available

4. Layout & Design Approval

• Blocks and sashing are arranged with color balance and spacing as the top priority.

• If you have a specific layout request, we’re happy to include it.

• Layout photos are sent for approval before sewing begins.

5. Quilting, Backing & Binding

• Quilts can be backed with no-pill fleece or cotton fabric, depending on your preference.

• Fleece-backed quilts are quilted using a clean “stitch in the ditch” method along the seams.

• Optional meandering or swirly quilting is available for an additional charge.

• A handmade cotton binding is added to finish the edges and pull the design together.

Fleece vs. Cotton Backing

• Fleece Backing: Ultra-soft, warm, and cozy — ideal for throw blankets and everyday use.

• Cotton Backing: Smooth, breathable, and cooler to the touch — great for bed quilts while still providing warmth.

Backing choice is entirely based on how you plan to use your quilt and how you want it to feel.

Framed Quilt Sizes & Shirt Count Guide

Because sashing is added between blocks, framed quilts are larger than standard block quilts using the same number of shirts.

Sizes are approximate. Final dimensions will be confirmed before assembly.

Preparing Your Shirts

• Most machine-washable shirts can be used.

• Please wash and dry all items before shipping or drop-off.

• Shirts may be cut only along the side seams, leaving sleeves attached.

• Please do not cut further — we use specialized tools to ensure consistent block sizing.

• Include notes if you’d like backs, sleeves, or additional areas used.

• If no layout is specified, shirts will be arranged with color placement as the top priority.

📸 Layout photos will be sent for approval before stitching begins.

👉 Download and include the Quilt Instruction Sheet with your shirts.
Mail items to the address listed on the instruction form.

Quilt Production Timeline

Please allow 8–10 weeks for completion.

For graduation or holiday quilts, we recommend planning several months in advance, as seasonal demand increases and each quilt requires careful, detailed craftsmanship.

Caring for Your Framed T-Shirt Quilt

• Machine wash in warm or cold water with regular detergent

• Do not bleach

• Tumble dry on low or medium heat

• Avoid high heat with fleece backings

• Empty dryer lint trap before drying

• For large quilts, front-load washers or professional laundromats are recommended

Why Choose a Framed T-Shirt Quilt

• Adds size when you have fewer shirts

• Creates balance for bold or similar colors

• Highlights each shirt with a polished, framed look

• Perfect for graduations, sports, milestones, and memory quilts

• Custom-made, durable, and designed to be used and enjoyed