T-Shirt Memory Quilts

How high is the stack of t-shirts in your closet? It's impossible to wear them all, but wouldn't it be nice to enjoy the memories they bring? Maybe it was a special family vacation, basketball tournament, running event or your college years.

A t-shirt quilt allows you to enjoy these special memories in a whole new way, as a comfortable couch throw, on a bed, in a dorm room or camper, or displayed on a rec room wall.

PLEASE NOTE: I do not operate a retail store with regular operating hours - this is a private studio. If you would like to make an appointment to discuss your project, please contact Lisa, preferably via email.

T-SHIRT MEMORY QUILTS ~ Updated 10-26-08

At this time, I am not taking any orders for commissioned quilts, either memory or t-shirt. If you have a completed quilt top that needs allover quilting, and binding, I would be happy to schedule you in 2009. Please email me for openings and information.

NOTE: To view photographs of some of the quilts I've completed, please visit my Webshots Photo Album. (Link will open in a new browser window.) Also be sure to visit the Memory Quilts page for more creative memory quilt examples.

Styles and Pricing

The basic style is made up of 12, 20 or 30 t-shirts, stabilized with an interfacing and cut to a uniform size, based on the largest logo provided. Small pocket-sized logos and horizontal designs (such as on a sleeve) can be combined to create a single block. A 3-inch border of premium 100% cotton fabric in a coordinating theme or color will be added, as well as a coordinating binding.

The Deluxe style adds a 2" border, called sashing, in window pane fashion around each t-shirt square in a premium 100% cotton fabric. Cornerstones accent each sashing intersection with a coordinating fabric.

The Custom style is used when the t-shirt images used don't fit into a uniformly sized square. This type of t-shirt quilt is put together with a variety of fabrics as accents and pieced like a puzzle.

By far the most common request is for a twin-sized t-shirt quilt that a graduating senior can take to college, or remember high school and college days.

Although all quilts are a custom made, the typical cost is:

  • Oversized Throw: $335
  • Twin: $430
  • Double: $530
  • Queen: $625
  • King: $825
Prices include:
  • Quilt design
  • Preparation of t-shirts (stabilize and cut)
  • Coordinated blender fabrics for quilt top
  • Machine pieced quilt top
  • Low-loft cotton/poly blend or compacted poly batting
  • Coordinating 100% cotton backing fabric
  • Machine quilting in a generous allover pattern (by commercial quality long arm quilting system)
Please add:
  • The cost of return shipping, handling and insurance if required
  • If you prefer to supply the fabric for sashing, borders and/or backing, please contact us for yardage, type of fabric and preparation

Custom Quilts

West Branch Studio can create any size and style of t-shirt memory quilt. The final size of your quilt can be adjusted by changing the number and size of borders, size of sashing, and layout of the blocks. Please contact us for a consultation and custom quote.

How to Get Started

A small deposit is required to begin the process. Payment can be made by cash, check or money order. We do not currently accept credit cards.

Pick out the shirts you wish to have included in the quilt (it is wise to include a few extras). Freshly launder the shirts. I highly recommend using Oxy Clean to brighten the fabric and remove stains. They don't have to be perfect, some stains add character! I do not recommend including shirts where the logo/design is peeling off or heavily damaged.

Do NOT cut the shirts apart. Please provide them whole.

Shipping and Handling

If you do not live locally, place the washed and dried t-shirts in a sealed plastic bag, then carefully box and ship to:

West Branch Studio
Lisa Klingbeil
80 N. Stauffer Drive
Naperville, IL 60540

Upon arrival of your shirts, I will contact you via e-mail or phone to discuss design, fabric choices (color and pattern/theme) and production timeframe. When your quilt is done, I will e-mail you a digital photo of the quilt and let you know the balance due. The quilt is shipped when final payment is received.

Local Orders

If you live in the Chicagoland area, please drop me an email or call 630-637-3351 to make an appointment.

Contact Information

By Appointment Only

West Branch Studio
Lisa D. Klingbeil
80 N. Stauffer Drive
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 637-3351
Email: lisa@westbranchstudio.com