T-shirt Quilt Along #4 - Quilt Backing, Basting, Tying or Machine Quilting, and Squaring 

This video was created 5 years ago and I love it!! I lost my best friend, Paul, in November last year 2022 and I got so many T-shirt’s of his yesterday. I needed this…😮😅😊

Thank you for a fabulous tutorial!!!🎉❤😂 looking forward to binding!,

I did it Lisa! I finished it after 2 years!!! I watched the entire series of T-shirt videos and this one spoke to me. I ignored all the little/big mistakes and just went with it. Today is my sons birthday and he loved it and did even notice the mistakes. Thank you, thank you! Now I’m going to continue on with the quarantine blocks you’re doing 😬💕💕

To avoid having to retread your needle, just use a long piece of thread that is single (but as think as you want), and after tying off, cut the thread so that the end stays threaded. Saves a ton of time. I think you are an excellent teacher. Your delivery and attention to the details are so helpful. Best of everything for your channel.

Wow, you have such an encouraging, inspiring and instructional way of teaching, THANK YOU. I really appreciate you sharing your quilting journey story…I can totally relate from my start with trying to learn quilting on my domestic machine by myself before learning about the quilting community and many opportunities to learn.

Thank you for your inspiring and encouragement.

Lisa, you're a lifesaver! I have 5 memory quilts to make for a family that lost their dad to covid and I just received all the shirts (T-shirts and woven shirts). I've only made traditional quilts (all woven fabrics) and your videos contain the information I needed to be able to use the T-shirts along with the woven shirts. Your "confession" at the beginning of this video was truly inspiring. With your instruction, I feel a lot more confident to get started on these quilts. Thank you for all the attention to detail you put into your videos. You are a blessing to so many of us.

Thank you for the testimony! I just started quilting a few years ago. Like you, I had put up all of my sewing stuff years ago, except I had never quilted. A few years ago a coworker/friend of mine taught us a class here at work on quilting. She kept encouraging me and telling me what a good job I was doing. She encouraged me to start a business making memory quilts. I have been so nervous about it, but listening to you has really encouraged me. Recently I was stumped on something I was trying to accomplish on a quilt for someone. I had looked at videos that weren't as detailed in explaining it and got so frustrated I just sat and cried! I prayed 'Lord, you will have to help me, I can't do this!' Then I came upon one of your videos explained it so well as you were teaching us. I am a true fan from now on! I have watched many of your videos for refreshers on how to do projects or get a better idea on how to do something. Thank you Lisa. You are a God send.

I just found your channel a few weeks ago and already learning. Im new to quilting. I loved you God story!!! Thanks for your videos. God bless

Hello Lisa. You have given me so much information on how to make a T-shirts quilt. I have been feeling like you. I have made rag quilts t-shirts for my niece and nephews after their father passed away. And I had also had my husband pass away 3 months after there’s. 3 years ago. This kept me busy and my mind thinking of what I was doing. Even though I really didn’t know what I was doing. All that said I am trying to start again to do another t-shirt quilt and I needed to see how it’s done and I found you on RU-vid and like how you explain and show step by step. Thank you for your help. I am going to try again.

My music got all wakky in this video!!! Ehhhhhhh..........hahahaaa Ofcourse it did!! My apologies:)

I've been watching your videos to prepare for the making of my first t shirt quilt . You do a really great job ! Thank you for taking the time to tackle these tutorials . I feel better now that I can refer back to them once I've started . 😊

Hi Lisa, A huge thank you for your t-shirt quilt grids. I said I would make a family member a t-shirt quilt. They sent me a huge number of shirts wanting most of the backs in the quilt as well. I was really overwhelmed until I found your grids. Talk about making the job a lot easier. I don't know that I would've been able to figure out this quilt without your help, Thank you sooooo much. Rebecca

Omgosh! I absolutely loved your story and it brought me to 😭 tears (in a good cry way)! Thanks for sharing your story and your expertise.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, hints, tips, and smiles! Much appreciated!!

i started a hand quilt back in 1983 and i never touched it again until i started seeing your videos. i enjoy your easy explanations and didn't feel intimidated. i know now that i can do it..and guess what? i was inspired by your memorable quilt and began my quilt this past Dec thanks to your inspiration. i tore the appliques of that quilt in 1983 and incorporated part of the appliques to my new memorable quilt for my grand daughters' wedding. i learned so much from you using freezer paper, Elmers glue, and simple binding...that's just the beginning. i also, learned how to colorfast the printing fabric. you have been such an inspiration and can't say enough thank you and look forward to your videos...i love your story for i feel just like you.

I loved your story, isn't it amazing how God will put people in your life that tell you things that your need to hear. You are that person for me. I too wish you were my neighbor.

"What a GREAT story" I LOVED it...Thank You. And I love your video's.... Just found you two days ago and have learned sooooooo much from you. Thanks Again....

Lisa I really appreciate your videos! I too dread making quilts but at the same time I love the outcome so it’s hard to resist! I used to live on Fort Monroe before they decommissioned the army post there. Looking forward Watching the rest of what you’ve made. I love your grid method! Oh my gosh how helpful is it to keep things organized. Thank you for everything you’re doing. And sharing it with us…😍

Thank you for this video. I’m busy with my very first quilt. I bought a minky blanket that I hope to use and will make my quilt that size. I’m hand sewing and I know I’m going to face many challenges. It’s RU-vid and people like you who are helping me.

Wow, Lisa, you are a Goddess! Yes, yes, yes your little story spoke to me and I am sure many of us! How special that you shared this... it is easy, you are right, to “learn” quilting on RU-vid or in books, but it’s the side interactions, the person to person connections that make it what it is really and truly about! 💗🌺💗🌺💗

Thank you for your story! That’s where I am now😔 I love sewing and adore quilts! I’ve made a few for my kids. My friend wanted a t-shirt quilt for her son for his Birthday. Said “You can do whatever, I’m not picky”. Well I watch if not all of your t-shirt videos sometimes multiple times. Felt pretty confident using your guides for Inkscape, grids, interfacing, cutting t-shirts, made a pressing block etc. made a design wall with flannel backed table cloth. I was going with a collage style quilt and placing pictures possibly appliqué on top randomly after top was completed. I sent a very basic photo to my friend out of excitement and thought she’d like to know where I was on the quilt. She has changed it probably 3 times. Taking blocks away, wanting new blocks put in, rearranging blocks on and on. After all my planning in Inkscape and coloring my graph paper, I am total lost and confused now.😔 my collage style is not as I wanted. I’m sitting here now with my 4in grid paper and crayons trying to reassemble my already cut blocks into something that looks nice.🙁thank you for all your videos!!!! So so helpful! And thank you for your story!

Hi Lisa! Thank you for your videos and telling us about your experience with quilting. I’m new to quilting and I’m new to your channel and I’ve watched a lot of videos on RU-vid and you explain things clearly! It’s welcoming to know that I am not alone in frustrations. I’m excited to see and learn what I can from your videos!

Hi Lisa, I really loved your story, thanks for sharing! I have to share with you that I have been swimming in RU-vid tutorials just to get the jest of quilting and in all sincerity, I find the most comfort in your tutorials. You are a natural when explaining your techniques; you make it look so easy and doable. I look forward to watching next week. 😁

Merci j’ai vraiment aimée ton histoire et ça m’a encouragée à continuer tank you ❤

Awesome. I will be tying my quilt. I am so loving your videos.

THANK YOU Lisa for this quilt along! I jumped into this series too late foe my first Tshirt quilt. But my 2nd … following ur tutorial, i like so much better. I wish I could post a picture. Ur alternative options like “if u are just over this project “ and “ just put it down “. Relaxed me so much. I will be making a third but currently using what you taught me and making a small quilt with fabric and cross stitched squares. Again kinda jumped in without really knowing what I am doing. Wish me luck. Piecing it now! Much Respect to you

Hi Lisa- Wrote to you before about making a quilt and having not used my machine in 30 yrs. just once then. Took out the machine and had to take it to the Store to be serviced. She didn't even want to start!.. Had to buy a new blade for my roller cutter thing and now decided to watch you until the machine gets picked up next week. Haven't listened to your video yet, hope I'm not too scared to continue to make this quilt. I've invested a ton of money already. Wish me luck.

I have started watching your video's have seen a few You are the kindest person on RU-vid! Thank you for taking time out of your day to share your gifts with us.

Step by step t-shirt quilt instructions were right on time for my first attempt. Thank you so much. I am ready to give it a try

Thank you so much. It is just what I needed today. Have been looking forward to making a T-shirt family quilt. Instead, I will have to recover from a severe fall on my right arm when going for a jog yesterday. You just managed to give me a sort of optimistic perspective, even though I am right now managing to type left handed, which takes some time.

I agree Lisa- No pre-washing my material!! I like the shrinkage and the way it softens up the quilt, it is more lovable! I also agree with the color catchers!

I’ve been subscribed to you for years now. I just wanted to say Thank you! I really appreciate your videos. As a new or inexperienced quilter, I find your videos so helpful. I also enjoy watching your videos and think you’re such a nice person! God bless you! ✝️🕊🌅😊🌷🧵

Thank you so much I have learned a lot and have truly enjoyed the videos .You are an inspiration to all . Keep up the good work

Thank you for an honest outline of potential problems with quilting and showing us the different methods I'm a total newbie but looking forward to the challenge of making some quilts

I am getting ready to put together my very first quilt for my grandson so I watched part of this video series to get some tips and tricks from you. I will post pics to the Creative Crew FB page when I get it all done! I am super excited and nervous all at the same time!

Thank you for showing the us with the different style of quilting. Learn a lot just from this one video tutorial. God bless you Lisa.

Love these videos, I will be starting my 1st t shirt quilt soon. I will be watching these again as I go along with my quilt. Thanks for doing these.

Wow! It's as if you're speaking directly to me. I just finished a quilt for a friend's daughter and I've been calling it quilting nightmare!! It was a learning experience I won't give up, but I may stick to smaller projects for a while.

Lisa-Just heard your idea about finishing the easy way. Love that idea. Great for me as a beginner. Thanks. However, will watch you further to find out about the frustrating parts that I do not want to participate with. You have been a wonderful teacher.

Great video! First time quilter here! This was very informative, thanks for the all of the effort you put into this :)

Great story! I do use my little domestic Janome to quilt on smaller projects. But I have since taken my larger quilts to a longarm quilter. I love the piecing of tops and have decided to pay someone else to quilt them. After all the time and money and love I put into sewing, I feel it’s worth having them quilted professionally. I used to think it was “cheating” Some may also feel the only way to quilt is by hand no machine! Well we all decide what we can do and what we have time for. No matter, as long as you’re enjoying yourself. PS - I never prewash! Hate all the raveled edges! Today’s fabrics are not only colorfast but don’t shrink badly either. Thanks for sharing! I enjoy learning from your RU-vid videos!

Wow what a great video! Thank you so much. I’m so excited to get started. I’m going to try guilting in rows. Then adding the back. Turn in inside out. Maybe ribbon edges. Then tie off. 🤔

You did a great job on your quilting. It can great overwhelming sometimes. Like you said keep going, I love quilting.

Beautiful work, I love it

Hello! Thanks so much for your videos! Yours are so wonderful! First of all, thank you for not using fast speed photography! Your explanations are easy to understand! I didn’t know that I could cut the designs off a bit, if needed! My poor husband went shopping for 2 shirts with smaller designs, with matching colors! My first T-shirt quiet wasn’t easy! I’m doing border #2 and then sandwiching tomorrow. Not sure how to quilt it yet. I might do parallel lines, but afraid it will pucker. Maybe just stitch in the ditch. Anyway, thanks again!!!

Wonderful tutorials especially for a first time tee shirt quilter!

You totally spoke to me. I'm making my first ever t-shirt quilt- or any quilt for that matter! I have followed you step by step and gong to attempt piecing then backing etc. I am so happy I found you on RU-vid. HUGS to you!

Thank u so much for being there i now have decided to sew again

Good evening Maam You are so genuine I really love yr demo I will do the quilt for my grandchildren.... Thank you And stay safe

Thank you for sharing your story. I found myself at the same point three years ago. My youngest son was due for his quilt...what I intended to be my last quilt. He chose a Pink Floyd ‘Dark Side of the Moon\The Wall’ mashup his wife found on Reddit...in a queen plus. I bought a mid arm online and as soon as it arrived I realized it wouldn’t work for that 108” square quilt. The online company allowed me to exchange it for a Little Buddy frame with a long arm. I joined several quilt groups that focused on precision and became paralyzed about quilting for myself after finishing the family quilts that I hadn’t to do. You’ve given me inspiration to get back to quilting.

Your amazing, what an awesome teacher you are. Thank you!

Love your videos and all the step by step tips. Also the information on what you quilted them on. I just bought the Flynn Quilting Frame and hope it does the job. I'm new to quilting so I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a larger frame quite yet. Thanks for that bit of info!!!

thank you for you story of your journey

LOTS OF INFORMATION TO THINK ABOUT. GRID IS THE BEST THING I LEARNED. THANKS!

Whew! You deserve a break after this. Grab a cup of coffee and sit for a while. Liked the video and yes the music did get a little crazy 😜 See you next week!

I'm not ready for this step yet, but thanks for the info. I did learn a few things. 👍

if you're new to quilting, stitching in the ditch is almos impssible to do with any accuracy, and can make your quilt look messy. to avoid this you can do a shadow stitch about a 1/4" away from the seam. if you do this everywhere i makes it look like it was on purpose and is very nice looking. when Lisa menione the flipping inside out methed. it really should still be quilted some how otherwise the batting will shift. a really good way to finish that is to hand tie it. i like to go abou every 6"-10" or so. and if take a long piece of string/I use yarn and make your stitch go your 6" -10" the take another stitch etc until you run out of sring/yarn. then go back and snip the string/yarn in the middle and then tie it off it goes much faster than if you do each one indivually. this is a great method for quilting a scrappy quilt because 1) it makes it look like an old fasioned quilt & 2) the string gets lost in all the diffent colors of a scrappy quilt.

Loved your story

Thanks for sharing your amazing knowledge. You gave me the confidence to complete 2 t shirt quilts. Please keep making videos. ( BTW this is Tammy not Zach. I’m using my husbands iPad).

Thank you for sharing your story.

This past weekend my daughter gave me 3 bags of T-shirts that she collected during her 24 years in the Army and asked me to make a quilt from them. Being a beginner at just regular sewing I was feeling a little intimidated. I really want to do this for her so I began searching RU-vid. Over the past 2 years I have learned so much from RU-vid about sewing. Sometimes I get lost in watching all the videos. Then I ran across you series for a T-shirt quilt I have saved each one and am feeling good about getting started. I have to do another project for one of my other daughters first for a July birthday, then will start the T-shirt quilt. I will report back and let you know how it goes. Thank you so much for this series. Is there more than 5 videos?

Thank you so much!

Thank you for your story I need it

I have been watching your series on quilts and have gained alot of great info! Thanks so much for all your help and for doing the videos!!!! PS....I think I want a "Mr. bobbins"!!!

Yes, thanks Lisa...I have someone else do the quilting with her long arm. It takes away some stress.

You are great thank you

Thank you for sharing your story. I've gotten so frustrated and have given up a few times, now I'm gonna take my time and walk away for short periods of time.

Sorry if I missed you saying it already, but a walking foot (dual feed foot) would be indispensable for machine quilting, and I always piece with one in lieu of basting or pinning. It feeds the layers as one without shifting. Pricey but worth it IMO! It's also helpful for spongy fabrics like polar fleece, can get you through a knit project without stretching if you don't have a serger, and through leather/vinyl if you don't have a roller foot. One of the most useful and under-used feet available! :-)

Thank u Lisa

Thank you for the story!! It was meant for me! Have old machine, first T-shirt quilt for granddaughters 18th bday . Never sewn before . Learning as I go by utube videos . King size . Yikes, big project n I have a rare , 1 in a million autoimmune/neuro syndrome called Stiff person Syndrome . I’m stiff , hunched and have debilitating spasms. My point is , I started this quilt in Oct 2019 to finish by her bday on 1/31. Body doesn’t allow me to do much , I didn’t finish in Jan so decided to give as Grad gift in June , today is July 16, 2020. I was almost ready to give up as I have ran into so many issues and Corona virus with stores closed and not having an immune system can’t get out to shop, order online and get wrong item, only sent 1/2 of minky back . Had to wait for more of same color. Then put on quilt back /minky to cut and could see thru it as I used pale yellow, had to get batting ! Wasn’t going to use batting . Bought fleece and batting to see what would work better. Got a perfect organic batting . And needed to learn to tie. Didn’t know I needed tie batting😆needless to say, I’m a Christian and been praying thru this for Gods help, I was feeling at times to just give up and pay someone to do it but I wanted to come from me, my heart , made by my hands as imperfect as it will be. This video encouraged me to continue on and hopefully finish today if my body allows. As I’m typing I’m watching/listening along with you learning more things I needed to know ahead of time, like the bowed pins, spray, types of batting etc... just want to say thank you so much! I have 6 more quilts to do for my other grandchildren. Thank God I have years to get them done and have learned so much that they will be so much easier!!

I’ve got several from my mom done but not quilted I’m hoping I can finish them soon

Would you do a video on long arm machines? what to look for and consider. Which one would be a better buy and why. Thanks

Sweet story!

Thanks, Lisa....I have a couple of tips to share with you. First, for a t-shirt backing, I like to use a plaid flannel. In order to match one side of the plaid to the other, I work from the 'top'... turn one side under and find it's plaid match on the other side....then top-stitch together. [works great]. My other tip is to quilt in [3]columns [top to batting] and then there's no huge quilt under the opening of the machine at any one time. When all columns are quilted, just put columns right sides together and sew seams lengthwise. [I do what you suggest....add the flannel with a quick-turn all around; turn right side out, leaving an opening at the bottom to close later.] Clear as mud? ;-)

Lisa, I almost fast forward to the quilting part of this video. Something made me stop, Maybe it's the way you spoke to us and said, "I want to talk with you guys". It was like you were talking to me. I'm in a position where I'm 68 yrs old, still working, and have no retirement. I have nothing but SS, so this is something I do want to help me live on. I'm scared and have no experience. I know, stupid right? Well the hardest part for me will be the quilting. I'm going to try to keep the quilts I make to a crib or throw size, because I have to quilt them on a regular sewing machine. At the beginning of this video, you said the Lord leads you, I believe he lead me to your pep talk. I don't feel so scared and maybe I can help myself through my golden years! Thank you!

Hi LIsa. Your videos are saving my life! I am making a t shirt quilt for my daughter for Christmas and only have a couple weeks to finish! I have never made anything other than a pillow dress before so this is quite a big undertaking. Anyway, I'm wondering about the tying off the quilt. That is what I'm going to do because it seems much easier than using my maching! When I tie it, do I then sew all the edges of the quilt together? As I watch you in your binding videos, the edges are all put together. Your help is appreciated!!!!

Love love love your tutorials! Thanks! One question though. I’ve made a twin quilt for my granddaughter and would like to have some loft to it but not totally necessary. Will be hand tying and was wondering if you could recommend a brand to use. It’s not a T-shirt quilt, just your basic. Thanks

Thank you for that because that is where I was

757 all the way Lisa. Maybe I'll do one with my old Football and ARMY T-shirts. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Lisa! Have been watching all your T shirt quilt tutorials so I can begin my own project. Wondering if I use a fleece material for the backing and use the backing for the binding, does it still need to be cut at 1”-thinking that the fleece doesn’t fray (?) so it wouldn’t have to be folded over the first time before bringing it to the front to sew down. Afraid my machine wouldn’t handle thick layers if folded twice. Thanks for all your help!

I liked that you introduced us to all the different types of batting. Which do you prefer? On my wall art quilts I like Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 batting. I can't decide if I should use that batting for my first t-shirt quilt. What do you think? BTW, my collage quilt top came out beautiful, thanks to you and your videos. Will send you a picture when it's all finished. Thanks for all your help.

I am so thankful for your videos! You do such a wonderful job at presenting your information and making the job seem less daunting! I am making a tshirt quilt with my Dad's tshirts for myself and my sister. I am considering piecing together the larger backs of his flannel tshirts for the backing. Do you thing this would be ok to use or will it give the quilt too many seams?

Hi Lisa, Love all you very informative tutorials. I'm in the process of making a collage style t-shirt and I'm at the basting stage. I assume I am doing stitch in the ditch of each and every seam even though they are not all the same seam length. This quilt if of all Coca-Cola t-shirts for my mother in law and I hope it turns out okay. Have already warned her I am not perfect :)

Thank you so much for these videos - they are the best!! I think I am going to go the easy route and flip right sides together and sew! A couple questions: is it possible to sew and flip and THEN tie the blanket? Or do bar stitches? Any tips for keeping the blanket nice and flat through that process? Also, would you ever recommend using a serger for any of the steps of this project?

Lisa Thank you so much for these great videos . This is my very first attempt at making any kind of quilt . I have made and have attached , with the pins you suggested the tshirt quilt top , the batting , and a cotton backing . My question is can I actually quilt these 3 layers with just a regular ole sewing machine with just a sturdy , sharp needle ?

I used warm and natural batting for my quilt and did the stitch in the ditch I'm hoping that's a good batting .

I use a crochet hook to help close all the pins faster.

So glad I found your videos!!! I have learned so much. You are a great teacher!!! I have a question. I must have missed something. On your fleece backing, why do you sew your selvages together then cut it open on the fold? Why not just leave it and use it and not have a seam in the backing? Thank you for all your tips!!!

Hi Lisa, a lot of good information, what batting did you use? and what backing did you use? I just started quilting about a year ago and I love it. You are a great soft spoken teacher. I just got a long arm and was wondering if you could do a video on some of the designs you do and teach us(i know you find the time) LOL I have watched so many but you taught me alot since I found you about two months ago, I learned you have to be patient and take your time. The last quilt I made watching you has a lot less mistakes LOL. Hopefully you will think about it. Have a great day

Hey 👋 I have watching many of your videos and learning so much. I wrote to you on the video about stabilizing T-shirts for quilts. I’ve since created 2 tops from T-shirts. The first one ... a learning experience... the second, square and perfect, but now I want to connect them into one ... back to back with light blanket in between. You know what I’m going to say !!! Not matching up because first not squared up. So I’m thinking I should build a border around each so the match in size then I can connect them together... am I thinking this correctly? Thank you for your patience and excellent teaching

Hi! Love your videos. When not using the batting and placing rights sides together and just stitching around with no quilting or tying, when washed will the stabilizer come off the back of the shirts? Thanks!!

I love your videos! Very informative, and I notice that your sewing space kinda resembles mine.😊 one question I have is, I notice your ironing mat is placed directly on your cutting mat, so how do you keep the heat from the iron from coming through and causing the mat to warp? I've already ruined a few cutting mats that way, even though ive tried placing a hard surface in between to block the heat.😯

If I have logos with that iron on stuff bigger than 10" would it be best to tie the quilt? I hear if you quilt through the iron on it will break the needle. Thanks for a wonderful T-shirt series.

What material is the cutting board made of? BTW, you are an excellent teacher! I have learned so much from you and really enjoy your videos. I feel like I know you because you seem so friendly! Thanks again !

Lisa, Your videos are great and informative and you mentioned a technique I can use however you didn’t show it so....Hopefully you will see this. I’m desperate and can’t seem to get anyone local to help me. I’m trying to finish my first quilt, and I’m having issue with the backing. Can you please please help me. I can send you a video. I need to finish this quilt in the next 4 days. Thank you.

I have been watching your videos and they are great. I am a novice sewer and have been able to complete one side and am making a second side. The quilting seems intimidating, do you do just the quilting. How much do you charge?

When I use polar fleece I don't use batting.

Can you use a blanket you already have ? Do the Tshirts put batting or whatever in between the tshirts and the blanket. Just to make a thick comfy blanket?

I hv watched your videos for quilting over and over I love them. In video #4 you mención the batting that u use but it’s not described the name that u use. Thxs for all.