Making A Blanket Out Of Old T Shirts: My Personal Experience
As someone who loves to keep things forever, I have a collection of old t-shirts from my teenage years that I couldn’t bear to part with. But they were taking up space in my closet and I didn’t know what to do with them. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of making a blanket out of old t-shirts. It sounded like the perfect solution!
Step by Step Guide on Making A Blanket Out Of Old T Shirts
Here’s how I made my own blanket out of old t-shirts:
Step 1: Gather Your T-Shirts
Collect all the t-shirts you want to use for your blanket. Make sure they are clean and free of any holes or tears. You can use t-shirts from concerts, sports teams, or any other special events.
Step 2: Cut Your T-Shirts
Cut the t-shirts into square or rectangular pieces. You can use a ruler to make sure they are all the same size. I used a 12×12 inch template to cut out my squares.
Step 3: Arrange Your T-Shirt Squares
Once you have all your t-shirt squares cut out, lay them out on a flat surface to determine the design and pattern you want for your blanket. You can arrange them by color, event, or any other way you want.
Step 4: Sew Your T-Shirt Squares Together
Start sewing your t-shirt squares together using a sewing machine or by hand. Make sure to leave a 1/4 inch seam allowance and use a thread that matches the color of your t-shirts.
Step 5: Add a Backing and Batting
Once you have all your t-shirts sewn together, add a backing fabric and batting to your blanket. You can use any fabric you like for the backing. I used flannel for a cozy feel. Make sure to cut your backing and batting to the same size as your t-shirt squares.
Step 6: Quilt Your Blanket
Finally, quilt your blanket by sewing through all the layers. You can use a simple stitch or get creative with different patterns. And that’s it, your t-shirt blanket is ready!
Top 10 Tips and Ideas on Making A Blanket Out Of Old T Shirts
- Use a stabilizer on the back of your t-shirts before cutting to prevent stretching.
- Use a rotary cutter for more precise cuts.
- Add a border to your blanket using solid fabric.
- Use t-shirts with sentimental value to make your blanket extra special.
- Use a walking foot when sewing your t-shirts together to prevent stretching and distortion.
- Use a high-quality thread for durability.
- Make a t-shirt pillow to go with your blanket.
- Add a label to your blanket with the date and occasion the t-shirts represent.
- Use t-shirts from different sizes to create a unique look.
- Have fun and be creative!
Pros and Cons of Making A Blanket Out Of Old T Shirts
Like any DIY project, making a blanket out of old t-shirts has its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Preserves memories and sentimental value.
- Reduces clutter by repurposing old t-shirts.
- Customizable design and pattern.
- Cost-effective compared to buying a new blanket.
Cons:
- Time-consuming process.
- Requires some sewing skills or willingness to learn.
- May not be as warm or durable as a store-bought blanket.
- May not be as aesthetically pleasing as a store-bought blanket.
My Personal Review and Suggestion on Making A Blanket Out Of Old T Shirts
Making a blanket out of old t-shirts was a fun and rewarding project for me. It allowed me to repurpose old t-shirts that held sentimental value and turned them into a functional item that I can use every day. The process was time-consuming, but I enjoyed every step of it. The end result was a cozy and unique blanket that I am proud to have in my home.
My suggestion for anyone interested in making a t-shirt blanket is to take your time and enjoy the process. Don’t rush it and don’t be afraid to get creative with the design and pattern. And most importantly, have fun!
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: How many t-shirts do I need for a blanket?
A: It depends on the size of your t-shirts and the size of the blanket you want to make. As a general rule, you will need about 12-20 t-shirts for a lap-sized blanket and 30-50 t-shirts for a twin-sized blanket.
Q: Can I use t-shirts with different fabrics?
A: Yes, you can use t-shirts with different fabrics, but keep in mind that they may stretch or shrink at different rates. It’s best to use t-shirts with similar fabrics to ensure a consistent look and feel.
Q: Can I use a different backing fabric?
A: Yes, you can use any fabric you like for the backing. Just make sure it’s the same size as your t-shirt squares and complements the design and pattern of your t-shirts.
Q: How do I care for my t-shirt blanket?
A: Wash your t-shirt blanket in cold water and tumble dry on low heat. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener as it can damage the fabric.