05/12/2026
T-shirt or Memory Quilts
I get a lot of questions about T-shirt quilts, so I thought I would try to answer some of them.
1. Size- I can make whatever size you would like. I have done from 9 blocks up to 50, which was 25 on the front and 25 on the back. A lot of the quilts I do are framed and symmetrical, but I can look at an idea and copy it.
2. Cost- I generally charge by the block, and those range from $14-16 per block. This includes all the fabric for framing and borders, backing, batting, and binding. * These prices are for a tied quilt. If you want the 3-layer machine quilted, there is an additional fee of $.0175/square inch added to the above price.
If you are doing a memory quilt with appliqué or intricate details, there may be additional fees.
3. Fabrics- Honestly, there hasn't been a time when I couldn't add in a particular type of fabric. If it is thin, then I add a stabilizer to it along with those stretchy jerseys.
4. Time- If we are doing a tied quilt, I can generally get it done in 2-4 weeks. If it needs to be machine quilted, it will take longer as I no longer have a longarm machine, so I need to check the schedule of the person I take it to.
5. Let's go back to the blocks.- I like to go no more than 2 rows down from where we go across. For instance: 3x4 (12) 4x4 16), 4x5 (20) is the most popular size. 5x5 (25), similar to a full-size, 5x6 (30), similar to a queen-size, and 6x7 (42), similar to a king-size, are the most popular layouts.
6. Blocks- generally, I use one shirt for each block- you need to count if you are using both the front and the back. Each one needs to be counted into the total. There are times when there are left chest designs, and those can be combined to create a block, along with shallow or narrow designs. Those can be added together to create a block.
Feel free to reach out to Karla Downs at 563-920-4252. I live in Strawberry Point, Iowa, and have been sewing my whole life in addition to teaching FCS (aka Home Ec) for over 25+ years.
