Quilty Shirt Tutorial

I have a fun Tutorial for you today! Quilty Shirts! Below I will share how to make several Quilty Shirt versions along with Printable Patterns for cutting. But if you’re more of a Video Tutorial Person head over to YouTube for a step by step instructional video.

YouTube Step by Step Quilty Shirt Tutorial

Downloadable pattern pieces at the bottom for all shapes to print.

What is a Quilty Shirt?

A Quilty Shirt can technically be any quilt block or quilt design sewn into a “Block” and then appliqued to a shirt.
But today I have some special “Block” Designs for you.

A Lemon, a Strawberry, Sardines, and a Heart!

Supplies

Printed Pattern – Download at the bottom of this post.

Fabric – either a single fabric for each part of the design you choose, or scrappy square patchwork, layouts for patchwork in printable. Nothing more than a fat quarter in size.

Thread – Ideally poly thread as it’s more durable for clothing; match or coodinate with your fabric/shirt.

Optional Interfacing – Ultra light weight interfacing. This is not necessary but can be added if you would like to stabilize the patchwork of a block. It will add thickness.

Regular Sewing Supplies – Scissors, sewing machine, iron, rotarty cutter, pins, etc…

A shirt of your choosing! I recommend a regular or oversized t-shirt or sweatshirt. I have a few linked here that I have used or look like they may work well.
OF course you can just grab an old clothing item you love and want to spruce up. Or even cover up a design you no longer like on a shirt.

None of these links are affliate links. I just like to share a comprehensive tutorial and linking shirts seemed a good thing. :)

Old Navy has some cut T Shirt’s A shorter Vintage tee, and a more oversize tee. Plus a lovely Socomfy Tunic Sweatshirt.

American Eagle has a nice Everyday Tee, a Luxe Cropped Cut off Sweatshirt, and a Relaxed Crewneck Sweatshirt.

Target has an Oversize Wild Fable Sweatshirt that is seriously so so soft, I have used their A New Day Tees for several as well.

Amazon of course has loads of options. But I am picky about my fabric. I have used these cute Tees similar to the Target tee, as well as these 100% cotton more oversized look tees.

Patchwork / Quilt Block

If you would like to make the pieced block like the Lemon included in this pattern. Download that file and make the block as stated in the PDF File then proceed to the next section to attach it to your shirt.

For the square patchwork Lemon, Strawberry, or Heart. Download and print the file for the desired shape. Each file has a grid layout for how to sew together 2.5″ (2″ finished) squares to fit these shapes. Sew the squares into a grid to match the desired shape and then use the Lemon, Strawberry, or Heart shaped pattern piece to cut out the pattern pieces.

Once you have the patchwork done you can iron the interfacing to the back of the patchwork before cutting out the shapes, see the next section for tips on cutting your fabric into the shapes.

i.e. I do not use interfacing. I have not had any issue with things coming apart and I wear my shirts and wash and dry them alot. I personally didn’t want the extra thickness that the interfacing adds.

Let’s get started!

First choose which pattern you are going to add to your shirt front.

Lemon, Strawberry, or Heart. Can be Patchwork or a single fabric. For Sardines see the next section.

Quilt Block, I would trim off that outer seam allowance for the raw edge applique technique I use in this tutorial. For a more finished look you can turn that seam allowance under and have a finished edge.

2. Once you know what you are making and have the desired patchwork done. Using the desired pattern pieces and cut out the shape. Try and cut as close to the edge of the pattern piece as you can and go slow to make sure you get a nice smooth edge.

3. Position the shape onto the shirt. You can try on the shirt and note where the top of the shape would ideally fall, usually 1″-3″ below the neckline. Centering the shape on the shirt side to side. Place pins in the middle area and around the edge to hold shape in place. Use a piece of cardboard inserted between the shirt front and back to help not pin through both layers.

4. Sew the shape to the shirt around the outer edge making three rows of stitching around. Back stitch at the back and front. I like to make sure the stitching is about 1/8″ from the edge of the shape. Overlapping the loops of stitching is usually the look I go for. Leave the edges raw.

Like I mentioned above in the patchwork blocks section you can turn the edge under 1/4″ to give a more finished edge and eliminate the raw edge. Top Stitch on the fold, 1/8″ from the edge. Personally I have done the raw edge look on all my shirts and it looks great, is quicker, and I have had no issues.

That’s it! Well except the Sardines. See below.

Sardine Quilty Shirt

For the Sardine shirt you will cut out 3 sardines and 3 of each eye piece if you desire eyes on your sardines. 3 white bigger eyes and 3 smaller black eyes.

Sew the eyes onto the sardines first. Use the pattern piece for placement. Feel free to use one or three rows of stitching around each eye piece.

Sew the middle sardine aligned in the center of the shirt with the head closest to the neck opening. Then align the sardines evenly spaced on each side and stitch them down as well.

Print the Sardine Word Page on somthing like Stitchy Fabri-Solvy and cut out loosely.

Stick the Sardine Word to the shirt over the sardines in the middle. Align the two parts of the Sardine Word on the dotted lines. Embroider on the word using the chain stitch. Google Chain Stitch to find a tutorial on that stitch if your not familiar.

Soak in water to remove the Stitcky Fabri-Solvy and then wash and dry shirt.

Wear your Quilty Shirt

Put that Quilty Shirt on and wear it to your next hang out. LOL. I think these are fun shirts to wear anytime! But they are also perfect for quilty meetups and sewing hangs.

Take a selfie or a group photo and share on social media! Use hashtags #woollypetalsquiltyshirt and tag me! I super LOVE to see what you make from my tutorials!