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We can't give you an exact number because all T-shirts are different.
The number of T-shirts you will need depends on graphic size, number of graphics per shirt, and the type of graphics. It will also depend on what size quilt you want made.
Don't stress! We've been doing this since 1992, and we're here help you figure it all out.
Not all T-shirts are created equal!
T-shirts have different sizes and numbers of designs on them. Some T-shirts have huge designs on the front and back of the T-shirt while others just have a small breast logo.
We won't know how far your T-shirts will go until we have them.
What we can give you is a general ballpark.
We do have some guidelines that can give you a place to start.
When you look at the estimated number of T-shirts in the chart here, you need to consider your T-shirts. Don’t count the fronts and backs of your T-shirts, but look at them as a whole.
Do you have mostly T-shirts with large designs on the fronts and backs? If this is the case you will need fewer T-shirt. Look towards the low end of our estimates.
If you have mostly one-sided T-shirts with small breast logos, you will need more T-shirts. Look towards the high end of our estimates.
When we receive your T-shirts, we first cut them. Through some wizardly math, we figure out what size quilt your T-shirts can make. It's something to do with square inches.
We then let you know the size. If you are happy with the size, we can get started on your quilt. We will never start your quilt until you approve the final size.
Note: We can make your quilt whatever size your T-shirts will allow. This might mean that your quilt is between standard sizes. Square inches are magical.
If you don't care how large your quilt will be, just send the T-shirts that belong in your quilt.
BUT... if the final size or cost of your quilt is important, then you need to read this.
Starting here, this chart has estimates about how many T-shirts you will need for a particular size quilt without a border.
Understand that if you send the number of T-shirts on the high end of the chart, your quilt may be larger than anticipated. For example, if you want a multi use size quilt and send us 30 T-shirts, you may end up with a twin size quilt!
What is on your T-shirts will effect the size of your quilt.
A border will make the inside part of the quilt smaller. The larger the border, the smaller the inside.
So if you plan to add a border, anticipate needing fewer T-shirts. You can go down to the next smaller size quilt for estimates.
This is a very good solution if you are unsure how far your T-shirts will go.
In the main bag, put the low end of the estimated number of T-shirts. Then create a second bag of "use as needed" T-shirts. You can number in order of use if you would like.
We will cut the main bag first and see what size quilt those T-shirts will make. After we cut your first bag, if your quilt is smaller than your desired size, we will cut from the "if needed" bag until we get to your desired size.
We have a number of solutions.
Planning ahead will help you from sending in too many T-shirts. If you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out to your quilt maker with questions.
