QUILT BASICS 101

Why would I make a quilt out of my old t-shirts?
Well, if you’re like us, then you have a million (maybe not a million, but close) t-shirts that are hanging out in drawers, boxes, the garage and tops of closets because you just can’t bear to throw them out – they all have such special memories! So now, you can keep all those special memories in a fun and functional t-shirt quilt.

What is a square?
A typical square is one t-shirt cut to 15 inches all the way around. It can be made from the front, back or both of your t-shirt or whatever you send us. If we are using shirts from a very small child, the squares may be 12 inches

What are sashing, backing and binding?
Sashing is a 1.5” border that surrounds each t-shirt square and is a great option if the majority of your shirts are the same color. If you choose the sashing option for your quilt, the fabric will be the same color as your quilt backing. Feel free to send us your own fabric as well.
           
Backing is the fabric on the opposite side of the quilt from the shirts (the “back”) and is available in flannel and cotton. Color options are black, white, ivory, khaki, brown, navy, red, baby blue, hunter, and sage green. Or, you can provide us with your own fabric for a small charge – just send it in with your order sheet.
           
Binding is a half inch border around the edge of the quilt which is done in the same color as the backing. Once again, we will be happy to use your fabric if you would prefer – just send it in with your shirts.

Are your quilts tacked in the corners or fully quilted?
Well, now, it just wouldn’t make any sense for us to say we make t-shirt quilts if they weren’t quilted now would it? Rather than tack the corners of each shirt which can cause instability and stretching, we fully quilt them giving you a product that will be durable and attractive for many years to come.

What is your return policy?
We want you to love your quilt just as much as we love making it. Retrospreads requires a deposit equal to one-half of your total anticipated order at the time your order is placed. This deposit becomes non-refundable when we have received your t-shirts to begin work. Due to the labor intensive, custom product we provide, the full amount will be assessed when labor begins on your quilt and will be due upon completion. At this time, the full product amount becomes non-refundable.

THE PROCESS

Do I cut my shirts before I send them to you?
No way! We’ll take care of it all! Just wash your shirts before you send them in and you’ll get aq beautiful t-shirt quilt back.

How long will it take to make my quilt?
Typically, we will have your quilt back to you 3-5 weeks from the time we receive your shirts (4-6 weeks from when the order is placed). There are certain times of year (like graduation and Christmas) when it may take a little longer. If you are trying to meet a certain deadline, let us know and we will absolutely work with you!

Do I pay the full price when I place my order?
Nope. When you place your order either online or by phone, we will take a deposit equal to half the price of the order. The balance will be charged when we ship out your new t-shirt quilt.

SPECIAL SERVICES

Can you make a whole quilt of photo squares?
Absolutely! Each photo is a $20 charge and you can do as many as you like. Just e-mail us the pictures or send them on disk with at least 300 dpi at actual size resolution and we will include them for you.

Can I keep my t-shirt scraps?
We will be glad to return your scraps if you would like them. Just let us know on the order form and we will send them back for the cost of shipping and handling.

Can I use my own fabric?
Of course! For an additional charge, we will be glad to use your fabric. Below is listed how much you will need for each quilt size. (By the way, one of our favorites is when you use your child’s uniform fabric for their elementary/high school t-shirt quilt.)

Can I have a quilt made out of other things like baby clothes,
ties, jeans, polo shirts, etc?
Yes! Just give us a call and we would love to talk about whatever your special request may be!

Can you finish a quilt that I started and ended up with a total mess?
It may depend on your definition of “mess.”  We will do our best, but our guess is that we can fix it – or at the very least, give it a try!

MATERIALS & QUILT CARE

What if my shirts are stained or have holes or tears in them?
The most loved t-shirts often have tears and stains so we are used to working with them! Send them on and we bet you’ll love your quilt every bit as much with the added “character.” On a side note, if the stains are fresh and still smell, make sure you wash the shirts before sending them.

Can I use both the front and back of a t-shirt?
Absolutely. When you receive your design kit in the mail, you will have the opportunity to let us know which side of your shirt you want included on the quilt and if you want them both, just label accordingly.

Can I wash my quilt?
Yes and if you use it as frequently as we use ours, we suggest it! Wash your quilt in cold water and line dry, and if the backing is dark with a lot of your shirts being lighter, we would suggest dry cleaning – just to be sure.

SOMETHING WE'VE MISSED?
E-mail us or call us at 800.267.8270 and we’ll be glad to answer any questions and help however we can!