General Q&A | Quilt FAQ | Pillows & Stuffed Animals FAQ | Special Project FAQ
General Q&A For All Projects
What kind of materials can you work with?
The most commonly used materials in our projects include t-shirts, flannels, dress shirts, thermal/waffle, and sweatshirts. Denim, polyester (sports uniforms), “dry weave,” polo shirts, sweaters and even silk are also options but may need special consideration and may incur additional charges.
Are graphics “cropped off”?
No. We will not crop a graphic in a quilt or in a pillow unless you request or approve it. However, stuffed animals may use cropped images just because of size and space limitations. We do our best to make sure the entire or important part of an image is included. [See gallery of Animals & Pillows]
What do you do with the leftover t-shirts and scraps?
That is up to you. Unused shirts and scraps can be returned if desired. Additional shipping fees may be incurred to return unused materials. Scraps may be used in projects donated to various charities and fundraisers.
Do you do alterations?
As a general rule, no. Sorry.
Quilts
| StephSews | The Other Guys | |
| Custom Sizes | ✓ | X |
| Option to Select Your Backing and Border | ✓ | X |
| Preview the layout | ✓ | X |
| Mosaic layout | ✓ | X |
| Detailed and distinctive quilting & stitching | ✓ | X |
| Durable and washable | ✓ | X |
| Personalized quilt label | ✓ | X |
How much does a T-Shirt quilt cost?
This is perhaps the most frequently asked question. Unfortunately, there is no short answer. Pricing is based on 9.5¢ ($0.095 USD) per square inch, however, the number of shirts you want in the quilt coupled with the size of the images that are cut out, shipping, any additional prepping/sewing/altering of an item so that it can be used in a project. (Example: Mesh jerseys need to be backed with a fabric so that the batting layer does not show through.) Items requiring a surcharge will be identified at the start of the project. You can use the table below to get a rough estimate of cost and number of t-shirts required:
| Size (approximate) | Estimated Cost | Approximate # of Shirts |
| Lap Quilt (36″x48″) | $165 | 12-18 |
| Throw Quilt (48″x60″) | $274 | 15-23 |
| Twin (40″x76″) | $290 | 18-25 |
| Full (56″x76″) | $405 | 20-30 |
| Queen (60″x80″) | $456 | 30-40 |
Pricing subject to change. Shipping extra.
If cost is an issue, consider setting a budget and we can help you figure out how many shirts you need to provide and what the approximate finished size will be.
How many T-Shirts does it take to make a quilt?
Again, depending on the size of the finished quilt as well as the size of the graphics on the t-shirts, it is very difficult to estimate. Whenever possible, we schedule a consultation with our clients to understand their needs and to verify the t-shirt supply. Between 12 and 30 is a general rule of thumb but again, it all depends on the desired final size of the quilt and the artwork on the shirts.
Is a deposit required?
A $100 deposit is required for quilting projects. A smaller deposit may be required for other projects such as pillows or stuffed animals. The deposit will get your project scheduled into the work calendar. Your project will not be put on the work calendar without a deposit. The remaining cost of your project will be collected at delivery (or prior to shipment). Checks, cash, Google Pay, or PayPal (a surcharge may be added if not using “pay a friend” option) are accepted.
Will all my shirts make it into the quilt?
We try to get them all in but in cases where too many shirts are submitted, we ask that you prioritize the shirts to make sure your most important t-shirts are included in the quilt. Unused shirts will be returned -or- you can choose to have a pillow made at an additional cost.
Do you use the front and back sides of a t-shirt?
We can put the front and/or back into a quilt. Often, when the back does not have a graphic or design, we will cut pieces from parts of shirts to fill small voids in the quilt to add color and balance to the design. If there is something on a shirt that you DO NOT WANT included, be sure to let Steph know ahead of time.
How do I pick the border or backing?
A client will be asked to offer a “favorite color” and let the quilter go from there. An appointment can be scheduled to “virtually” shop with the quilter or get text messages with sample picture of options. We want you to be happy with the fabric choice!
How long does it take to get my quilt?
We process orders on a first come, first served basis. Holidays and graduation season are the busiest and usually require locking in your deposit (to hold your spot in line) a minimum of 6-8 weeks before you want the quilt. Once work has started, it takes 4-6 weeks to complete the average quilt. For example, if you want a t-shirt quilt in time for a June 1 graduation, all materials should be received by StephSews in early to mid-April. If a deadline cannot be met, you will be informed. We routinely update our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StephSews) with calendar updates and openings to help clients know if their project can be completed by a desired date…or simply call or email Steph and ask if your project can be done by a certain date.
What is the difference between a quilt and a blanket?
Blankets and quilts are not the same thing. StephSews only makes quilts. Quilts have layers: your t-shirts on the top layer, batting in the middle, and a backing layer. Quilts also have a binding (and possible border) around the edge that finish the raw edge of the 3 layers of material. “Quilting” holds the 3 pieces together and creates a high-quality product that is much more durable than blanket.
Is my quilt machine washable?
Yes, to the degree that the original materials were machine washable. Your quilt will likely contain shirts with multiple washing “rules.” We recommend machine washing your quilt in cold water with a mild detergent on a delicate cycle. Use a low heat dryer setting. Your quilt will be washed and dried before delivery so it is ready to use.
How durable is my finished quilt?
While impossible to answer, it is durable. Obviously, how you use it depends on how long it will last. Our t-shirt quilts are meant to be enjoyed, not displayed in a museum case. If you intend to hang your quilt, please indicate this at the time of deposit and Steph will add a rod pocket or hanging tabs to your quilt.
Pillows and Stuffed Animals
Cost & Time
In general, stuffed animals and pillows cost between $40-$75 each and take about 2-3 weeks to complete once all materials have been received and the project is started.
How many shirts do you need to make a pillow?
Significantly fewer than a quilt! Depending on the size of the pillow and the design, anywhere from 1-4 shirts per pillow.
What kind of stuffed animals can you make?
We have existing patterns for bears and dogs. While you may have seen photos of past projects that were bunnies or dragons, those were one-time projects that required creating customized patterns which added time and cost to the project. If you have a specific animal in mind, go ahead and ask if it can be done.
Can any type of material be incorporated into a stuffed animal or a pillow?
In general, yes, however some materials are too thick or too thin/weak to work with. Be sure to communicate with Steph the types of fabrics you will be providing for your project (i.e. flannel shirts, baby clothes, scarves, corduroy, waffle/thermal, denim, t-shirt, etc.).
What size pillows do you offer?
The size of the shirt(s) typically dictates the finished size of the pillow. Pillows can range from 12″x12″ to 24″x24″…and pretty much everything inbetween.
Are all pillows quilted?
When the pillow is made from multiple cuts of fabric, yes. If the pillow is made from a single cut (i.e. an extra-large flannel shirt) quilting is not required but may be requested.
Are all pillows removeable?
Yes. In most cases we use (hidden) zippers so that you can remove the pillow form and wash the cover. Some items (i.e. button down shirts) let us incorporate existing buttons or snaps as the closure for the pillow.
I saw a picture of a pillow with suspenders, pockets, buttons and collars. Can you include/exclude those from my pillow?
It depends. We will always try to meet the wishes of the client, but occasionally we come across limitations once we start working with your materials. Most of our designer’s concerns about the limitations of the materials and fabric come out in the consultation phase of the project.
Can I get embroidery on my pillow/stuffed animal?
Yes, but again there are limitations. The physical space available to do an embroidery is often the limiting factor, however, the condition of the fabric itself can also determine whether or not embroidery is possible. Embroidery incurs an additional cost on pillows and stuffed animals.
Special Projects
I saw something on your socials that you made before. Can you do that for me?
Probably. Items like the tie table runner, Christmas ornaments, keychains, etc. can be recreated with your items. More complex items like the family tree quilt require significant customization per client but can be done. Some projects, like the puff quilt, were limited editions. If you saw something online and want to see if we can make it, just ask!
I have an idea but don’t know where to start…
Call or email your idea and we can walk through the feasibility and brainstorm together!