Quilt Information

Rhapsody red makes quality t-shirt quilts. Read the quilt information below to understand what makes us the best.

Quilt border

What makes A Quilt
a Quilt?

Use the following quilt information to understand the differences between the products offered by Rhapsody red and other t-shirt quilt producers.

Understanding what a quilt is and aligning it with what you desire is the most important thing you can do towards the purchase of a t-shirt quilt. Become an informed consumer. If you are making informed decisions on your t-shirt quilt or blanket; if you understand the aesthetics, construction, durability, and cost implications, it is your choice, your shirts, your memories, your budget. Whatever choice you make will be a good one.

Quilt

A quilt is traditionally composed of three layers of fiber. They consist of a woven cloth top, a layer of batting, and a woven back, all stitched together in decorative patterns. Different from other forms of bed covers because tops are generally pieced together with many pieces of cloth. The quilting is the magic, it adds structure to the quilt,  binds the layers together, and will keep the quilt looking good.

T-Shirt Quilt

A t-shirt quilt is a quilt whose top layer is made of t-shirts. The stitching is a critical part of the assembly because of the expected substantial wear on the quilt. If you are specifically looking for a quilt, wherever you purchase, confirm the product you’re ordering is, in fact, a quilt.

T-Shirt Blanket

A blanket is typically a single layer. T-Shirt blankets have two layers, the t-shirt top, and soft back fabric, usually fleece, to give it body and warmth. Typically no quilting or infrequent ties are added. It is soft and warm but will not hold it’s shape well.

Quilt Construction

Use the following quilt information to understand how a quilt is made.

A quilt is made up of three layers; a pieced together t-shirt top, batting, and cotton or flannel backing. If you are interested in a quilt, wherever you purchase,  confirm the construction consists of all three layers AND is quilted.

Quilting

Quilting is the magic! It is the stitching through the three layers of the quilt bonding them together as well as decorating. The density of the stitching and type of batting governs a quilt’s stability and durability. If it is not quilted thoroughly, it will sag or bunch up with frequent washings.

Method of Quilting

Quilting can be accomplished by a domestic sewing machine or long arm machine. Rhapsody red Quilts uses a hand-guided long arm. For flawless quilting, confirm the company uses computerized long arms. For those of you that embrace handmade, a hand-guided long arm is optimal.

Quilting Pattern

There are endless patterns but basically four types; hand quilting, tied, edge to edge, in-the-ditch, and custom. Rhapsody red uses edge to edge. If you would like not to have stitching on the t-shirt graphics, let us know by including a note in the instructions.

Quilting Terms

Need help understanding the quilt information provided? Here are definitions for some common quilt terms.

Blocks

A Block is one unit of the quilt top configuration.

Batting

 Batting is the filler layer between the quilt top and the backing.

Sashing

Sashing is an optional strip of fabric separating adjacent blocks.

Quilt Top

 A quilt top is the pieced top of the quilt containing your t-shirts.

Borders

Borders are the optional outermost strip of fabric framing the quilt top.

Backing

Backing is the fabric that makes up the back of the quilt.

Binding

Binding is the trim that finishes the raw outer edges of a quilt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for more specific quilt information?
Below we have listed Rhapsody red's most frequently asked questions and answers

How Many Shirts will I need?

Quilt
SIzes
Approx. # Graphics
Variable Block Style
Approx. # Graphics
Mosaic Style
Pillow (24" x 24")
1 - 10
1 - 10
Throw (55" x 65")
15 - 30
20- 35
Twin (66" x 89")
25 - 35
30 - 40
Full (82" x 89")
35 - 45
40 - 50

Ordering

The site has a QUILT BUILDER which walks you through selections. Once submitted, you will receive an email with pricing and timing. If you chose to accept, you would receive an invoice for the deposit. Instructions on marking your shirts will be sent to you and the address for shipping or dropping off the
shirts.

Please wash and, if needed, mend any snags or holes but DO NOT cut the shirts. We will take care of cutting.

Timing will be quoted in the proposal.

Take a course in time management but wait, you probably don’t have time for that. Actually, we understand, there are times you need things fast! Let us know, and we will make every effort to deliver to your needs. There will be a charge for rush orders.

Once you have selected the shirts to be used, check for holes, stains, and snags and address them. Wash the shirts. Place painters tape or any reposition-able tape such as washi tape on the graphics you would like to use. If there are special instructions for a particular shirt, please annotate it on the tape.

There is a deposit per quilt required at the time of order. The remainder is due at completion.

SELECTION OF SHIRTS

If you do not want holes to be part of your quilt, please address them. Keep in mind, once a hole, always
a hole. It will continue to grow within the quilt. Rhapsody red does not mend for you.

If it’s ok with you, it’s ok with the quilt. There are memories in stains too. If you don’t want them, either
select a different shirt or address the stain.

I can work with that! I’ll work it into the design. For quilts using the Mosaic style, the small size fits right
into the plan.

Fronts and backs can be used. If shirts have breast pockets, sleeve emblems, graphics along the sleeve length, they can all be used.

If it can be sewn and washed, it can be part of a quilt. Sweatshirts, ties, polo shirts, bathing suits, and jeans can all be used in a quilt. That said, is it something you want on the quilt? Is it something you want to wrap yourself in?

T-shirts with photographs can be used. Rhapsody red does not provide a service to apply a photo on t-shirts.

No problem. The design can be adjusted. We can discuss your needs and work up a proposal for the
effort.

Creation

Always communicate your interests in how to arrange the shirts. Send a note with the shirts, email or call me. I do ask for flexibility in the layout, though. The Client will always get a final review and buy off on the layout before beginning to piece together. Mosaics are less flexible, but there will still be a final review.

Rhapsody red does not offer embroidery.

All the shirts are cut with the intent to display the graphic. Sometimes there are buttons in the block. Zippers and pull strings can be included. We get creative.

Rhapsody red does not have a standard set of fabric colors and patterns. Each quilt is matched based on the t-shirts.

Rhapsody red quilts the quilts with a variety of patterns, mostly using an edge to edge stitching. On average, the stitching is between 1″ and 5″ apart.

Rhapsody red creates its quilts in a traditional fashion. The layers of the quilt are;
– top: made up of your t-shirts,
– batting: 100% cotton or a cotton/polyester blend,
– back: quilting cotton or flannel.
The layers are quilted together at a distance between 1″ – 6″ apart, typically varying throughout the quilt. They are finished with a binding (cotton fabric) around the edge.

Possibly. I will need to see the shirts. If I can recover your shirts and create a quilt for you, I will send you a work proposal.

Coming Soon!

Our Quilt Builder is currently under construction, but I am looking forward to chatting with you about your T-Shirt Quilt, Memory Quilt, or Pillow project.

Please reach out to me via the adjacent form or email me at [email protected] 

Or you can give me, Acela, a call

mom and daughter snuggle under quilt

    Drag & Drop Files Here
    or

    Returns and shipping Policy

    T-shirt quilts, memory quilts, and pillows are each made to order, so all sales are final. In the unlikely case of a construction defect, we will happily discuss rework or other arrangements. Client satisfaction is our priority. If there are any defects, please notify us within 30 days of your purchase so we can make it right. After that, all sales are final.

    You may contact us at:
    Rhapsody red LLC
    2609 Crescent Lake Ct
    Windermere, FL. 34786
    407.516.8966
    [email protected]

    Shipping
    We ship via UPS. UPS will quote a delivery date and tracking number. It will be passed on to you.

    PET PHOTO CONTEST

    Pet Photo Contest