T-Shirt Quilt Makers Near Me: Why National Companies Outshine Local Options

Repeatedly, I hear from individuals seeking a local T-shirt quilt maker. Their online searches often include phrases like "T-shirt Quilt Makers Near Me." The common reason given for this preference is the fear of shipping their beloved T-shirts to an unfamiliar person. While this concern is valid, it pales in comparison to the risks of settling for a local quilt maker solely based on proximity.

Here, I will address the fear of sending T-shirts to someone far away and that you don't know.

I will also delve into the reasons why opting for a local quilt maker solely based on proximity can potentially be a riskier choice compared to sending your T-shirts to a quilter with an unknown track record.

At the bottom of the page is a downloadable list of interview questions you can ask potential T-shirt quilt makers. 

Fears of Shipping Your T-shirts to Someone You Don’t Know

Shipping T-shirts

I have been making T-shirt quilts since 1992. I have not had a shipment of T-shirts coming to me that has been lost. These days with package tracking and delivery signatures required, losing a package is rare. Here is an article with best practices for shipping your T-shirts. 

Sending Your T-shirts to Someone You Don’t Know

Unless you really are great friends with someone who makes T-shirt quilts for a living, you really don’t know whom you are handing over your T-shirts to. Just because you can see someone face to face, doesn’t mean that you know who they are.

Consider an individual without a website, without a reputation for making great quilts and who is just making T-shirt quilts to make a few extra dollars. Does she have a lot to lose when she fails to meet your expectations?

Then consider a company like Too Cool T-shirt Quilts. We have a worldwide reputation for making awesome T-shirt quilts. There are 25 families depending on the company for their livelihoods.  We have so much to lose if we don’t meet your expectations. Sure, you might not see us face to face, but our long history of making "too cool" T-shirt quilts is our introduction to you. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Local T-shirt Quilt Maker

1. Is the Local Quilt Maker a Skilled T-shirt Quilt Maker?

Don’t just take your neighbor's word that they are. First, learn everything you can about T-shirt quilts. (We can help – check out our Learning Center here.)

Then ask to see examples of their work. Do the examples live up to your expectations? If not, look for another quilter.  Here is an article about how to tell a good T-shirt quilt from a bad one. 

2. Is the Local Quilter Making the Style of T-shirt Quilt You Want?

There are many styles of T-shirt quilts. You first need to know what style of T-shirt quilt you want. Take your time and do research about the different style. Because each style comes with different constraint, issues and cost. 

Make sure your quilter is an expert in the style you want.  Most T-shirt quilt makers specialize in one quilt style. Think of this in restaurant terms. It's better to choose a place that serve 10 dishes of food rather than one that has over 300 items on their menu. You want a T-shirt quilt maker that is only making the style of T-shirt quilt you want.  If not, find another quilter. 

3. How Many T-shirt Quilts Have They Made in the Style You Want?

It’s takes more than 2 or 3 quilts. It takes 100’s to make a quilter competent. Even more to be an expert.

Too Cool T-shirt Quilts invented T-shirt quilts made with multiple size blocks in the early 1990's! We have made 1000's and 1000's of T-shirt quilts. We are the experts. Read more about how to have us make your quilt. 

4. Is the Local Quilter Making the Entire Quilt?

Not all quilt makers have all the tools they need to make a T-shirt quilt start to finish. One of the largest and most expensive pieces of equipment needed is a long-arm quilting machine.

If your local quilt maker ships your T-shirt quilt out for long-arm quilting, she is not making the entire quilt herself. Ask the question, "Are you making the entire quilt at your location?"

If she is sending your quilt out for quilting, why bother with someone local? At least if you choose to send your T-shirts out, you know where it is going and who will be working on it.

5. What Materials is the Local Quilter Using?

High quality materials are a must for an awesome T-shirt quilt. Ask what materials are being used. If a 100% cotton backing and binding are not being used, think again!

The batting should be either 100% cotton or an 80% cotton/20% poly. The latter is the best choice. A 100% polyester batting is a no-no. If the materials are less than these, choose a different quilter.

Here's an article about backing material that can be used for a T-shirt quilt.

6. Is the Quilter Maker Working in a Smoker Free Location?

This is a question that should be asked of any quilt maker. Choose a 100% smoke free home or workshop. Too Cool T-shirt Quilts is 100% smoke free.

7. What Is the Turnaround Time of the Local Quilt Maker?

A turnaround time of 4 to 6 weeks is industry standard. If the turnaround time is longer, the maker might not have enough time to devote to your quilt or have too many quilts to focus on your quilt.

Take Away?

Professional T-shirt quilt makers make the best T-shirt quilts. They have the right equipment, time to devote to the quilt-making process and most importantly, years of practice. Make sure that your quilter is a professional. This might mean seeking a quilter that is out of your local community.

Planning a T-shirt quilt?
Here are step-by-step directions for ordering your Too Cool T-shirt quilt.