Bling, including - rhinestones, sequins, BeDazzled designs and sparkly lettering can be used very successfully in a T-shirt quilt if made by an experienced quilt maker.
Can You Use T-shirts With Rhinestones or Bling in a T-shirt Quilt?
Yes, you can usually use T-shirts and other clothing items with rhinestones, studs, sequins, glitter, or other bling in a T-shirt quilt.
The biggest issue is not whether the T-shirt can be used. The issue is where the bling is located and how much of it is on the T-shirt. Hard decorations can’t be sewn through. They can break a needle, damage a rotary cutter, or make it difficult to quilt through that area.
But that does not mean the T-shirt is a problem. It just means we must use a creative approach – something we love to do!
If you have a T-shirt with bling, don’t panic. And don’t start pulling rhinestones off the T-shirt. That can make things worse. Just send it as it is.
What Counts as Bling on a T-shirt?
When we talk about bling, we mean anything added to the surface of the T-shirt that is raised, shiny, hard, or decorative.
This might include:
-
Rhinestones
-
Studs
-
Sequins
-
Glitter vinyl
-
Metallic designs
-
Puffy paint
-
Iron on decorations
-
BeDazzled designs
-
Decorative beads
-
Sparkly lettering
We see bling on all kinds of T-shirts. Cheer T-shirts, dance T-shirts, concert T-shirts, boutique T-shirts, vacation T-shirts, and kids’ T-shirts are common places to find it.
Some bling is easy to work around. Some takes more planning. A T-shirt covered with a few rhinestones is very different from a T-shirt where the entire design is made from hundreds of tightly packed stones.
Why Bling Can Be Tricky in a T-shirt Quilt
When the bling is where we need to cut the block, we will have to pick the bling off before we cut the block out.
When the bling is on the seam allowance, we will need to pick the bling off the line where we sew. This might leave a glue spot on the T-shirt you can see on the front.
The point when bling is tricky is when we long arm your quilt. We must sew around the bling. This might mean that a block with lots of bling will be quilted less densely. It won’t affect the life of the quilt, it will just look a little different than the rest of the quilting.
Should You Remove the Bling Before Sending the T-shirt?
No. Please do not remove rhinestones, studs, or other bling before sending your T-shirts.
Removing bling can leave small holes in the fabric. Sometimes the hole is worse than the bling was. Let us look at the T-shirt first. If something needs to be removed, we can decide the safest way to handle it.
If the bling is in a spot that will cause a problem, we can usually remove just the pieces that are in the way. If a hole is left behind, we will repair it.
The short version is this: send the T-shirt as it is.
Planning a T-shirt quilt?
Here are step-by-step directions for ordering your Too Cool T-shirt quilt.
How We Work Around Bling
When we use a T-shirt with bling, we look at the T-shirt before cutting. We check where the decorations are located and how they might affect the seams and quilting.
Depending on the T-shirt, we may:
-
Work around the rhinestones
-
Adjust the block size
-
Place the design so the bling is away from the seam
-
Avoid quilting directly through the decorated area
-
Remove a few pieces if they are in a bad spot
-
Repair small holes if needed
This is one of the reasons you want an experienced T-shirt quilt maker handling your quilt. These T-shirts are not all the same. A little problem solving can make the difference between a T-shirt that works beautifully and one that becomes a headache.
Does It Cost More to Use Bling in a T-shirt Quilt?
It depends on the quantity of T-shirts or items with bling. A few items won't change your price. More than 3 or 4 items may warrant a per item (with bling) surcharge. Read about block repair pricing here.
When you get into dance and gymnastics quilts, they are priced at a higher rate due to the complexity of the items use. This is way beyond a few T-shirts with bling. Here's an article about dance & gymnastic quilts.
Will the Rhinestones Stay on the Quilt?
Usually, yes. But there is no guarantee. Some are attached well. Some are not. Over time, washing, use, and age can cause them to loosen or fall off.
If a rhinestone comes off, it may leave a tiny hole in the fabric or a glue spot. If that happens, a product such as Fray Check can help keep the hole from getting larger.
This is not something that happens every time, but it is worth knowing before your quilt is made.
Avoid Bling on Baby Clothes Quilts
If you are having a quilt made for a baby or young child, we suggest avoiding T-shirts or clothing with rhinestones, studs, buttons, beads, or other small hard decorations.
Babies put everything in their mouths. It is basically their full-time job. If a rhinestone or stud comes loose, it could become a choking hazard. For baby clothes quilts, soft and simple is the better choice.
What If You Hate the Bling on a T-shirt?
Basically, don’t use it. Removing the bling is usually not a reasonable option. But if the items is very important and furthers the story you are telling, then you will have to decide between its importance and your dislike of it.
Should You Send a Photo First?
If you are unsure about a T-shirt with bling, send us a photo.
A full photo of the T-shirt is helpful. A close-up of the bling is even better. We can usually tell from a photo if the decorations are likely to cause a problem.
This is especially helpful if the T-shirt has:
-
Dense rhinestones
-
Metal studs
-
Bling close to the edge of the design
-
Loose decorations
-
A design made completely from stones or sequins
-
Bling on baby clothing
If you are concerned, it is much easier to talk through the issue before the T-shirt is cut. Do note, if we receive an item from you that we can't use, we will let you know and return that item with your completed quilt.
Final Thoughts
T-shirts with rhinestones, studs, glitter, or other bling can be used in a T-shirt quilt. They just need a little extra attention.
The most important thing is this: don’t remove the bling before sending the T-shirt. If you are concerned, let us take a look first. We can usually work around it, adjust for it, or remove only what needs to be removed.
If the T-shirt matters to you, it is worth asking before deciding it can’t be used.
Want to learn more about T-shirt quilts? Visit our Learning Center.
We have over 200 articles about all aspects of T-shirt quilts.
