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Memorial Quilts Made from Clothing

When someone you love passes away, their clothing carries something nothing else does. A memorial quilt turns those shirts, sweaters, dress shirts, and jackets into something you can hold, use, and pass down.

We have been making memorial quilts since 1992 and handle materials — neckties, silk scarves, delicate fabrics — that most quilt makers won't touch.

Memorial sweater quilts by Too Cool T-shirt Quilts

What Is a Memorial Quilt?

A memorial quilt is a quilt made from the clothing of someone who has died.

Their shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, and other garments are cut and sewn. We then add backing material, batting to transform them  into a quilt that family members can use every day.

Unlike storing clothes in a box, a memorial quilt keeps that person's presence alive in a tangible, usable form. It is one of the most personal quilts we make.

Examples of Memorial quilts and pillows by Too Cool T-shirt Quilts

What Clothing Can Be Used?

Send what feels right. If you are unsure, send it — we will let you know.

The most important rule: the most delicate item sets the care standard for the whole quilt. One silk tie means dry-clean only. If you want a machine-washable quilt, keep all items you put into the quilt machine-washable.

Notes

Care Impact

T-shirts & sweatshirts

Front, back, sleeves — any part. Works beautifully as anchor blocks.

Machine wash

Dress shirts & flannels

Pockets, collars, and plackets can be featured. A favorite shirt becomes a centerpiece.

Machine wash

Denim & trousers

Legs, back pockets, waistbands. Denim adds weight and texture to the quilt.

Machine wash

Sweaters & Knits

Usable. Check the care label — some require hand wash or dry clean.

Check label - if Dry Clean Only, then the entire quilt will become Dry Clean Only

Neckties

Can be sewn in recognizable as ties or used as fabric sections. Most ties are silk — if included, the entire quilt must be dry-cleaned. Add a quilt label noting this so future owners know.

Most ties are silk — if included, the entire quilt must be dry-cleaned.

Silk scarves & blouses

Beautiful in a quilt. Same rule applies: one silk item means the whole quilt is dry-clean only.

One silk item means the whole quilt is dry-clean only.

Pajamas & robes

Often some of the most worn and loved items. Check the robe label — some are acetate and dry-clean only.

Check label

Sports jerseys

Team jerseys, golf shirts, bowling shirts. A lifetime of Saturday mornings in one block.

Machine wash

Photographs on fabric

You can transfer photographs onto fabric and include them as blocks. A face, a place, a moment.

Machine Washable

How Too Cool Compares for Memorial Quilts

Memorial quilts require handling skills most T-shirt quilt companies don't have.

Too Cool T-shirt Quilts (That's us)

Campus Quilt

Project Repat

Mixed fabrics such as dress shirts, denim, knits

✓ Yes — speciality

Primarily T-shirt knit

T-shirt knit only

Neckties included

✓ Full shape or fabric section

Not offered

Not offered

Silk & delicate fabrics

✓ Handled with care

Not offered

Not offered

Block layout

✓Multi-size blocks puzzled together

Uniform grid

Uniform grid

Graphic/detail preservation

✓ Zero cropping

May crop to fit grid

May crop to fit grid

Individualized long-arm quilting

✓ Every block unique

A few standard pattern

N/A These are blankets

Starting price (lap size)

$496

$139

$75

In business since...

1992 · Invented multi-size blocks puzzle style

2004

2012

Memorial Quilt Pricing

  • Starting prices shown are for non-border quilts.
  • King size (100"×112") starts at $1,330.
  • Pillows $215
  • Border options (2" solid through 4" pieced + 2" solid combinations) add $100–$664 depending on size.
  • Prices effective through January 1, 2027. Includes all materials, individualized quilting, and return shipping.

See full pricing calculator →

FAQs

The questions families ask most before ordering.

When is it too soon to have a memorial quilt made?

How many clothing items do I need?

How long does it take?

Want to Go Deeper?

Learning Center

October 24 - memorial and 3 pillows