Custom quilt design process – Barb Patrick Design Newtown CT.”

Design Process

A Legacy in Every Stitch

My one-of-a-kind T-shirt and memory quilts elevate treasured memories into heirloom-quality textile art. Whether displayed as a striking wall hanging or used as a cozy throw, each piece captures years of experiences in luxurious, lasting form.

Using premium, carefully curated fabrics that complement your personal collection of clothing items, textile artist Barb Patrick transforms individual memories into a cohesive masterpiece. Each quilt becomes a tangible embrace—soft, warm, and filled with the stories that create full and joyful lives.

Barb Patrick, quilt artist in Newtown CT, with her Bernina sewing machine—creating handcrafted memory quilts from cherished clothing and fabrics.

Consultation Meeting

Let’s get to know each other! We will meet in-person or virtually to plan your special project. During this meeting we will discuss final item selection, any customizations, desired layout and quilt backing fabric, color or pattern. At this time, I kindly ask for a 50% deposit if it hasn’t already been made online.

Collection of Collection of sentimental sports t-shirts and jerseys ready to be transformed into handmade t-shirt quilt by local Connecticut artisan Barb Patrick Design featuring team shirts from various athletic programs

Planning Phase

After the initial planning meeting (in person or virtually), I gather and count your t-shirts, clothing and fabric items for your quilt (please avoid wool). It is best to select items that are special and memorable to you and your loved one. Please wash the shirts before giving them to me. I will take care of cutting the items and all other fabric prep!

Cutting a Boston Red Sox t-shirt for a custom t-shirt quilt at Barb Patrick Design in Newtown CT, where cherished clothing is transformed into handcrafted keepsake quilts.

Clothing and Fabric Preparation

I will carefully cut your shirts (and other clothing items) uniformly and then back them with a heat fusible interfacing - - a material designed to adhere to the back of the fabric and stabilize it - it strengthens and secures the fabrics so they don’t warp, stretch or roll at edges. This is just one of the methods I use to make your quilt durable!

Carefully cut and backed t-shirts ready to be made into a cherished t-shirt quilt by Connecticut textile artist, Barb Patrick Design

More Preparation

I do a final trim of each stabilized shirt to ensure the accuracy of the block measurement and then design the quilt by laying out the shirts in the perfect arrangement. The shirts are sewn together, layered on top of a 100% cotton batting which is sandwiched between the quilt top and the quilt back.

Sewing machine foot meticulously sewing a binding fabric edge onto a quilt designed by Connecticut textile artist Barb Patrick Design

Quilt Construction

I “quilt” (stitch) through the three layers of the fabrics along the block gridlines which makes my quilts particularly durable and then add a binding “edge” around the entire quilt, giving it the perfect finishing touch.

Happy customer holding handmade t-shirt memory quilt locally crafted in Connecticut by Barb Patrick Design, featuring cherished sports shirts from Holy Family, Lincoln Park Broncos, Junior Knicks, New Rochelle teams, and other athletic memories

Voila! Finished!

Once your quilt is finished, I will contact you to arrange final pick up or shipping. Experience tells me that we might shed a tear together at this point.