Cool Crafts - T-Shirt Quilts and Building Relationships

 This activity may just convince your grandkid to quilt with you.

Throughout its cultural history, quilting has always been a multi-generational activity to pass down. However, we see the generational divide in quilting now more than ever.

Master Quilter, Corey Pearson, shares his favorite activity for making quilting a family affair:

“One activity that I find really draws younger generations into quilting is a t-shirt quilt. T-shirt quilts are a good way to take shirts you or your child had from various activities growing up and turn them all into a keepsake,” says Corey Pearson, Master Quilter and VP of Customer Success at Linda’s Electric Quilters. 

Involving children in the entire process of quilting will inspire a love and passion for the hobby, rather than just an admiration of the outcome.

“A special way I have seen parents do this is through an ongoing project through their kid’s childhood. Everytime they get a new memento shirt, make a special activity out of adding it to the quilt. This creates long lasting memories, a fondness of quilting, a general understanding of the skill, and a special keepsake,” he says.

“When most people think of a quilt, they may think of a mix of childhood t-shirts, or memories of their grandparents, or maybe even cultural artforms. Some of my favorite quilts include baby shower gifts from relatives, graduation presents for seniors, or art displayed proudly on buildings,” says Corey Pearson.

“Quilting can serve many purposes, but the stories that are told through the stitches are the true seams of the craft. Through our fabric choices, patterns, and purposes we tell our stories and leave lasting impressions,” he says.