Preparing Your Items for a Memory Quilt

A memory quilt is a collaborative process. Before your shirts and special pieces make their way to my sewing table, there are a few simple steps to help the process go smoothly. A little prep on the front end helps your quilt turn out just the way you imagine.

Ship Your Items

Once everything is ready, pack it all up and ship it out. This is the first big step in turning those memories into something you can wrap up in.

Before You Ship: Complete Your Checklist

When you placed your order, you should have received an email with a Pre-Ship Checklist and mailing label. Complete the checklist and include it with your shipment,

Shipping

When shipping:

  • place your items in a sturdy box or shipping bag

  • include your completed Checklist (included in an email from me) inside the package

  • include your order confirmation if available

Shipping tracking is recommended so you can confirm delivery.

Customers are responsible for shipping costs when sending items to Stitch Happens Creative. TIP: The USPS 2-day Priority boxes are a great cost-effective option!

Local Drop-Off (Austin Area)

Customers in the Austin area may be able to arrange a drop-off by appointment. When you’re ready, email me to schedule the drop off time. Details will be provided after your project deposit has been received.

What Happens Next

Once your deposit is received and your clothing items arrive:

  • Your items will be reviewed and prepared for quilting.

  • The quilt layout will be planned based on the clothing provided.

  • Your quilt will be carefully sewn, quilted, and finished.

  • You will receive pictures of your finished quilt and an invoice for the remaining balance when the project is complete.

  • After final payment, your quilt will be shipped or made available for pickup.

Production Timeline

Production timelines vary depending on project complexity and current workload. Most quilts are completed within 6-8 weeks after items are received, though timelines may vary during busy seasons. If you have a special deadline, please mention it when placing your order.

Unused Garments

Unless you request it in advance, leftover fabric and unused pieces will not be returned.

Choose the Pieces You Want Included

Gather the shirts or clothing items you’d like used in your quilt. These can include t-shirts, polos, hoodies, jerseys, sweatshirts, button-down shirts, bandanas, receiving blankets, baby clothes, jeans, or even uniform shorts or pants.

Specialty Items

Some items require special handling and must be approved before shipping.

These include:

  • Baseball caps

  • Items with patches like scout vests, jean jackets, or backpacks

Because these items require additional hand work, please contact me before including them in your shipment.

Check Garment Condition

Older or delicate clothing can still be used, but some fabrics may be fragile due to age, wear, or repeated washing. While great care is taken with every project, extremely worn fabrics may require reinforcement or design adjustments.

Not Sure If Your Item Will Work?

Memory quilts can be made from a wide variety of clothing and meaningful fabrics. If you’re unsure whether something will work — a special garment, unusual fabric, or sentimental item — just reach out and ask.

I’m always happy to take a look and help you decide the best way to include it in your quilt.

Sometimes the most unexpected pieces turn out to be the most meaningful ones.

Prepare Your Items for Shipping

Before your special pieces head off on their stitching adventure, a few quick prep steps will help everything arrive clean, organized, and ready to become a beautiful quilt..

Wash Your Items

Wash all clothing before sending it. Use regular detergent only — no fabric softener, scent beads, or dryer sheets. These products leave residues that can interfere with the quilting process.

Mark Designs You Want Used

If there is a specific side or graphic you want included, mark it with painter’s tape before shipping. If an item isn’t marked, I may use either side of the shirt when designing the quilt. Every effort will be made to incorporate meaningful elements into the final quilt design.

Painter’s tape works great because it stays in place but removes easily. You can also write specific instructions on it!

Remove Pins and Bulky Items

Remove pins, collar inserts, and anything bulky before shipping. Buttons can stay — they usually work in the quilt.

Do Not Cut Your Shirts

Please do not cut shirts or clothing items before sending them. Shirts need to remain intact so the best portions of the design can be selected and prepared properly for the quilt.

A Quick Note About Your Clothing

Memory quilts require cutting into the clothing you send. Please only send items you’re comfortable having permanently transformed into your quilt.