Custom Sweatshirt Blanket or T-Shirt Blanket: Which is Best?

Can’t decide between creating a bespoke sweatshirt blanket or a custom t-shirt blanket? Discover the best fabrics to use for a memory blanket here.

Sweatshirt Blanket vs. T-Shirt Blanket

Are you thinking about making your very own customized blanket shirt but are not sure whether to use a sweatshirt or a t-shirt as your fabric of choice?

If yes, you have come to the right place.

Perfect for cherishing special memories or for gifting to a loved one, whether you choose to make a sweatshirt blanket or a custom t-shirt blanket, you are guaranteed to be left with a bespoke item that will bring joy to its owner for many years to come.

That being said, you do still need to make sure that you choose the right fabric to make your blanket.

From which garment makes the highest quality shirt blankets, to which fabric provides a super soft finish, to which materials to avoid, keep reading to discover if you should create a custom sweatshirt blanket, a custom t-shirt blanket, or use another item of clothing entirely!

Why should I make a custom t-shirt blanket?

Whether you are looking to create a custom gift for a graduation, a birthday, Christmas, or to commemorate memories from important events in someone’s life such as race days or once in a lifetime rock concerts, a custom t-shirt blanketwill be loved by people of all ages.

Arguably the most popular choice when it comes to creating a memory blanket, the classic tee has many attributes that make it ideal for this type of DIY project, including:

• Machine washable
• Easy to cut into block sizes
• Long-lasting
• Lightweight
• Less shrinkage than other fabrics

Take note, 100% cotton t-shirts are your best option as these are the easiest to work with. If you are using a jersey t-shirt, you may find this material a bit slippery and prone to stretching. Therefore, you will need to make sure you use high-quality fusible interfacing. This will also prevent your end product from feeling crunchy.

If you are using a synthetic fabric, it is crucial that you change your iron setting accordingly to prevent scorching. Fabrics such as polyester, acrylic, and nylon require much less heat than cotton ones.

Worried about ruining your favorite tees? Seek help from a professional T-shirt banket company who will do all the hard work for you!

Why should I make a custom sweatshirt blanket?

If you have a lot of custom sweatshirts lying around, then there is no reason why you can’t decide to make a sweatshirt blanket instead of a t-shirt one. In fact, there are a number of reasons why this garment makes a great blanket shirt. These include:

• A super soft finished product
• A thicker and warmer blanket
• It’s machine washable
• It’s long-lasting
• You may not need to add batting
• It can be created using a home sewing machine

Most sweatshirts nowadays are made out of polyester or a cotton and polyester blend depending on the quality of the garment, both of which are fabrics that can easily be used to create a high finish and durable sweatshirt blanket.

It is worth noting that you may need to use a longer stitch or change the tension when sewing your sweatshirt blanket together as the fabric is thicker than when using t-shirts.

What other fabrics can be used to make a custom blanket?

Whether you decide to make your own custom memory blanket or you prefer to enlist the help of a shirt quilt company, you are not limited to just cotton t-shirts and sweatshirts as your material of choice.

Below is a list of fabrics that can be used to create a custom blanket with minimal extra effort:

• Dri Fit
• Fleece
• Flannel
• Spandex
• Lycra
• Polyester

There are also several other fabrics that can be used but may require extra work or the help of a professional to ensure a high-quality finish.

These include:

• Tank tops
• V necks
• Garments with a zipper
• Nylon
• Towels
• Garments with puff paint
• Garments with sequins or rhinestones attached
• Sweaters
• Silk
• Dance costumes
• Button front shirts

What fabrics should I avoid when creating a custom blanket?

Unfortunately, there are a few fabrics that simply do not lend themselves well to creating a custom blanket. These include:

• Denim
• Leather
• Canvas

As a general rule, natural fiber fabrics work best as synthetics can melt when they are pressed at high temperatures.

Although knitwear can be used, as they stretch easily, you will need to use a lot of fusible backing to create a durable and high-quality blanket. Therefore, it is better to create a sweatshirt blanket rather than a woolen sweater blanket if you can.

Tops tips for creating a custom blanket

Whether you have chosen to make a sweatshirt blanket or use another item of clothing to transform your memories into a long-lasting keepsake, there are several tried and tested tips that will help ensure your finished product is as professional-looking as possible.

1. Make sure you have the right cutting equipment. This is especially important if you are making a sweatshirt blanket or using another heavy material where precision will be more challenging. For best results, use a rotary cutter and cutting mat.
2. Use high-quality interfacing. If you are using a fabric that easily stretches, interfacing is crucial as it will add stability and help you keep the seams in line.
3. Pick the right needle size. Ideally, you should use a sewing machine to put together your blanket squares, as this is much quicker than sewing by hand. Make sure you choose the right size and type of needle for the fabric you are working with. For example, jersey fabrics work best with a ballpoint needle.
4. Plan your blanket. There is nothing worse than starting to sew your custom blanket together and then realizing that the layout doesn’t work. Avoid this by planning your blanket before you even start cutting up your squares.
5. Only choose machine-washable fabrics. You will need to wash all your t-shirts or sweatshirts before you start creating your custom blanket. Do not use any garments that are dry clean only or that are labeled as extremely delicate if possible.

Conclusion

There you have it. You can make your very own custom memory blanket out of old sweatshirts or old t-shirts. The choice is yours. You can even use fleeces, running shirts, or dance costumes if you want to. As long as you take note of the characteristics of the fabric that you choose and follow the above top tips, you will be able to create the perfect memento for yourself or for a loved one.

So, what are you waiting for? Get started making your bespoke sweatshirt blanket today!