How to Prep Your Clothes for a Memory Quilt
Planning a memory quilt from a loved one’s clothing? Here’s how to choose, wash, and prepare your garments — and the one mistake you should never make.
Gathering the clothing for a memory quilt is a tender step — these aren’t just fabrics, they’re memories. A little preparation makes the whole process smoother and helps your finished quilt turn out beautifully. Here’s how to get ready.
1. Wait for your checklist before sending anything
This is the big one. After you reserve, you’ll receive a personalized checklist covering exactly what to send, what to keep, how to pack, and where to ship. Please don’t mail anything before you have those instructions — it keeps your precious items safe and organized.
2. Choose pieces with meaning and good fabric
The best memory quilts come from garments that carry a story: t-shirts, baby clothes, flannels, jerseys, and other favorites. Look for fabric that’s still in reasonable shape — stains and small holes are usually fine, but very thin or badly damaged spots are harder to work with.
- T-shirts and graphic tees
- Baby onesies and tiny outfits
- Sports jerseys and team gear
- Flannels, button-ups, and sweatshirts
3. Wash and dry everything first
Launder each item the way you normally would and make sure it’s fully dry. Clean, fresh clothing is easier to work with and means your finished quilt arrives ready to love. Skip the fabric softener sheets if you can — clean and dry is all that’s needed.
4. Know that clothing is cut as part of the process
Every quilt is laid out by hand and sewn one at a time, and the clothing is cut to create it. Each layout is truly one of a kind and can’t be duplicated. If there’s a garment you can’t bear to cut, set it aside — and never send irreplaceable items before you’ve received your packing instructions.
5. Have questions? Start here
Wondering about sizes, how many items you need, timelines, or care? Our Custom Quilt FAQ covers the most common questions, and Lala is always happy to help you plan the perfect quilt.