A comprehensive, balanced review of Project Repat — the North Carolina company turning sentimental T-shirts into affordable, fleece-backed memory quilts since 2012.
Project Repat is a direct-to-consumer custom T-shirt quilt company that has transformed over one million sentimental garments into cozy, fleece-backed blankets since 2012. Made in a worker-owned facility in Morganton, North Carolina, Project Repat offers an affordable and streamlined way to preserve cherished memories — with prices starting at $45 for a mini throw and $140 for a full size. This review covers everything you need to know before sending your irreplaceable shirts: the ordering process, product options, pricing, customer feedback, and how Project Repat compares to competitors like Campus Quilt Co. and MemoryStitch.
The custom memory quilt market has grown substantially as consumers seek meaningful ways to preserve sentimental garments that have outgrown their original purpose. Project Repat occupies a distinct position in this market: a high-volume, standardized service that prioritizes accessibility and affordability over bespoke craftsmanship. Whether you are a parent preserving a child's sports jerseys, a college graduate with a closet full of event tees, or someone honoring a loved one's wardrobe, Project Repat offers a clear, low-cost path to turning fabric into a lasting keepsake.
This review is based on publicly available information from Project Repat's official website, its FAQ and product pages, independent review platforms, and community discussions. No hands-on testing of the finished product was conducted by this reviewer.
This review is based on publicly available information gathered on August 5, 2026, including Project Repat's official website (projectrepat.com), competitor websites (campusquilt.com, memorystitch.com), Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and independent community forums. No hands-on testing was performed. Company claims are attributed as such throughout. Prices, turnaround times, and policies are subject to change.
Project Repat offers an affordable, streamlined path to turning old T-shirts into cozy, fleece-backed memory blankets, with prices starting at $45 for a mini throw and $140 for a popular full size. Its greatest strengths are price, domestic production, and a simple ordering flow. Its primary limitations are the customer preparation requirement (separating shirt sides before shipping), a standardized grid layout that offers limited design flexibility, and a construction method that lacks traditional batting. It may be a strong fit for budget-conscious buyers seeking a soft, usable blanket from standard cotton tees. Those wanting a traditional structured quilt, larger panels, or a fully hands-off preparation experience should consider alternatives.
Project Repat was co-founded in 2012 by Nathan Rothstein and Ross Lohr. According to the company's "Our Story" page, the concept grew out of Lohr's time doing non-profit work in Nairobi, Kenya, where he observed large quantities of American T-shirts being sold overseas. The founders initially explored upcycled T-shirt products before discovering that what customers most wanted was an affordable memory quilt. The company states it has produced over one million T-shirt quilts since its founding, a milestone it highlights prominently on its homepage.
All quilts are manufactured at Opportunity Threads, a worker-owned cut-and-sew facility in Morganton, Western North Carolina. The company frames this partnership as central to its mission of "repatriating" textile jobs to the United States. Opportunity Threads employees are described as having the opportunity to earn an ownership stake in the company, a detail Project Repat attributes to its own "Our Story" page.
Project Repat positions itself as an environmentally conscious brand. The company states that the average American discards 65 pounds of clothing per year and that 5% of global trash consists of used textiles. By transforming garments into quilts, the company claims to divert clothing from landfills. Additionally, fabric scraps generated during production are repurposed into "Scrappy Socks," sold in collaboration with a local manufacturer. These claims originate from the company's own website and have not been independently verified for this review.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 |
| Manufacturing Location | Morganton, North Carolina (Opportunity Threads) |
| Quilts Produced | Over 1 million (per company claim) |
| Business Model | Direct-to-consumer (online ordering) |
| Press Coverage | CNN, MSNBC, Self, Popsugar (per company website) |
| Scrap Reuse | Fabric scraps repurposed into "Scrappy Socks" |
Project Repat's process is designed to be highly standardized, which is a key reason it can offer lower prices than bespoke quilt makers. Understanding each step is essential before committing irreplaceable garments to the mail.
Customers choose a quilt size and fleece backing color online. According to the company, no final decisions about which specific shirts to include are required at checkout — customers can adjust their selections later through a post-purchase portal.
This is the most critical step. Project Repat requires customers to separate the front and back sides of their shirts along the seams before shipping. The company provides an instructional video in the order confirmation email and explicitly states customers should not cut the shirts into squares themselves. This ensures the company knows exactly which side of each shirt to use. For customers with irreplaceable garments, this step requires care and confidence.
A link to purchase a pre-paid shipping label is included in the confirmation email. The label covers both the inbound trip (shirts to the facility) and the outbound return of the finished quilt. Shipping typically averages $30, varying by location and quilt size.
Through a post-purchase portal, customers can upload a photo of a preferred layout arrangement. If no layout is specified, Project Repat's team arranges the panels. Photo panels and embroidery upgrades are also added through this portal.
The facility cuts each shirt side into uniform squares using industrial clicker press machines, sews the panels together, and attaches the chosen fleece backing. The finished quilt is then shipped back to the customer. The current standard turnaround is 5 to 6 weeks, with a 2-week rush option available.
Important Caution for Irreplaceable Items: Customers are required to cut the seams of their garments before shipping. While Project Repat provides clear instructional guidance, this step is irreversible. Anyone shipping one-of-a-kind items — such as a deceased relative's clothing or a signed jersey — should carefully review the preparation video before proceeding and understand that the company's policies do not guarantee the return of unused shirt portions.
Project Repat quilts consist of T-shirt panels sewn together and backed with PolarTec fleece. Critically, the company does not use traditional batting (the middle layer of insulation found in conventional quilts) or interfacing. According to the company's FAQ, this is an intentional choice: batting and interfacing can stiffen the quilt initially and degrade through washing, whereas their fleece-and-panel construction remains soft and durable through repeated use.
This construction method results in a product that is technically a blanket rather than a traditional quilt. It will be softer and more drapable than a batting-filled quilt but will lack the structured weight and artistic over-stitching that define traditional quilting. This is not a defect — it is a deliberate design choice that prioritizes comfort and affordability — but it is an important distinction for buyers who envision a traditional heirloom.
Project Repat accepts a wide range of fabrics, including cotton T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, dri-fit and tech fabrics, fleece, flannel, dress shirts, and sports jerseys. The company explicitly states it cannot use denim, leather, silk, thick sweaters, knits, items with zippers, nylon jackets, spandex, or graduation gowns. Certain items (such as v-neck shirts, button-downs with logos near the collar, and puff-paint shirts) may be accepted for an additional fee of $8.99 per item.
All sizes below are as listed on the Project Repat product page, checked on August 5, 2026. Panel counts refer to "shirt sides" (one front or one back of a garment counts as one side).
| Size | Price | Shirt Sides Required |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Throw | $45 | 6 |
| Bed Runner | $50 | Varies |
| Lap | $75 | 16 |
| Twin | $110 | 24 |
| Full (Best Seller) | $140 | 30 |
| Queen | $200 | 49 |
| King | $250 | 64 |
While Project Repat's core offering is a standardized grid layout, several upgrades are available through the post-purchase portal:
Pricing snapshot checked on August 5, 2026. All prices are subject to change based on promotions, seasonal demand, and policy updates.
Shipping is paid post-purchase and is not included in the quilt price. According to the company's FAQ, shipping costs vary between $25 and $50, with an average of approximately $30. This single label covers both the inbound shipment of the customer's shirts to the facility in North Carolina and the outbound return of the finished quilt. The company uses FedEx and USPS for inbound shipments and the carrier specified on the label for the return.
When calculating the total cost, buyers should factor in shipping. For example, a full-size quilt at $140 plus an average $30 shipping label brings the realistic total to approximately $170.
The standard production turnaround is currently listed as 5 to 6 weeks from the time the facility receives the shirts. A 2-week rush option is available for an additional fee. Buyers should note that turnaround times historically lengthen during peak seasons such as graduation (spring) and the holiday period (November–December). The company's FAQ notes that shirts received in October and November without a Christmas rush option cannot be given an estimated delivery date.
Promotional pricing and discount codes are periodically available through Project Repat's website and email list. Sale pricing, rush fees, and shipping rates may differ from the figures above. Always confirm current pricing directly on the product page before ordering.
On Trustpilot, Project Repat holds a strong rating, with the platform listing the company as ranked #1 in the Quilt Shop category (checked August 5, 2026). The company's product page states it has received over 40,000 five-star customer reviews across platforms. Positive reviews on Trustpilot consistently praise the softness of the fleece backing, the emotional impact of the finished product, the ease of the ordering process, and the value for money. Many reviewers are repeat customers, with some noting they have ordered four or five quilts over the years.
On the Better Business Bureau, Project Repat holds an A+ rating and is BBB-accredited (checked August 5, 2026). The BBB profile notes 26 total complaints in the last three years and 14 complaints closed in the last 12 months. Common complaint themes include billing disputes (unexpected upcharges for materials requiring extra work), communication delays, and dissatisfaction with layout outcomes. The company has responded to approximately 68% of negative Trustpilot reviews, typically within two weeks, according to the platform's data.
Project Repat's policies are oriented toward their standardized, high-volume model. The company's FAQ states directly: "If people follow our simple prep instructions, they love what they get! If people want to send a bunch of small pieces and make a lot of requests for different labor-intensive stuff, we are not the best fit." This candid self-assessment is useful for setting expectations.
The company does not publish a formal return or remake policy on its main FAQ page. Customers experiencing issues are directed to contact the company. Given that the garments are physically altered during production, the risk of shipping irreplaceable items should be weighed carefully. No guarantee eliminates the inherent risk of entrusting sentimental clothing to a mail-order service.
The following comparison covers Project Repat alongside its two most directly comparable U.S.-accessible competitors: Campus Quilt Co. (Louisville, KY) and MemoryStitch. All information was gathered from each company's official website on August 5, 2026.
| Feature | Project Repat | Campus Quilt Co. | MemoryStitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $45 (Mini Throw, 6 panels) | $139 (9 panels) | $109.99 (16 panels) |
| Comparable Full/Twin Price | $140 (Full, 30 panels) | $259 (Twin, 25 panels) | $149.99 (Double-Sided Lap) |
| Standard Panel Size | ~12"x12" | 15"x15" (standard) | 12"x12" or 15"x15" (Fuzz Monsta) |
| Construction | T-shirt panels + fleece backing (no batting) | 3 layers: panels + batting + cotton/flannel/fleece backing with artistic quilting | T-shirt panels + Minky backing (no batting) |
| Garment Preparation | Customer separates front/back sides | Company cuts whole shirts (customer sends intact) | Customer cuts shirts (or pays add-on fee for company to cut) |
| Customization | Photos, embroidery, double-sided, layout upload | Photos ($15/sq), embroidery, sashing, custom backing material, wall sleeve | Embroidery, double-sided, photo panels |
| Turnaround Time | 5–6 weeks (2-week rush available) | 3–4 weeks (2-week rush +$40) | Varies; some customers report 2–5 months |
| Shipping Terms | Customer pays ~$25–$50 (both ways) | Customer ships in; $19.99 flat return shipping | Customer ships in; return shipping included |
| Design Control | Moderate (layout upload available) | High (design guide with numbered stickers) | Moderate (layout photo upload) |
| Best Use Case | Budget-conscious buyers, standard cotton tees, soft blanket preference | Buyers wanting a traditional quilt, large panels, or high design control | Buyers prioritizing ultra-soft Minky backing, double-sided options |
The most fundamental distinction between these three companies is one of construction philosophy. Project Repat and MemoryStitch both produce what are more accurately described as memory blankets: T-shirt panels sewn together and backed with a soft fabric, without batting or all-over quilting stitches. This approach is faster, cheaper, and produces a very soft, drapable result. Campus Quilt Co., by contrast, creates a true three-layer quilt with batting and an artistic quilting pattern stitched across the entire surface. This results in a heavier, more structured, and more traditional heirloom — and a correspondingly higher price.
The garment preparation requirement is another critical differentiator. Project Repat requires customers to separate the front and back of each shirt before shipping. MemoryStitch similarly requires customers to cut their shirts unless they pay an add-on fee. Campus Quilt Co. stands apart by handling all cutting in-house: customers simply send their intact garments. For anyone nervous about taking scissors to a cherished jersey or a deceased parent's clothing, Campus Quilt Co. offers the lowest-stress preparation experience.
Panel size is another meaningful variable. Campus Quilt Co. uses a 15"x15" standard square, which it describes as the largest in the industry. This is particularly important for shirts with large graphics — a concert tee with a full-back print, for example — where a smaller 12"x12" cut may crop significant portions of the design. Project Repat's standard cut is smaller, which can mean more of a shirt's graphic is trimmed away.
In terms of design control, Campus Quilt Co. provides a detailed design guide with numbered stickers that customers attach to each shirt side, giving the production team a precise layout map. This level of specificity is higher than what Project Repat offers through its photo upload system. For customers with a very specific vision for how their quilt should look, Campus Quilt Co.'s process may be more satisfying.
MemoryStitch occupies a middle ground. Its standard quilt starts at $109.99 — slightly higher than Project Repat — but uses Minky fabric for its backing, which many customers describe as exceptionally soft and plush. MemoryStitch also offers a broader range of product tiers, including premium double-sided quilts with long-arm stitching. However, independent customer reviews on its product page reveal a notable pattern of long turnaround times, with some customers reporting waits of three to five months. This is a significant concern for buyers with a specific delivery deadline.
In summary: Project Repat is best suited to the buyer who wants an affordable, soft, functional blanket and is comfortable with the preparation requirements. Campus Quilt Co. is the stronger choice for those who want a traditional quilt, larger panels, higher design control, or a completely hands-off preparation process. MemoryStitch may appeal to buyers who prioritize Minky softness and a wider product range, but prospective customers should be aware of the potential for extended turnaround times.
Project Repat successfully democratizes the custom memory quilt market by offering a streamlined, affordable product made in the United States. While it is technically a fleece-backed blanket rather than a traditional three-layer quilt, the result is undeniably cozy and effectively preserves the visual memories embedded in a collection of sentimental shirts. The company's track record — over one million quilts produced, a strong Trustpilot presence, and A+ BBB accreditation — provides reasonable confidence that the process works as advertised for customers who follow the preparation instructions.
The most important caveat is the preparation requirement: customers must be willing and able to carefully separate their garments before shipping. For those comfortable with that step, and who are seeking a budget-friendly, soft, and functional keepsake from standard cotton garments, Project Repat delivers solid value. However, buyers seeking traditional quilting craftsmanship, larger panel sizes for preserving big graphics, or a completely hands-off preparation experience should be prepared to invest more with a premium competitor such as Campus Quilt Co.
All research for this review was conducted on August 5, 2026. The following sources were consulted: