Quilt-as-you-go (QAYG) is a fantastic quilting technique that’s perfect for beginners and experienced quilters alike. It allows you to quilt each block individually before sewing them together, which not only makes the process more manageable, but it also saves time. Whether you’re working on a smaller project or trying to break down a big one, QAYG is the way to go.
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through the whole process from start to finish, with tips and tricks to speed things up and help you finish that quilt in no time!
What You’ll Need:
- Fabric: You’ll need fabric for the quilt top, batting for the middle layer, and backing fabric for each block.
- Batting: A soft, fluffy layer for the center of your quilt blocks.
- Thread: A color that blends with your fabric.
- Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler for cutting your fabric accurately.
- Pins or basting spray to hold everything together while you quilt.
- Sewing machine.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Quilt As You Go
1. Cut Your Quilt Blocks
Start by cutting your quilt blocks to the size you want. If you’re going for a classic 9-patch design, cut 9 squares per block. Blocks usually range from 12” to 14” square, but feel free to adjust based on your design.
2. Create Your Quilt Sandwich
For each block, you’ll need to make a mini “quilt sandwich” with three layers: the top fabric, the batting, and the backing fabric.
- Batting: Cut your batting so that it’s about 1–2 inches larger than your block. That gives you a little wiggle room when quilting.
- Backing Fabric: Cut your backing fabric about 2 inches larger than your block size (for example, if your block is 12” square, cut your backing fabric to 14” square).
- Top Fabric: Lay your quilt top fabric right side up on top of the batting.
Pro Tip: Use a basting spray to quickly hold your layers together if you’re not a fan of pins. It saves you a ton of time, and the layers stay in place while you quilt.
3. Quilt Each Block
Now for the fun part—quilting each block! There are a few different ways to quilt, but these are some popular methods:
- Straight-Line Quilting: This is simple and fast. You can quilt in straight lines across your block in parallel rows, or you can create a grid pattern.
- Free-Motion Quilting: If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add some personality to your quilt, try free-motion quilting! It’s great for custom designs, but it might take a little more time and practice.
- Diagonal Quilting: A quick and stylish option where you quilt diagonal lines across each block.
4. Trim and Square Up Your Blocks
After quilting each block, you’ll want to trim them to the correct size. Use your rotary cutter, mat, and ruler to square up your blocks to the final size (usually 12” x 12” or 14” x 14”).
5. Join the Blocks Together
Once all your blocks are quilted, it’s time to sew them together. Arrange your blocks in the pattern you want, whether that’s rows, columns, or something else.
- Lay the Blocks Out: Take some time to arrange your blocks before you start sewing them together. Once you’re happy with the layout, start piecing them together.
- Sew the Blocks Together: Use a ¼” seam allowance and sew each block edge to the next one. Press your seams open to reduce bulk and keep everything nice and flat.
6. Quilt the Borders (Optional)
If your quilt has borders, you can quilt them either before or after attaching them. Many quilters prefer to quilt the borders as they go, but you can also add borders later if you like.
7. Add the Quilt Binding
The final step is to add the binding. This is the fabric strip that goes around the edge of the quilt, and it gives your quilt a finished, polished look.
- Cut the Binding Strips: Cut 2.5” wide strips of fabric for the binding. You’ll need enough to go around the entire perimeter of your quilt.
- Sew the Binding Together: Join the strips end-to-end to create one long strip.
- Attach the Binding: Sew the binding to the front of the quilt, then fold it over to the back. You can hand-stitch or machine-stitch it into place.
Pro Tips & Time-Saving Hacks for Quilt As You Go
- Cut Everything at Once
When you start a quilt, cut all your blocks, batting, and backing fabric in one go. This way, you’re not wasting time switching between tasks. - Keep Quilting Simple
Stick with basic quilting patterns like straight lines or echo quilting to speed things up. You’ll still get a great look, and it won’t take forever. - Use Pre-Cuts
If you’re in a rush, using pre-cuts like jelly rolls or charm squares can save you a ton of cutting time. Plus, it’s an easy way to get coordinating fabrics without all the effort. - Chain Piece for Speed
Save time by chain-piecing your blocks together. This means you sew multiple blocks in a row without cutting the threads in between, speeding up your work and making things more efficient. - Quilt Blocks in Larger Sections
Instead of quilting each block individually, consider joining two or three blocks together and quilting them as a larger piece. This can save you a lot of time in the long run. - Use a Quilt-As-You-Go Template:
Some quilters use templates to speed up the quilting process, especially if you’re doing a specific pattern. It helps you get uniform results quickly. - Use a Multi-Needle Machine:
If you have access to a multi-needle embroidery machine, you can automate quilting designs and save a lot of time—perfect for making multiple quilts or adding intricate designs!
Wrapping It Up
And there you have it—a complete, step-by-step guide to quilting as you go! This method is a great way to tackle a big project, and by using some of these tips and hacks, you’ll save time and energy while still creating a beautiful quilt. Don’t stress about getting everything perfect; just enjoy the process and let your creativity flow.
Happy quilting, and I can’t wait to see what you make!
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