Today we’re pleased to have Maureen Wilson from Made by Marzipan talk to us about how you quilt as you go!
There’s been a growing interest in the Quilt-As-You-Go (QAYG) method, and for good reason! This technique allows you to stitch your batting to your fabric as you assemble the quilt block, meaning that you save a great deal of time when you get to the top-stitching stage. This is also a great option for those quilting on a standard sewing machine, because it requires minimal work on the bulky assembled quilt.
Simply speaking, here are the basic steps involved with the Quilt-As-You-Go method:
- Cut the batting into squares the same size as your finished block. You need to use low-loft cotton batting.
- Pin the first cut fabric piece to your batting (for most blocks, you will begin in the center). Pin the second cut fabric piece face-down on top the first, aligning the coordinating raw edges.
- Sew through both fabrics and batting using the seam width recommended for the block.
- Unpin and unfold the top fabric. Press the seam on the right side of the fabric, using steam.
- Continue to add the fabric pieces by pinning, sewing, and pressing. It is very important to press after each seam is sewn.
- Once all of your blocks are sewn, it’s time to create the rows. Lay two blocks right-sides together and sew along one side. Press this seam open on the wrong (batting) side. Flip over and press the front as well.
- Sew the rows together as you did the blocks, remembering to press your seams open.
- To add the backing, stitch in the ditch of each of the rows and columns. For large blocks, you may wish to tack down the center of each block as well. Bind as you normally would. (Need help? Check out my video tutorial for Binding a Quilt With Mitered Corners & Invisible Join.)
From the front of the quilt, it looks like you stitched every seam to the batting (well, you did!), and when you wash the quilt, the batting will puff up a bit between each seam, adding beautiful detail and texture. The back of the quilt will have a simple grid. This technique is a lot faster than adding intricate top-stitching, and there’s none of the backache associated with trying to quilt on a standard machine.
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the QAYG method:
1) Does this use the same amount of batting as a normal quilt?You will need a bit extra, as each block is individually sewn. If you are sewing with a ¼ inch seam, plan for an extra ½ inch width PER BLOCK. Add an extra ½ inch height PER ROW.
2) Is this method as good / durable as regular quilting?
That depends on what you’re looking at. Will you win at a quilting show with this? No. The back isn’t nearly as intricate as the front. But the batting is very secure, and the quilts are beautiful. I’ve washed my Qulit-As-You-Go quilts dozens of times and they hold up as well as my standard quilts.
3) Why does it matter what batting I use?Remember that we press the seams open when attaching the blocks and creating the rows. If you use a low-loft batting, these seams won’t be bulky– you won’t even feel the difference on the finished quilt. Because we are pressing on the batting side, you’ll want to use a 100% natural cotton batting.
Ready to try? Start small with these adorable Quilt-As-You-Go-Coasters, then check out this Bloomin’ Quilt-As-You-Go Block. I also have a video tutorial for making a gorgeous Chevron QAYG quilt using columns instead of blocks, which saves even more time! I know you’ll love how the QAYG technique simplifies and and speeds up the quilting process.
Happy Sewing!
xoxo, Marzipan
Editor at AllFreeSewing at AllFreeSewing.com
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I love, love, love this adorable quilt! If I wanted to do standard machine quilting after assembling just to add more interest, will the seams be a problem?
I like this quilt really well as I am a scrappy quilter. It doesn’t look like you are using square.s for this. Please give your batting dimensions. A square would not give the zig zag affect unless the strips are sewn on the diagonal then corner pieces would be needed. The picture doesn’t show this. Something is amiss but I love the idea. Please clarify.
Thanks.
I really love this colorful quilt . I looks warm and inviting and also looks very easy to accomplish.