How to Make a Quilt as You Go Quilt

The quilt as you go method is such a great quilt technique to learn. You’ll love that when you are done with the quilting, you are pretty much done with the project or quilt.

You can use the quilt as you go technique for any kind of project in quilting – quilts, bags, zipper pouches, table runners, mug rugs and more. It’s really quite versatile and easy to do once you understand the method.

How to make a quilt as you go quilt

Quilt as you go (QAYG) is a quilting technique where you quilt each individual block separately and then assemble them into the final quilt. This approach can be more manageable for both quilting and assembly, especially for those who are working on a smaller scale or prefer to tackle one block at a time. Here are the basic steps for the quilt as you go technique:

Materials Needed:

1. Fabric for blocks
2. Batting for blocks
3. Quilting ruler
4. Rotary cutter
5. Fabric for sashing (optional)
6. Backing fabric
7. Binding fabric
8. Sewing machine
9. Iron and ironing board

How to make a QAYG (quilt as you go) quilt:

1. Cutting Blocks:
   • Begin by cutting your fabric into squares or rectangles for each quilt block. Cut the same-sized pieces of batting.
2. Layering:
   • Place a piece of batting between two fabric pieces, right sides facing out. This creates a fabric “sandwich” with the batting in the middle.
3. Quilting the Block:
   • Quilt the individual block. You can do this by stitching along the seams, creating a quilted pattern, or following any quilting design you prefer. This is where you add the quilting stitches that will hold the layers together.
4. Trimming:
   • Once a block is quilted, trim the excess batting and fabric to make sure the block is neat and squared.
5. Repeat for Additional Blocks:
   • Repeat the process for each block in your quilt, quilting them one at a time.
6. Sashing (Optional):
   • If desired, you can add sashing between the blocks for a finished look. Cut strips of fabric to use as sashing and sew them between the quilted blocks.
7. Assembling the Quilt Top:
   • Arrange the quilted blocks in the desired layout. If you added sashing, sew it between the blocks to create rows.
8. Joining Blocks:
   • Sew the blocks together using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Press the seams open or to one side, depending on your preference.
9. Backing and Quilting the Full Quilt:
   • Prepare the backing fabric for the entire quilt. Lay the quilt top over the backing with right sides facing. Baste the layers together and quilt the full quilt, securing all layers.
10. Binding:
    • Trim the excess backing and batting. Attach the binding to the quilt using your preferred binding method.
11. Final Touches:
    • Once the binding is attached, fold it over to the back and hand stitch it down. Give your quilt a final press to ensure everything lays flat.
12. Finishing:
    • Your quilt as you go quilt is now complete! Enjoy your finished project.

Remember that the specific techniques and steps can vary based on the pattern or design you are following, so adapt these general steps as needed for your particular quilt.

Quilt as you Go Hints & Tips

* use a fusible batting if you can- this will help minimize shifting while you are stitching or quilting. Fuse the batting to the backing of the fabric- if the top is being pieced together

* Cut your backing and batting just a bit bigger than the top. When you are finished piecing it and quilting, trim the block to the specific size needed. Sometimes things shift and if you measure correctly and trim before starting you might find your pieces just shy of the correct size because of it. Save yourself some trouble and start bigger, then trim.

* Try using a busy print for the backing fabric. There will be seams in the back where the blocks are sewn together. A busy pattern can help hide things, so audition a few fabrics before starting.

* If a layer that you are sewing is much lighter then the fabric is going on top of and you can see through, use a second piece of white fabric or muslin underneath the piece you are adding to cover it up.

 

Quilt as you go quilt patterns for beginners

• Table Runners
• Easter table runner
• 26+ Quilt as you go patterns

Quilt as you go bag and pouch patterns

• Zipper pouch pattern
• Bags and zipper pouch patterns

Quilt as you go projects

• Placemats pattern
• Hot Pads
• Holiday mug rugs
• Ornaments
• Flag Pillow pattern
• 3 Ring Binder
• Pumpkin mug rug

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