Imagine not having to layer and quilt your next queen size quilt! There are many ways to piece and quilt individual blocks or rows that are much more manageable in size. Once the blocks or rows are quilted, there are numerous ways to attach each of the quilted pieces together. The concept of quilt as you go has been around for years, yet is rarely used. Before setting out to complete your next quilt, ask yourself, “Can this quilt pattern adapt to a quilt-as-I-go quilt?” Many baby quilts, table runners, and basic block-block-block patterns can easily qualify for this simple method.
If this method is new to you, begin with something simple like a table runner or a quilt from a quilt-as- you-go book like Reversible Quilts by Sharon Pederson. I personally have taught from and completed a quilt from Sharon’s books and love her method the best for connecting all the quilted blocks together.
Quilt-as-you-go quilts can be a two-for-one quilt. For example, a spring quilt on one side and a fall quilt on the other. Just flip it over with the change of the seasons! With a little planning, this style of construction can save fabric cost and of course, quilting costs for two quilts. This technique is also perfect if you are short on time or sewing space to quilt a larger quilt.
For joining the quilted blocks or strip segments, cut and press simple sashing strips or hinges that makes sure the batting from each piece touches together. This prevents a finished quilt from being floppy at the intersections. On the front side the hinges can be all sewn to each of the blocks. On the back side, the fabric hinge will need to be secured with matching or monofilament thread using a small zig-zag or blind applique stitch.
So the next time you hear yourself thinking, Uggg, I don’t want to quilt this quilt myself. See if a quilt-as- you-go method might take the pain out of machine quilting!
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