Ready to elevate (and simplify) your quilting game? Today we are learning how to use traditional quilting designs in sections and then joining them with Quilt-As-You-Go (QAYG)! This innovative technique is a game-changer for quilting enthusiasts looking to add a unique twist to their projects while streamlining the quilting process.
What is Quilt-As-You-Go?
Quilt-As-You-Go is a quilting technique that allows you to quilt your creations in smaller sections like blocks, rows, or quarters (etc) and then assemble them together into one cohesive finished project. Using QAYG eliminates the daunting and physically overwhelming task of quilting an entire quilt top at once. It's a fantastic approach for beginners and seasoned quilters alike, offering flexibility, creativity, and endless possibilities.
Benefits of Quilt-As-You-Go
Manageable Quilting: No more struggling with bulky quilt tops under the sewing machine. With QAYG, you work on smaller, more manageable blocks or sections, making the quilting process smoother and more enjoyable.
Experiment with Designs: Each quilted area is like a mini canvas, allowing you to experiment with different patterns, colors, and techniques. Let your creativity run wild as you piece together a stunning patchwork of your own design.
Easy Assembly: Once your blocks are quilted, joining them together is a quick and easy using several methods. No more wrestling with a large, unwieldy quilt; simply stitch the blocks together and watch your quilt take shape seamlessly.
Cost Effective: QAYG allows you to do your own quilting instead of sending your project out to a professional which is easier on your wallet. You can also take pride in your beautiful project completed entirely by yourself!
Quilt-As-You-Go Back Story
Quilt-As-You-Go opens up a world of creative possibilities for quilters of all levels. Whether you're looking to breathe new life into your quilting projects or seeking a fresh challenge, QAYG is the perfect technique to explore. So, grab your fabrics, fire up your sewing machine, and embark on an exciting quilting adventure with Quilt-As-You-Go!
This is my third post about QAYG techniques. There are several different options that can be used on both sides or combined with each other to get the desired effect. In the photos above you can see other projects I have made with different methods. I have linked the posts for other techniques below:
1 - Joining Strips on Front & Folded Seam on Back (top left) - TODAY!
2 - Regular 1/4 inch Seam on Front & Joining Strips on Back (top right)
3 - Joining Strips on Front & Back (bottom left)
4 - Regular Seam on Front & Solid Back (bottom right) - COMING SOON!
Once you grasp the concept of the joining methods You can mix and match as fits your needs and comfort level.
Today's focus is on the first method listed and I am using my Seasonal Streamers Quilt as the example which is able to be put together in 3 vertical sections. To make your own Seasonal Streamers Quilt, you may purchase it using the link below:
How to Complete Your Quilt-As-You-Go in Sections
For this method, joining strips are used to sew together the quilt top sections, while the backing itself is used to cover and enclose the seams on the back.
Materials You'll Need:
Completed quilt blocks sewn into rows or columns or quadrants
Fabric for "joining strips" - 1" wide x the length of each section at each juncture
Batting that is at least 1 inch larger than quilt sections all the way around
Backing fabric that is at least 2 inches bigger than the quilt sections on all sides
Sewing machine and thread
Quilting ruler and rotary cutter
Step-by-Step Guide (Read through all steps first):
Baste Your Quilt Sections: Layer your quilt backing (right side down), batting, and quilt top (right side facing up). Make sure they are centered so that there is batting and backing visible on each side of your quilt top section. You can create interest on your back by using different fabrics or prints for each section.
Quilt Each Section: Quilt each section as desired - matching or different. You can experiment with straight lines, free-motion quilting, or any design that inspires you. Let your imagination guide your stitches! Stop your quilting designs about 1/4" away from the edges of each section where joining.
Trim the Batting: Once each section is quilted, fold the backing fabric out of the way as best you can and square and trim the quilt top sections and extra batting. Do NOT cut the backing fabric. You don't want to patch a hole in your backing.
Make the Joining Strips: Once all your blocks are quilted, it's time to make the joining strips. Using my quilt which is 66" long as the example - there are 3 sections, so I need 2 joining strips that are 1" x 66" long. I made them out of 2 2.5" strips sewn together at one end and cut to length. I chose white as it matched the center section and would be basically invisible. You choose whatever fabric will keep your quilt top looking cohesive.
The number and length of strips you need is dependent on the size and number of your sections. Here is a drawing of some of the options:
Part 1 - Attach the Joining Strips for the Quilt Front:
1 - Lay one joining strip right side down onto the top edge of one section. I also smooth down the backing and stitch down the backing at the same time. But leave the extra loose and usable.
2 - Stich it down using a 1/4" straight seam for the entire length. Lock your stitches at the start and stop.
3 - Then fold the strip back (over the stitch line) and press it flat. The right side of the joining strip is now facing upward.
4 - You will then take the entire section with strip and lay it along the edge of the other section you want to join together. The strip (and layered quilt section) will be right side down. Smooth and sew down the backing on this section as well. Leave the outer edge loose (as seen in 3rd pic below).
5 - Then stitch that side of the joining strip to the second section with a 1/4" seam and locking ends. ** This step is a little tricky because of the first seam fabrics being in the way. You can see in the photo I held the fabric out of the way so my walking foot could lay flat while sewing.
6 - When finished flip the top section over and press the completed joining strip. Your top edges are now enclosed, but the back seams are still open.
Join all smaller sections in this manner. The back seam needs to be enclosed before the larger sections are joined together.
Part 2 - Cover the Back Seams: Now we cover and enclose the back seams! Looking at the back, each side of the joined seam should be stitched down 1/4" away from the edge of the batting with more fabric past the stitch line. At this time, choose which backing fabric is going to cover the seams this way you can use the same thread and your seams will lay nice and flat.
I usually choose the same section of backing to cover the seams on both sides. On my example below, I had 3 sections, so I trimmed both side edges (blue fabric) and left the center (multicolored) backing fabric loose to cover the seams.
1- Using your ruler and rotary cutter (or scissors), trim off the excess backing fabric (not being used for cover) flush with the batting and top. This should be close to the stitch line. Fold your sections at the joining strip so that the quilt front and batting is out of the way and don't get cut accidentally.
2 - Now trim the excess backing fabric that IS being used for seam coverage to 1" away from where it was stitched down.
3 - Then fold the raw edge under so that the raw edge is touching the line where it was stitched to the batting. Before pressing, test that when the folded edge is laid flat, it is close to or will cover the stitch line on the other section. See photos below.
4 - Then press the edge and stitch it down to enclose all of the raw inner edges of quilt top, batting, and backing. This can be done by machine or by hand. Machine stitching will show on the front of the quilt whereas hand-stitching will not unless you want it to. I have done it both ways.
If you decide to hand-stitch, just use a whip stitch, so it is pretty hidden. I have a video here if you want to see how to do that. Please hit the little dots on the bottom right side to make it playback at a faster speed - you won't hurt my feelings - lol!
Finishing Touches: Add binding, label, and any final embellishments to complete your masterpiece.
Let Your Creativity Shine!
Quilt-As-You-Go opens up a world of creative possibilities for quilters of all levels. Whether you're looking to breathe new life into your quilting projects or seeking a fresh challenge, QAYG is the perfect technique to explore. So, grab your fabrics, fire up your sewing machine, and embark on an exciting quilting adventure with Quilt-As-You-Go!
Don't forget I'd love to see your quilting adventures, so tag me or share to me on Instagram or Facebook @polkadotpeepquiltsetc. Have a question or comment? Post it here and I will answer asap.
Be blessed my friends,
Tara
Comments