Inside: Quilt As You Go Tutorial: The Easiest Way to Machine Quilt
With the release of my latest appliqué pattern, the fast and easyChristmas Appliqué Set, I want to revisit the topic of the Quilt-As-You-Go Method. Previously, I shared some of the basics of this techniquewhich simplifiesthe quilting process and makes it attainable for all skill levels.
In my first post about the Quilt-As-You-Go Method (QAYG), I showed how to apply it to a simple appliqué project; in this post I want to provide a tutorial in order to thoroughly explain the process so you can apply it to your own quilting projects.
I’ve included thisshort video which quickly demonstrates QAYG Method #1. Below the video you’ll find tutorial instructions to help you better understand the entire process.
The Quilt As You Go technique (QAYG) is a way to quilt blocks before putting a quilt together. It simplifies quilting for beginners because it is an easy way to join quilted pieces by machine. Instead of handling bulky quilts, you canquilt your project one block at a time.
Quilt-As-You-Go is ideal for machine appliquéd projects because quilting over the applique design can cause skipped stitches. It’s alsogreat for people who don’t own a largersewing machine with a wide harp. Because you are working with individual blocks,any machine that sews a straight stitch will work. This technique is also perfect for people witharthritis because they will not have to wranglea large quilt through a domestic sewing machine.
If you love to sew and quilt but don’t have a lot of time or space, QAYG is a great optionbecause you are working with one block at a time. Your sewing space won’t be overrun by fabric and supplies, and you can easily cut, sew, and quilt a project in a very small area.
Quilting projects like table runners and baby quilts are ideal for the Quilt As You Go Method. There is no sashing required and quilting while piecing makes these types of projects go together quickly.
For anyone on a limited income,QAYG is the most budget-friendly way to quilt. You don’t have to send your larger quilts out to a longarmer; instead, you are able to do simple quilting, one block at a time. There is also very little waste with QAYG. Youcan purchase smaller amounts of batting or even use your batting scraps. Most of my Quilt As You Go projects take advantage of this.
There are a few basic methods ofQAYG which I will break down and explain in detail over a few posts.Today, I’m beginning with QAYG Method #1.
QAYG Method #1:
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If you love to machine appliqué designs onto quilt blocks then you will want to usethis first method. When you appliqué a design usinga fusible adhesive product you will have a difficult time with free-motion machine quilting. You may have skipped stitches when you try to FMQ over the design. Instead, it is recommended that you quilt the block first, then appliqué over the quilting.
Note: If you want to understand more about appliqué and QAYG, this Craftsy Class has generalinformationand this Craftsy class goes into more detail.
For this method you will need a quilt block and a piece of batting. It is very important that you use100% cotton batting* that is low-loft and needle-punched because youwill be pressing directly onto the batting with a hot iron. (*affiliate) If the batting has any synthetic fibers, they could melt when the iron is applied. The block can be a simple background fabric that you plan to use for appliqué or it can be a pieced block.
When preparing for appliqué I find that simple quilting is usually better than something complex. Depending on the appliqué design, you may want to get creative and make the design stand out more. Try some straight lines, wavy lines, or even some wonky lines.There really are no set guidelines, just use your imagination.
One tip I’ve learned from experience, with larger blocksalways start in the middle and quilt towards the edge. I would also recommend a walking foot for simple straight grids like the one above.
QAYG for Pieced Blocks
It is also possible to use Method #1 for a pieced block. Simply add 100% cotton batting to the back of your pieced block and dab on a little glue from your glue stick. It can be really fun toget creative and do some wavy lines or ruler work with simple blocks.
Keep in mind, with this method the quilt backing comes later in the process. At this stage, you are quilting directly onto the batting and may need to think ahead to allow for the final quilting once the backing is attached.
For something like the 8-patch block above I might do some quilting within each block using the QAYG method; but I would wait until the backing is attached to stitch-in-the-ditch quilt and outline the individual blocks. The quilting you see in the above photo will not show on the front of your quilt. You will want to wait until the the blocks are assembled and your quilt is basted to the backing before you decide how to finish quilting the front. In most cases, stitching in the ditch is enough to secure the quilt front to the quilt back.
There are some things to consider when using Method #1 for a QAYG project. Be sure to cut your batting a little larger than your project. If you plan to do some dense quilting, you may want to add a much wider piece of batting. For simple quilting (which I recommend for QAYG) the batting doesn’t need to extend too far beyond the quilt block’s edge.
The next step in this method is attaching the blocks. Once all of the blocks are quilted and squared you attach them using a 1/4″ seam allowance. I recommend pressing open the seam allowances to avoid bulky seams.
Adding the quilt backing is your next step.This would be a good time to use the glue sticks for basting the backing to the finished top.
An added benefit to Quilt As You Go is the ability to easily square up the quilt front with the quilt back. Because everything has been previously squared,all you need to do is square up the backing to the quilt top.
From here it’s just a matter of some simple quilting to attach the quilt back to the quilt top. I tend to stitch in the ditch for most of my QAYG quilts unless a little added detail would improve the overall design. Bottom line – this is easy. All that’s left to do is bind the quilt.
As you can see, Quilt As You Go works for both appliqué designs on a quilt and traditional quilt blocks. They key is sticking with simple designs.
I made the quilt below using QAYG Method #1. I quilted the blocks individually before attaching them together. Once the entire quilt was assembled, I attached it to my backing by stitching in the ditch using an Edge Stitch Foot.
If you don’t have a ton of time, a lot of space, or a high-dollar sewing machine, you can still make amazing quilts.QAYG really is a great option for anyone who wants to create simple quilts for family and friends.