Making Big Quilts Manageable
One of the most common frustrations in quilting is the moment when a finished quilt top meets the reality of quilting it: the quilt is large, heavy, and unwieldy at a domestic sewing machine, and not every quilter has access to a longarm. Quilt As You Go (QAYG) is a technique that reframes the entire process -- instead of building a large quilt top and then quilting it as a single massive piece, each block is quilted as an individual, manageable sandwich before blocks are joined together into the finished quilt. The Quilt As You Go Handbook is the comprehensive guide to mastering this approach.
What Is the Quilt As You Go Method?
In QAYG quilting, each block is treated as a mini quilt: the block top, batting, and backing are layered together, quilted on a domestic machine (or even by hand), and finished before any joining work begins. When all blocks are complete, they are joined using a binding or sashing technique that simultaneously finishes the seams between blocks. The result is a full-size quilt completed at a fraction of the physical difficulty of traditional large-top quilting.
The handbook covers multiple QAYG methods, joining techniques, block design approaches, and project applications, making it a reference that quilters return to repeatedly rather than a one-time read.
Top 10 Reasons to Learn the QAYG Method
- No Longarm Access Required -- QAYG makes large quilt production possible on a standard domestic sewing machine.
- Portable Quilting -- Individual blocks are small enough to quilt anywhere -- at a guild meeting, on a retreat, or traveling.
- No Wrestling With Large Quilts -- Eliminate the physical challenge of maneuvering a full-size quilt through a domestic machine's small throat space.
- Immediate Gratification -- Each finished block is a completed piece, providing satisfaction throughout the process rather than only at the end.
- Easier Error Correction -- Problems in individual blocks are caught and corrected before assembly, rather than discovered in a finished quilt.
- Stash-Friendly -- QAYG is ideal for using scraps and varied batting pieces that are not large enough for a whole quilt.
- Great for Beginners -- Managing one block at a time is far less intimidating than committing to a full quilt sandwich.
- Group and Charity Quilt Production -- Multiple quilters can each complete blocks that are assembled into a single quilt -- ideal for guild charity programs.
- Combines Well With Fusible Batting -- Hobbs Fusible Batting pairs naturally with QAYG, making block sandwich assembly even faster.
- Modern and Traditional Applications -- QAYG works for everything from scrappy traditional blocks to structured modern designs.
What the Handbook Covers
The Quilt As You Go Handbook covers the full range of QAYG approaches: the classic batting-to-edge method, the sashing join method, the envelope block method, and modern variations. Projects range from beginner-friendly to advanced, with clear instruction on the joining techniques that are the most technically demanding part of the QAYG process. The handbook is also a strong reference for quilters who already know QAYG basics but want to expand into more complex joining methods and design applications.
Supplies That Pair With QAYG Quilting
Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 Fusible Batting is particularly well-suited to QAYG block construction -- the fusible adhesive eliminates basting at the block scale, speeding up the sandwich preparation step dramatically. Smaller batting formats (packages and cut sections from shorter rolls) work perfectly for QAYG since individual blocks rarely need more than a yard of batting. Linda's Batting Scissors make trimming block sandwiches quick and precise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QAYG appropriate for all quilt designs?
QAYG works best for block-based designs where each block is a complete unit. Very large continuous-design quilts (like whole-cloth) are not appropriate for QAYG. Most traditional block patterns -- Nine Patch, Log Cabin, Flying Geese, and similar -- translate naturally.
Do QAYG quilts look different from traditionally quilted quilts?
The joining seams in QAYG quilts are visible on the back and sometimes subtle on the front, depending on the joining method used. The handbook covers techniques for minimizing visible seam impact on both faces of the finished quilt.
Can I use a longarm for QAYG blocks?
Individual QAYG blocks are generally too small to load efficiently on a longarm frame. QAYG is primarily a domestic machine or hand quilting method. However, some quilters use a longarm to quilt individual large blocks or rows before joining.
What batting weight works best for QAYG?
Medium-weight cotton or cotton-blend batting (Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 or equivalent) works best for QAYG. Very high-loft batting creates bulky joining seams; very thin batting may not provide enough quilted texture. The fusible version of the Heirloom batting is particularly convenient for QAYG block preparation.
Shop the Quilt As You Go Handbook
The method that makes large quilts manageable. Every technique, every join, every skill level covered in one comprehensive reference.
