A Quilt As You Go Tutorial : :

Today I'm finally sharing a little Quilt-As-You-Go how-to! This is definitely one of my most favorite things to do! I'm super excited to be sharing my process, and even more so now that I'm sharing today as part of the Scrappy Stash Quilt-Along blog hop!

Yesterday, Jennifer kicked off the Scrappy Stash Quilt-Along by sharing a tutorial for making monochromatic improv log cabin blocks. You can read about all the quilt-along details, guidelines, timeline info, and wonderful prizes in her post.  And now, it's my turn to share my method of quilting-as-i-go...

Let's get started!!



What you'll need : :

• Finished quilt blocks, in your desired size and pattern
• Cotton batting (My new go-to batting is Nature's Touch Cotton Batting by Pellon)
• Basting pins or spray
• Coordinating Thread
• Rotary Cutter/Mat/Ruler

* Notes * 

• Synthetic batting is not suggested, I only use a natural batting. It is important to be able to press the batting with a hot iron and steam. 
• Low-loft batting is preferred.
• Quilt blocks can be made in any pattern and size..
• Have fun with your quilting, this is the perfect time to experiment with new stitches or fmq!
• This method does not include the quilt backing fabric. I like to add my quilt backing at the end, to avoid hand-sewing, which is really hard on my hands.

Quilting the Quilt Blocks : :

1. Make the amount of quilt blocks needed to create your quilt. For today's tutorial, I am using improv pieced quilt blocks, each measuring 12.5"



2.  Cut or use a scrap piece of batting measuring at least 1" more on all four sides, than the size quilt block you are quilting. 3. Center the quilt block onto the piece of batting. 4. Use basting pins or spray to baste the quilt block to the piece of batting



5. Add the quilting stitches, removing pins as you go. For my blocks, I quilted with straight lines, using the edge of my presser foot as my spacing guide. If needed, you can mark where you want the quilting lines with a disappearing ink pen before hand. I like to be more improv and free with this type of quilting. I often change directions and make up the quilting pattern as I go.



6. Continue until the quilting is finished.



7. Repeat with the rest of the quilt blocks.



Trimming the Quilted Blocks : :

8. Using a rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat, square up the quilted quilt block by trimming away the excess batting.



9. Repeat with the rest of the quilt blocks.



I've always loved the way these quilt-as-you-go blocks look on the batting side!

 
Joining the Quilted Blocks : :

10. Place two quilted quilt blocks right sides together, matching up all ends and pin in place. Sew together on one side using a 1/2" seam allowance.



11. Using a very hot iron with steam, press the back seams open 12. Clip the bottom corners slightly like pictured below -- this will help to prevent bulky seams.



13. Continue sewing together the quilted quilt blocks, pressing all seams open as you go.



14. Press the quilt top front as you go, as well.



So simple and fun, right?! I'm going to continue quilting away on my blocks, and when it comes time for finishing the quilt -- I simply baste the finished quilted quilt top to my backing fabric and stitch in the ditch, sewing along each seam where my blocks have been joined. This creates a square pattern for the backside of the finished quilt. Use your go-to binding method to finish. And, Voila! Your QAYG quilt is finished!!

I can't wait to finish mine! Of course I plan to share it here, along with all the details needed for finishing a quilt-as-you-go quilt, just as soon as I do!

UPDATE : : Instruction and photos of my finished QAYG Quilt can be found HERE or by clicking the photo below! Thanks!!!



I hope you enjoy my qayg tutorial today, that you find it helpful, and consider using it for your own Scrappy Stash Quilt!! If you do give this tutorial a go at anytime, be sure to share on my Facebook page or in my Maureen Cracknell Handmade Flickr group!  ♥,  Maureen 

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