How to Assemble a Quilt as You Go Quilt: The Easy Way!

[@margaretmurphy9498]

Here's a couple of ideas. Ive made many quilt as you go quilts with several techniques. First, i allow a wider seam allowance for joining. Second, i use the small clips to join the pieces to hold the bulk. If desired, batting can be trimmed out to reduce bulk. Third, when i teach quilting, i teach patting nooy smoothing down. Patting does not stretch or distort fabric. I like using the small Dritz iron. They heat well and are easy to manage. Kim, thank you for amother great video. I love how you dont take excursions and prersonal diatribes in your videos. You are very professional. Any day sewing is a great day!

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Thanks for the suggestions, Margaret - I do appreciate them. I always say that I know a little about a lot of things so I love learning other tips and techniques from other quilters. I do try to keep it professional in my videos - I save the rants for my family ;)

[@carlasteinman6723]

I just purchased a Janome MC 9450, and watched a previous video of yours explaining the accessories and how to store them. It was a godsend, because I had no idea where to start! And when this video popped up, I was so excited, because I have always wanted to try quilt as you go, but have not seen instructions that I liked. I love the way you present your instructions, and I will be following you a lot in the future! Thanks so much!

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Glad I could help!

[@jennygill8056]

I love this way of using up scraps I make scrappy quilts but never used the decorative stitches on them, thank you for these videos 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@Summer83388]

I’m just finished my “biggest” project, an advent calendar around 4x5 and quilted on my machine! What a chore! I think I’m going to way qaug for 2 bigger quilts for Christmas presents. Thanks for the video!

[@annhaynesparker]

This is a lifesaver. I started my granddaughter's t-shirt quilt with this technique and then didn't know how to add the backing in a way that would keep it stable. I'm using free motion, walking foot, and rulers, so there should be plenty of lines, especially around the logos. Thanks!

[@Kate98755]

Ann Parker I’m finishing a tee shirt quilt also, i quilted the backing too, I attached each block

[@susanwalshmercer7462]

I really like the way you explain things! Easy to understand . 🤗

[@danettecross8608]

Clover mini iron is great or opening the seams.

[@melmack2003]

Well-done! For this type of quilt, I leave one inch of backing all the way around, then fold it in twice and stitch around....a very nice "self-binding".

[@michealeegarcia9482]

I found your explanations very helpful for new quilters. Looking forward for more.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@number1angel66]

This is a very helpful video. Thank you for sharing! Blessings to all in love and light! 🙏🏼💜🙏🏼💙🙏🏼🧡🙏🏼💛🙏🏼💚🙏🏼

[@preciousyetvicious]

I definitely want to try QAYG for my next quilt because I'm in the middle of cross hatch quilting on my current project, and boy, is it a pain to do on my little Brother machine! I especially love the use of the decorative stitching. Thanks for these tips, Kim. :)

[@mercedeshurtado8604]

Bello gracias Saludos desde Cuba

[@tchr1106]

I think I might offset my center seams by a half block so as to minimize the bulk!

[@vickeiaxtell8569]

Question? I have a quilted ( comforter). One side is white the other is a pattern top. My friend wanted his deceased Wife's clothing added to the white part of the comforter, I made a bunch of squares then made 9 blocks 12 x 12, with binding on each block. Layer them out in a pattern style. (Not covering the whole back top of comforter). White isn't working . I purchased fabric a solid color that is beautiful with the quilt blocks. How do I add the new fabric to the comforter an also have the memory blocks add to that. Or add blocks to new fabric an add them both to the comforter that is already quilted. I got myself into a major project. I'm not a professional, just like to make quilts, stay busy. I sure hope you have some suggestions.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

It really would be easier to make a quilt from scratch, rather than trying to attach it to a comforter. You could make a simple design with the 9 blocks by stitching them together and then I would look at having a longarm quilter finish the quilting process for you if you aren't familiar with how to do this. There are many videos online about making simple quilts or memory quilts that you might find helpful. Just search for "easy quilts" or "how to make a simple quilt" and you should find lots of helpful information.

[@evelynjavinett3684]

when pressing seams open instead of an iron use a wooden seam presser holding down as you go

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Thanks for that tip, Evelyn!

[@penelopewalton7520]

I like it and probably the big iron having more weight of the big iron. However I am just beginning

[@jwstanley2645]

Thanks for the video. For opening the seam allowances, have you ever thought to use a fid, perhaps along with the roller you used in the previous video? Not knowing the word "fid," some people call it a poking tool. Used in paracord stitching, rope splicing, macrame, and other crafts, the fid is simple tool that may be described as a short (6") knitting needle. In sets, they range from 1/4" to 3/4" in diameter. Most are round, like a knitting needle, while others are flattened. I think they can also work great in other sewing craft projects, like turning a sewn piece right-side out to poke the corners. Anyway, as you asked, that is one thing I thought of while you fiddled a little with those thick seam allowances. Thanks again.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

I was going to ask you what a fid was (wondered if it was a typo at first 😉). This sounds sort of like a wooden iron which would also work. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@ShirleyJDavis]

Thanks I did learn some things and will use them.

[@robbiecampbell3348]

I like the heavier iron for the weight also.

[@kyczy1]

Can you do a flip and stitch (with some quilting by row and then use the above method to assemble the rows and add the backing as you so skillfully teach ?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Yes, you can definitely do this. You can use the QAYG assembly method for just about any quilt block.

[@katherineanderson8570]

Thanks for this Kim.

[@josesierra3918]

I make all kind of sizes of block and to avoid the bulk i never match the seams ,with a little planing saw a strip with horizontal lines at the end ,and it will hide the joining of seams .thanks your info is always helpfull

[@Charley711away711]

I use the handle end of a spoon to open and then a small craft iron - itty bitty thing - so cute, but gets HOT!!! great pressing control. You could offset your seams alternating that way easier to sew over the humps (I have a Jean-a-a-jig) from way back that works on humps great! That way we can stitch in the ditch! Can't wait to finish my current quilt for the scraps to make this one! A great throw in my future! I call it a wonky log cabin.

[@wihio12]

Hello, what is the best size needle to use in my sewing machine for quilting? Where do you find the spray starch that you used in this video? What is the best batting to use for the blocks? And do you always open up the seams?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

It sounds like you have a lot of questions and my best suggestion to get answers is to join my Chatterbox Quilts' Facebook group where you can get information from the members. You can do so by going to www.chatterboxquilts.com/fbgroup.

[@elizabethdworak6892]

Sewing your blocks together in this project using your technique makes it difficult to complete a larger quilt on your home sewing machine and adds significant bulk to the seams. I would prefer to use 1" strip (on back) & 2" folded strip (on front) to sew the blocks and block-sized pieces of backing together so that there is no additional bulk under a home sewing machine. The first video in this project was a lot of fun to complete - just chose to put the blocks together using the strip method instead. Thank you for your videos!

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Yes, you can definitely do that. I wanted to show people how to put a top together without using sashing should they not want to do that.

[@SStroud2024]

This is a very good lesson. You are a good teacher. I subscribed to your channel. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@joycesandifer8821]

Just finished my blocks and this is just perfect to join

[@LucindaPerez-kv8oz]

What size are your blocks

[@greatlakezgirl649]

I like to use my Dritz Petite Press Portable iron, when I make qayg. It easy to put it next to my sewing machine.

[@tootsiequilt]

I like to QAYG on the batting, then add backing. I stitch 1/4 inch away from the seams. I haven't had a problem with the back pooching out. I think if one bastes the quilt to the backing good and taut, it won't pooch out.

[@bugitheschnucki9416]

Gefällt mir sehr deine tollen Anleitungen..was noch schön wäre. ..Untertitel in Deutsch

[@linzjan4276]

Love getting a reply thanks, makes it very real and relevant, your video on assembling quilt as you go blocks is excellent and the most straightforward I have watched.

[@varinatannis4853]

This was super easy to understand, so now I will try. Thanks.

[@berniceoconnor5381]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

You are welcome!

[@carriem7832]

I like my roller to try to open the seam and then I use my little Clover iron because using a heavier iron is hard on my hands.

[@linzjan4276]

Are you able to iron batting - I presume not the synthetic versions but haven’t risked doing it on the natural fibres. Just a suggestion if you use the tool known as a purple thingy ( I think that’s the name ) while you are trying to,open the seams it quides the seam opening, process really well very well and really speeds up the process

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Yes, you can iron batting - it flattens it down a bit, but you can definitely do it. You can iron synthetic batting, but I would be sure you are using a lower heat iron. Good suggestion for using That Purple Thang - why hadn't I thought of that?! Thanks!

[@darceeyates9783]

I love this video. Lots of good information and very well presented. Thank you.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

You are so welcome!

[@judevucovich7068]

Where were you when I was looking for the answer if I can sew my appliqué on top of batting... I’m brand new to sewing and learning how to quilt. There are so many videos to learn from but having one that actually teach me how with out being confused from start to finish. Do you have a video that puts it all together from the beginning to end? I really enjoy and seem to learn from how you instruct. Which I’m so happy to find. Please let me know if you have beginners videos that will help... In the end I want to learn how to do landscaping appliqué wall hanging... Please help me learn, thank you

[@Chatterboxquilts]

I have an in-depth course on doing raw edge (fusible edge) appliqué in The Quilter's Way, my private online membership. You can find out details about it at thequiltersway.com.

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

Do you have a pattern for those quilt squares please?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

These are improv quilt as you go blocks and I have a video on how to put them together here kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2TPnZeEedx3mc0

[@verlenedawson2064]

Maybe sewing a 3/8 or 1/2 inch seam to join blocks would result in easier to manage seam allowances when pressing and topstitching.

[@joycerideout6311]

👍🏻

[@patriciabakker8605]

I am looking for the recipe for spray adhesive

[@Chatterboxquilts]

You can find out how to make the quilt spray in my video description of this video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4e1o3l9e72LnMUsi=oCrmKyqD0vJlusa3.

[@gerrygasson8114]

Do you have a video for qayg with sashing joining strips?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

HI Gerry: I don't currently have a video on this technique, however I am currently working on a project doing just that. I found a video by Wendy Gratz at Shiny, Happy World that explains how to do this. You can find the information at www.shinyhappyworld.com/2017/04/add-sashing-quilt-go-quilt.html

[@lindahestilowrobertson6263]

I found a small iron with a pointy tip works best for me,

[@angeharsant9562]

Just caught up with you what backing do you use?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

I use regular quilting cotton on the back. If you check in the Description below this video, you'll see another video that shows you how I added the backing.

[@lindadenton7431]

I do not see a link to your homemade basting spray and would like to try it instead of pinning, thanks and love your videos

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Hi Linda: I forgot to add that, but it is now in the Description so you'll be able to get the information. Thanks for the reminder.

[@terrijones3386]

Thank you this was so helpful. and I love your sign ,

[@diana.fbaier4442]

Very nice

[@patriciaguevara8793]

I really enjoyed this tutorial - it will help me with my next project. Thank you!

[@Chatterboxquilts]

You are so welcome!

[@carmenvelez5440]

Thanks

[@sonyasmithart9085]

I like my small iron for that project

[@judytalbot7062]

Can’t get enough help when just learning

[@cindymcfarland4686]

I wonder if using a pressing stick would help with pressing the seams open, especially the longer seams. If you're not familiar with a pressing stick it is a long wooden stick, rounded on the top side, and as you lay your seam on it the sides fall down the edge and you end up pressing just the seam itself and not the fabric/batting next to the seam. So maybe the iron wouldn't get stuck to the batting, in your case, due to the starch. I use my pressing stick for long seams, especially those with multiple junctions of other seams. I hope this makes sense. I use my Oliso iron for everything, even small little seams.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Thanks for the information, Cindy. I'm not familiar with a pressing stick so will have to look for that the next time I'm at my LQS.

[@cherylbarker5797]

I love watching this. How many squares would I need to make a lap blanket.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

That depends on the exact size you want it to be and the size of the blocks that you are making. For example, if want to have a 60" x 72" quilt and you have 12 1/2" blocks, you'll need 5 columns of 6 rows each or 30 blocks.

[@SuePeifer]

In the video you mentioned a basting spray recipe and said you would put it in the information below the video. I don't see it. Did you maybe forget?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Would I forget to put a link in? Yes, of course I did. It's now in the video description. Thanks for reminding me.

[@beverleysimmons8080]

Thank you so much i enjoyed the video on how to stitch in the stitch i was wondering about that Mon Feb 24. Hope i see more crumb quilting lol

[@lesliesisson2908]

Thank you for the videos. But wen I sent my email to get the basting spray all I got was a add for the quilt ers way witch I cannot join right now. Thank you

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Hi Leslie: There are various options for email on that same page. You just need to scroll down and you should see 3 different email options.

[@jmason8883]

Just put a piece of baking paper between starch and iron 👍🇦🇺

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Yes, I could do that. I was just surprised that it stuck as it usually doesn't. Parchment paper isn't just for baking ;)

[@normawaddell3777]

I would use my small iron.

[@marylamm4254]

I think a little wider seam would make it easier, since it is so thin to iron.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

yes, you could definitely do that in this situation.

[@karensparrow1529]

FABULOUS trainer! Thank You. I really would like the Multipurpose spray recipe but the link on ChatterBox is no longer valid. :(

[@Chatterboxquilts]

The link to get the Multi-Purpose Quilt Spray is in the Description below the video and is still active. It is www.chatterboxquilts.com/multipurpose-quilt-spray-freebie.

[@ellenkinsel2198]

Can this method be used with pieced blocks? That is, if I have my pieced blocks made, can I spray baste them to batting squares, practice ruler quilting, FMQ, and decorative stitches, then join the blocks together and later add the backing? If so, how much larger than the pieced blocks should the batting be cut?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

You can actually make pieced blocks by stitching the pieces together directly on the batting. I'm not sure why you would want to do it the way you describe as it would be easier to just make your quilt top as usual and then quilt it tot he batting and backing.

[@ellenkinsel2198]

​@@Chatterboxquilts The blocks are already finished as part of a quilt-a-long, and I thought it might be a good opportunity to practice different quilting techniques on the blocks individually rather than wrestling with a huge quilt (doing this on my Janome 9400). I'll give it some thought. I have another queen size quilt that is basted and ready to quilt. I'll see how that goes and then make a decision. Thanks for your help.

[@rosepaul9681]

I make pillows using simple pieced blocks as a center, then start quilt as you go adding strips, etc. Works fine.

[@maggiecousineau1877]

Why didn't you put the backing on block when you quilted it in the first step? I always do it that way.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

You can certainly do it that way. I didn't want all the various decorative stitches to show through on the back of the quilt, which is why I have done it this way.

[@heathergraff9507]

When using that foot do you use the 1/4 inch seem on the quilt screen.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

I'm using the HP2 foot on the Janome MC9450 so it automatically selects the ¼" stitch for me.

[@marycomeau9364]

Why not use your seam roller to start the open seam?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

I could do that, but I'd still need to get my fingers in there to get it started.

[@bonniecarter7358]

I use an old t-shirt to press through

[@catherinegray5106]

Begging your pardon, but I tried to download your recipe for quilting spray - the link sent me to your site which required my email address for the download - fair enough; however, I was then sent to your membership signup page. Nowhere was there a "download", just a request for $$ for your club...sad.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Hi Catherine: The page that you were sent to actually had information on it as to the types of free information that you could receive from Chatterbox Quilts if you scroll down the page a bit. The email with the Multi-Purpose Quilt Spray would've already been sent to you once you entered your email address.

[@catherinegray5106]

Chatterbox Quilts A thousand apologies - didn't realize the download came separately ! Might I suggest you put a line in information box letting folks know? Then numpties like me won't bother you! In the meantime, looking forward to the recipe and more of your videos. Despite my complaint, I do very much enjoy your tutorials - thank you and again, apologies...

[@geansanders1233]

am I missing something? Why is the Backing fabric turned wrong side up?

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Hi Gean: My quilt "top" is already stitched to the batting and you then put it on the backing the way I show it in the video (non-printed side up). Next step is to stitch it all together by adding additional quilting and then to bind it.

[@sheilakeating9089]

❤

[@cathynuytten798]

I think not quilting your backing while you quilt as you go, you will still have the problem of a huge quilt to wrestle with. There are many ways to connect completely quilted squares.

[@Chatterboxquilts]

Yes, there are different ways to do that as there are different ways to do qayg. The method I use works well for smaller quilts.

[@chrisholley3530]

Get captions

[@Chatterboxquilts]

I do have captions on my videos for the last several months. I'm not able to go back to do previous ones due to the time commitment involved in doing these - and there's just me running the show 😉

[@mamakaka73]

That would be awesome to use all my leftover bating.

[@lyncosentino3043]

I really don’t like this technique. It’s not a Quilt as You Go at all! In fact you do double work,. On the plus side, the fabrics are beautiful

[@Chatterboxquilts]

QAYG isn't for everyone - and there are different ways to do it as far as the backing goes. It's a good thing that there are lots of different quilt techniques so there's something for everyone.