Quilt as you go - How to join quilt sections without a bulky seam

Sewing quilted sections together without leaving a bulky seam. This is how I did it for the Sugaridoo Bernina QAL quilt.
~~ Want to know what's happening behind the scenes when I'm not here on KZbin? Hop over to my Instagram! sugaridoo ~~
The Bernina blog posts that go along with this video can be found here:
NL: blog.bernina.com/nl/2021/01/q...
DE: blog.bernina.com/de/2021/01/z...
EN: blog.bernina.com/en/2021/01/q...
S I G N ~ U P
Want to make this fun quilt? Check out www.sugaridoo.com/qal for all the patterns.
F A B R I C ~ K I T
Grab your fabric bundle over here:
sugaridoo.com/product-categor...
F A C E B O O K
The facebook page for this QAL is over here:
/ 698207970695660
T E A ~ F O R ~ I R E N E
Wanna support me in making these video? Hop over to: www.sugaridoo.com/tea-for-irene and click the donate button to send me a cup of tea :) Thank you so so much, you're the best!
S U G A R I D O O ~ S A M P L E R
www.sugaridoo.com/product/ebo...
I wrote a book! This is massive bundle of paper piecing patterns contains over 35 fun patterns. The Sugaridoo Sampler is available as e-book in English and Dutch.
- Where to find Sugaridoo -
Website: www.sugaridoo.com/
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/Sugaridoo
Insta: / sugaridoo
Facebook: / sugaridoo
- Credits -
Music credits to Bensound: www.bensound.com/

[@loraineleuschke4186]

Good video. No one has ever been this thorough in their explanation of this procedure. Thank you. Stay well.

[@amyedmans4894]

I keep coming back to this video every time a join together pieces of a quilt. it's the best method I have found! Thanks Irene!

[@mariannebloemkolk1355]

The clearest explanation of this method I’ve seen on KZbin so far. Well done, Irene! Zeer heldere uitleg! Goed gedaan!

[@Carolmaizy]

I will be saving this video for reference when I make my next quilt. Your instructions are clear and make me feel I can do this- thank you!

[@greg7191]

19-46 finally the Hand Stich I've been needing to see up-close! Thanks

[@conniekissner4796]

I try different QAYG methods. The way you have done this is mathematically better than what I have seen before. I did find a tape to hold the batting down that I would recommend. I also use chip clips to roll my fabric up & secure it firmly to reduce the bulk when sewing the 2 sections together. You are very pleasant to listen to your English is very good.

[@daniellesunley4807]

I love this method of joining the quilt. I have almost finished a block of the month with my local quilt shop. It will be king size once I sew the blocks together and will be heavy to machine quilt. I have thought about joining it after quilting but didn’t know a way to do it without sashing and changing the way the blocks interact with each other therefore interrupting the secondary design of the quilt. This method should work very well for me. Thank you.

[@marionbartley214]

Thank you for this video and explanation of joining your quilt sections. And the details of doing it.

[@GiFtEoS]

We can recognize your engineer qualifications here! Bravo, very well explained! This video will become an unvaluable resource for the "want to become" quilter I am😊

[@laurelh2426]

This will solve many problems that I have with making quilts in a small condo - thank you!

[@GeorgianNights]

Love this method of joining. You could also use press on interfacing about 1/2 inch wide to join the batting. They actually make one for quilts. Heat press batting.

[@cristianagherardi1338]

I have used interfacing,as you explain...good result.

[@jhwilliams6550]

I used fusible batting tape and glue basted the back before hand sewing. Both were a great help on the king size quilt I made. I agree with using a lot of pins because of the weight. It does get very heavy.

[@lorrainethomson2401]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is the best demonstration of putting the sections together with QAYG. 😊😊😊

[@sandrastacks1853]

I have used this method in the past. Good idea when working with large quilt. Thank you.

[@martinaryan5051]

Thank you so much for showing every step so clearly, I now think it is something I might have the confidence to try , you are a wonderful teacher !

[@melaniehinds664]

I recently started quilting with the QAYG method and I find it so much easier sewing on my domestic machine. Up until now most of my quilts have been baby/crib-sized as I have been hesitant to make a queen-sized or king-sized quilt. But separating it into 3 or 4 smaller sizes is a great idea. Well done, Irene. And thank you for sharing this!

[@AprilFuller71]

Thank you! I have been purchased binding tape and that gets expensive. I never thought about sewing the batting together. Easier and cheaper!!! Thank you again!!!

[@amychisholm7222]

Thank you for this video. I have been afraid to do large quilts but now I feel better about it.

[@bnyzhny]

What a GENIUS strategy - and your explanation is exquisitely clear - thank you!!! It is evident to me that your degree in mechanical engineering came in handy during your design of this Brilliant strategy. ⭐️🥰👏😍

[@gigiontube]

Hi there ! I enjoyed your video. Your method is very precise but also very tedious and time consuming. The result is outstanding ! I guess every method has its own positives and negatives depending on the particular situation and conditions. Glad you share yours ! Many blessings 🙏

[@adrianatorriggino61]

It´s so easy!!!!!!. With a domestic sewing machine I´ll make another big quilt!!!. Thank you Irene, you are a nice teacher!!!! I´m glad sewing and learning so many technics with this comunity!!. Happy new year for you all

[@sorryNOTsorry0911]

I know I'm 2 yrs late lol but I just found this after watching soòoo many other channels, I had no clue what they were trying to say and was about to give up then I found you 😄🇨🇦😄 thank you so much for making this so beginners can understand ...your quilt is stunning...

[@rachelburgener819]

Irene WOW, as a new quilter, I’m flabbergasted👏👏👏 I really like your approach and technique. Perhaps one day I can give it a go! I do hope y’all healthy😀 it’s so exciting to see that belly🤪❤️😀

[@asinheaven]

Best demonstration I've seen on a large quilt! Thank you!

[@Tattanose6]

I am going to try to back track and find all of your videos since I am a beginner. I am a 73 year old newbie who is learning a lot from you. I thank you for your style of teaching.

[@clarecondon3419]

I’m so glad I stumbled on to your video- the “sashing” method would look wrong on my very simple continuous design. This is so clever and such a satisfying use of hand sewing to make something invisible. Thank-you for posting!

[@kirstydeen3332]

Thank you for taking the time to explain this and to show how exactly you do the invisible stitch! I have struggled with this but think I will now be able to do it :)

[@jenniferplagge8642]

I did it! I was looking forward to this video ever since you published the last row. Finally it’s done! Well kind of. I still need to do the binding I guess 😅 Thank you for the QAL!!! With your modern designs, happy colors and cheerful nature you convinced me to start my first quilt ever. And while I was waiting for all of the rows to be published I bought the Sugaridoo sampler and made an animal quilt for my kids. It took over 100 hours of work, but it was absolutely worth it. Thank you for everything you do! I wish good health to you and your family! Greetings from your neighboring country Germany ✌️

[@katethompson2818]

I also came up with the idea of making three sections for a large QAYG quilt, so thank you very much for showing this way of joining the sections. I'm just now starting to piece the first section, so I have lots of time to watch your whole series with this quilt. Thank you!

[@yvonbergeron4846]

Hi, you are very good at explaining all the steps and in showing what you are doing. Congratulations and thank you. I have not done a quilt this way before but it would make the process of quilting easier as I have limited space to handle a big quilt all at once for machine quilting as I have a regular sewing machine without a large space between the needle and the body of the machine so this is a great solution. Your explanations have given me the desire to try . Thank you.

[@deborahmeares1048]

I love your videos and I love this one as well I think my favorite part about your videos is when you're showing it your editing is perfect so that it doesn't go from started to finished and we don't see anything. you show all the parts and that's amazing the only thing I would do differently is I think I would iron the piece that you're attaching so that you're consistent all the way down I love your brightness and your enthusiasm for everything that you do. we are keeping you in our prayers that your family will not be affected by the covid-19 and your newborn will be another wonderful starting place for your family have a great New Year and be blessed.

[@idawubben1933]

From down under, thank you for the best qayg video.

[@catstitchstudio]

Irene, this is wonderful! As a beginner, it's such a challenge to free motion quilt on large pieces--which in my world are about the size of your smaller pieces. I know I'll get better with time, and your clear instructions will allow me to make an entire quilt on my own machine. Thank you! (And PS...you are adorable!)

[@HRHDMKYT]

I will definitely be trying out this method on my next quilt. I’ll have to remind myself to not join the entire quilt before I make those quilt sandwiches in sections, but I look forward to having smaller sections to quilt on my domestic sewing machine. Thanks, Irene, for another fantastic video! (I wish you had more subscribers... you SO deserve them! I guess KZbin doesn’t recommend videos which originate from the Netherlands as actively as they do those from English-speaking countries. Shame).

[@lidyvps]

Super bedankt, Irene! Wat ben ik hier blij mee! Ik stond op het punt om mijn eerste grote quilt project op te geven, omdat het toch nooit onder mijn naaimachine zou passen. Nu durf ik weer verder!

[@dawndecesare2177]

I love your quilt and your joining method is brilliant. Thank you for explaining it so that I can understand.

[@lindaswanson7485]

Thank you.You are a wonderful teacher! Ozy ozy Ozy oy oy OY! Linda

[@seasmoke26]

I have just finished joining blocks into three quilt sections. Finding this video was perfect timing. Thank you so much!

[@vickiserre9457]

I love your video. I am attaching my borders to my QAUG quilt with batting between front and back border pieces. I secured my batting with fusible batting tape instead of hand stitching… then secured joining area with decorative top stitch and simple quilting.

[@erineddy7999]

Thank you so much for this video! The idea helped me to decide on the method for another quilt I have in progress. I am going to quilt and join a square at a time. This way I can make quilting my project portable. I like hand quilting but don’t always have room to set up the frame. I enjoy your channel very much❤

[@Sugaridoo]

You are so welcome! Great that you can use it in your projects!

[@louisenewall3426]

😻Definitely going to give this a try, was waiting for the video before i decided, 🙏 so much fir you time snd energy, you fill me with joy. Keep safe and well😊

[@kathyf3656]

This is great instruction for quilters of any experience. I have been doing quilt-as-you-go for 18 years and this is the best I have seen. (Unfortunately, I can't use this method any longer because, due to arthritis, I can no longer sew by hand, LOL.)

[@patstrawhouse4005]

Thank you for sharing! The quilt is beautiful. I will definitely use your method of joining the sections together!

[@MaryPoggemann]

Very nice tecnique. Thank you so much for sharing your time and talents with us!

[@caroldavies1139]

Beautiful quilt and as others have said this is such a good video. Thankyou. X

[@13xGrammy]

Bravo, for these clear instructions...and your beautiful quilt! I’m working on a quilt to give my grandson and his fiancé, as a wedding gift. There’s a large pieced middle section, surrounded by an 8 inch appliquéd border, then pieced outer part. I’d wondered if I could do the quilt as you go method. Thanks to your instruction, I now know how 😊 I SOOOO appreciate your expertise 🧵

[@gsr7772]

Great method!!! I needed a tutorial on this - thank you for posting! Please take care and stay safe my dear! 🥰

[@pennywalsh9100]

Love your technique....going to use this for larger quilt...love the wavy line quilts..been hesitant to make a larger quilt ie..queen plus on my regular machine...really enjoy your videos!! Thnx Irene...

[@jhwilliams6550]

If you can use a large table for the bulk to rest on it helps. I made a king size for my parents and when adding the final border I was glad to have a big area to hold it. I also glue basted the back so I could hand sew it without pins, learned that the hard way!🤦‍♀️🤣

[@christinarockett2270]

Thank you this is exactly what I was looking for ☺️

[@merrileewoodrick794]

Thank you for your video and appreciate your teaching methods. I may try this sometime

[@glg3945]

Very nice!!! Peace and good fortune and good health to you and your family.

[@juliemorrison4348]

I have only seen quilt as you go method used on for example 12" blocks. Sewing the same way then covering the seams on the back with bias binding. I wasn't too keen on the look, but your horizontal joins look great. My quilting frame only takes a double bed size so I want to use this method to add pieces on each side to make queen size . Thanks for the tips.

[@carilynjurgeson6178]

I too had issues with bulky seem of quilt as you go. This is a nice method and the wavy line pattern makes the binding areas blend in. I think I will give your method a try, but I will do that last seam on the machine. I have done a method that I found on Etsy years ago that also doesn't add bulk. You work in rows of quilt blocks...I like 12" rows, but I think you could also do 18". The first row gets quilted, then add the top & bottom of the 2nd row all right sides together, sew through all of the layers which on the 1st seam will be 4 layers of fabric and 1 layer of batting. (The next rows of seams will not be sewing through the batting because you will butt it up against batting of previous rows and baste as you did in your video) Pull the quilt out of machine and fold the bottom out and leave the top of row 2 folded onto row 1, insert batting that is a little shorter than the blocks and butt it up against previous batting and baste. Now you can expose the top of row 2 and quilt it. Then repeat for the rest of your rows. TFS

[@loriscrochetcreations8566]

Wonderful. I've always been intrigued with quilt as you go methods because I have a regular sewing machine. Your way is the best way that I've seen so far without bulk. I love to hand sew, so for me this is a great method. Thank you

[@theycallmemom4523]

I love this method. Thank You a lot! ❤️❤️❤️

[@sheilalambert2655]

Thanks for another great video. Your explanations and demos are so helpful and easy to follow. I have

[@jreese8284]

Thank you for the clear and thorough explanation! I've used this method with smaller pieces, and plan to use it on a quilt made of vintage materials too. Solid and beautiful results with no lumps!

[@jaykay3839]

This is fantastic! I didn't like the idea of quilt as you go because I didn't see how it could be attached without looking bad but your method looks amazing. I finally looked into QAYG a few weeks ago because I was curious and thought there's got to be a better way. This looks like that better way. :D

[@susanmei9980]

I love how your quilt turned out and the colors you chose! I have planned on doing a similar method of QAYG in 3 sections on a future quilt that I have yet to make. I watched QAYG tutorials and classes on the block at a time methods, but felt that was a lot of excess joining. I thought it all out and pictured it in my head, but couldn’t quite get my head around all the details, as I have sashing planned for the front of my quilt, and wanted to quilt that as well, yet still leave enough room for the join. Seeing you actually do it has helped me get my head around it. Still not sure about how to handle quilting my sashing by the joins. However, I’d like to share a method for joining batting that I plan to use. (NOTE: I will try this on a small project first, as a test. I don’t think any bulk will be left in the seam, but always TEST FIRST.) I learned when making baby quilts, BEFORE trimming the batting and backing, to sew around the whole outside, leaving an opening to turn. Next, BEFORE trimming the backing (so I have something to hold onto) I use a pair of “duck bill” appliqué scissors to cut the batting out of the seam allowance, as close to the stitching as I can get. Be careful not to cut the quilt top or backing. The duck bill scissors really help with this; they’re designed so you won’t accidentally cut the fabric underneath. Just go slow and be careful. This removes all the bulk out of the seam. Then I trim the backing fabric to match the front, trim the corners and turn. Press the edges. Then pin baste and quilt. This works well for small quilts that are not heavily quilted. Think 2” or 3” square grid. So, for joining QAYG sections, I think I’d feel better knowing my batting was firmly joined with the sewing machine and won’t pull apart or want to fold easily along the join line. So, what I plan to do is, join the front and the batting in one seam. Then carefully trim out the batting from the seam allowance. Then join the backing by hand, as you do. It might help to press under the backing seam allowance before joining the sections so you can get the iron in there; then pin out of the way. It really helps me to watch other people work, because I can picture it in my head, and then more ideas spring off of that! That’s how I work and design in my head, by picturing it happening like a movie played in my head. So, when I see someone else actually do a similar project, it helps me figure out if my idea will actually work or not, and I get ideas on what to tweak. 💡 so, thank you so much for sharing your project with us! I knew it would work! And maybe my joining idea will help someone else. When joining two regular pieces of batting, not already in a quilt, I use the stretch stitch on my machine. It goes, zig zig zig, zag zag zag. Or a multi stitch zigzag. 3 stitches in one direction, then 3 stitches in the other. Makes a strong, flat join. 🧵

[@gerrywallace6209]

Love the way you do it. Love quilt as you go technique.

[@wingrave1]

really helpful video - love your videos.

[@gillianhewish4914]

Thank you At last I understand how you do it, Many thanks

[@jeanramirez349]

One suggestion. Don't trim off all of the batting. Let it overlap and use your rotary cutter to cut a gently undulating cut the length of the batting. the 2 sides meet and it will be Perfect. Nothing will show between the cut edges and when you sew them together you REALLY won't feel the sewing like you sort of do with the straight seam. I learned this long ago. I know there is a video out there that shows details. If I find it I will let you know. Keep quilting. Love your taste in fabrics and patterns!

[@claresansoni97]

I'd like to see your method too please,

[@annataylor7226]

I don't see how this would work easily while still using a sewing machine to sew the top together. The batting couldn't be cut that way with a rotary cutter after the top is sewn together as the top would get cut. It might be possible with scissors if you had a thin flat guard to put between the top and the batting layer. If you cut the batting that way before the top is sewn together, it would be too difficult to make sure the wavy lines match.

[@lindalosier5989]

I really love the wavy lines!!

[@kimberlyhaney4973]

Awesome! Totally going to try this. Thank you for the video❤️

[@nanamjbri]

I love the way you explain every step and also the close up on how you stitch it closed ♥️ and also your quilt looks gorgeous 😍

[@sandyheller5438]

I’m definitely going to try this technique. Thank You for the tutorial.

[@shirlycallahan1329]

All your quilts are so unique. Just love all you do

[@teribusse8607]

Hello Irene! I love watching your videos. I actually did this about 30 years ago since that quilt was king size, but I needed a refresher. Your instructions are best in class wonderful. Thank you for all you do! You are so sweet!

[@nnickerson7636]

Very nicely done. Good job 🙂

[@soSEW-COB]

OMGosh thank you for ur video. I KNEW there HAD to be a way to finish a huge quilt that doesn’t involve using strips to join a quilt & restrict ones personal design. AND I didn’t hv to buy a table top small arm machine. I love ur designs & colours they r so fresh. 👋🏻 Chris, Ontario, Canada

[@pywagner]

I have just finished a sew along with some big blocks and was wondering how I can do a QAYG technique to put it all together but I didn't want to do it a block at a time. This method is genius! I'm definitely going to try it! Thank you!

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

I've been putting off joining the blocks of my quilt top because I wasn't sure how I wanted to finish it. I will need to add my border to each strip before doing this method but I think this will work for me, thank you!

[@KelleysQuiltsandCruises]

Very logical! Thanks.

[@rivkahkoniuchowsky2568]

Thank you for your clear explanation. Sometimes it is difficult to follow demonstrations on KZbin, but you have done really well. From reading other comments, I noticed that there are viewers who are beginner quilters. I would like to point out that I saw you grab your rotary cutter by the wrong end, while it was unlocked, several times. Please be careful. I myself have cut myself and I know how painful it can be. I would also hate to see you bleed all over your beautiful quilt.

[@Sugaridoo]

Thank you! Oh no, did I? I really try to always close it before I put it down. It's indeed way to sharp to grab it by the wrong end when it's open.

[@myrnamangalindan208]

Very informative and easy to understand instructions on how to quilt as you go. I will surely try to do this. Thank you.

[@teresalowry6340]

You're so refreshingly honest with your mistakes. I am making my first quilt and don't have a table to spread it out on to finish it now that my top is done. I'm going to separate it down to blocks and use your method. Thank you ❤️😊 Your quilt is beautiful ❤️💓

[@TheBayoubreeze]

Thank you so much for sharing this. ♥️

[@terrijones3386]

Thank you for using a large quilt and the close up of your hand sewing think I get it,

[@jacquelinecourcier5548]

Lovely instructions well done and a beautiful quilt. when joining your seams together to stop the drag I start mine in the so it’s more balanced and less chance of getting stabbed with pins hope this helps .

[@bainmat2316]

Hallo Irene, zo goed uitgelegd, dankjewel. Ik ga dit doen met de one-two-tree.

[@marilynbentley9707]

Very sharp and modern quilt!!

[@bctracy8296]

Great work Irene! Thanks. This is the method I use as well. I have quite a small machine so this allows me to make larger quilts.

[@sharonleeirvin3320]

I like how you did this Im gonna try it thank you for the video

[@Loriann3616]

Thank you so much! Great video 🥰

[@Brandi62]

I have got to try this! Thank you!

[@Redtop1965]

I like this and the wavy quilting helps to hide the joins very neatly.

[@kimdent1637]

Brilliant!

[@kirstennakken4368]

Very good explanation!!! Thank you!

[@sheryllipschitz2772]

Awesome video! I should have done that with the quilt I’m working on. It wouldn’t have been such a pain to appliqué and quilt. Definitely going to use this method!

[@mariefinlay7472]

Awesome video Tks so much!!!

[@JenniferJonesQuilterdressmaker]

Yes, I will be trying this method, sounds very interesting..

[@caroline-brisbane8577]

Thank you so much. Brilliant tutorial. This was what I was looking for. A way to quilt in manageable sections and put together. . My only issue is my hand sewing is terrible. Whilst I would consider trying to hand sewn the batting - good practise, I think there is a product that is strip that helps with that ? I would also like to try machine stitching the backing instead. ???

[@rosavaldez8529]

Enjoyed your video, I'm gng to try that method TY stay safe

[@stitchinginthebarn8307]

I was thinking about joining a quilt I have done like this but hadn't worked out the details yet. Thanks for sharing you had great timing for me! I think I'm going to leave my backing about a half an inch longer than you did so I can fold it in easier.

[@pugsmom1]

Great video, thank you

[@Teatime-mq6bv]

There exists a batting tape which is to be ironed on and with which you can join the two parts of batting together. Just if somebody wants to do only one line of handstitchung. Dont‘t know if this works but I could imagine that it will...! Irene, I hope you are doing well! It‘s probably not so easy in this crazy time.... Be careful and much much luck for you and your family. Looking forward to your next project💕

[@Kate98755]

when i made a quilt like this, quilting in 3's..rather than stitching the batting, i made a stitch down the middle to catch the batting...for the top i sewed a 1" strip to each top

[@smallfootprint2961]

I have watched some qayg videos of smaller blocks, &Asked how they're put together, but didn't get an answer, so this is really helpful. Not sure how you'd make it work with smaller blocks. Nice to listen to you and watch you work.

[@joannesnelling871]

I am going to do this!!!!

[@liletteautrey8481]

I have never done it and I am trying to find ways to do it because it is damaging my back with the weight of the big quilt together. I really love Your way and I will try it in my next one