But what is Quilting As You Go?

Quilt as you go is the method of making a quilt in the form of blocks that you quilt sandwich individually. Joined together to form a larger quilt. Using this technique, you can double side your quilt too at the same time. It is vitally important that you have your backing fabric at this stage as unlike a generic quilt which you would normally back at the end, this technique will have you create the whole block at the same time as designing the front. It’s a great idea to keep both sides of your fabrics from the same palette/designer of fabrics, so not to compromise your design.

You will need - Top fabric, Backing fabric, Wadding, Sashing fabric, Binding fabric, Pins, Sewing machine, Erasable pen/chalk, Rotary cutter, Cutting mat, Ruler.

First decision to make is to decide what size you would like your blocks to be. If you’re new to this technique it would be advisable make your blocks all the same size. Your sandwich will be made up from backing (wrong side up), wadding, and finally your top fabric.

Next, mark your stitch lines with an erasable pen or chalk. Measure these out using a straight edge, none slip ruler. Using an erasable marker will allow you to wipe out your marks once you have applied your patterned or straight stitch to the material without damaging it.

Set your stitch length on your machine between 3 & 4 and using a walking foot, stitch along the lines you have just marked out using your erasable pen or chalk. Using a rotary cutter and a ruler, neaten your sandwich to the size block you acquire, removing the run off.

Repeat this process until you have enough sandwich blocks ready to be sewn together. Cut 2 pieces of sashing, the same height as your sandwich block. One of your pieces is single layer deep, the second folded. (2 layers of fabric)

Pin your sashing to to the connecting edge of your sandwich. Raw edge of your sashing facing out. The order should be sashing, top fabric, wadding, backing fabric then sashing again. Then stitch a seam along your sandwich. Your next stage will be to attach two sandwiches together using the sashing you have just created. Stitch your sashing to your 2nd block. Press the fabric and run a second stitch along the other side of your sashing to strengthen your quilt. This stitch can be wider apart and more decorative. If you use a larger sashing to pull the 2 blocks together, consider filling the sashing with some wadding to prevent the quilt from becoming flimsy. This is explained in Wendy's Youtube tutorial. Once you’ve decided the length of your quilt, which will be dictated by the number of blocks you have placed together, measure the length of your quilt and cut your sashing to the same length. Repeat the process to connect all your sandwich blocks which are now rows together. Finally, bind the quilt as you desire.

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