Cassie Cartmell – Faodail Creation
Quilt As You Go Tutorial for Beginners
If you’ve ever struggled with managing a large quilt under your sewing machine, then Quilt As You Go is going to change everything for you.
In this Quilt As You Go tutorial, I’m going to show you exactly how to join quilt blocks together step by step. This method allows you to quilt each block individually and then assemble them, making the entire quilting process easier, faster, and much more manageable.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, learning Quilt As You Go will completely transform the way you create quilts.
One of the biggest challenges in quilting is handling the bulk of a full quilt. As your project grows, it becomes harder to move smoothly under your sewing machine, which can lead to uneven stitching, frustration, and even fatigue. With this process, you eliminate that struggle entirely. By focusing on one block at a time, you gain better control, improve accuracy, and enjoy the quilting process much more.
Another reason why this method stands out in quilting is the flexibility it offers. You can experiment with different designs on each block without worrying about how it will affect the entire quilt. This makes quilting more creative and less stressful, especially if you’re still building confidence in your skills. Each block becomes a small, manageable project, which is perfect for staying motivated and seeing progress quickly.
Quilt As You Go also fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle. Instead of needing long uninterrupted periods for quilting, you can work on individual blocks whenever you have time. This makes it easier to stay consistent with your quilting projects without feeling overwhelmed.
For those who love quilting but struggle with physical limitations, this method is a game-changer. Since you’re only working with smaller sections, there’s less strain on your shoulders, arms, and back. It allows more people to enjoy quilting comfortably and continue doing what they love.
Overall, Quilt As You Go simplifies quilting while still delivering beautiful, professional-looking results. It’s a practical, creative, and highly rewarding approach that makes quilting accessible to everyone, no matter their experience level.
Why Quilt As You Go Is a Game-Changer
What Is Quilt As You Go?
Quilt As You Go is a quilting technique where each quilt block is quilted separately before being joined together.
Instead of wrestling with a bulky quilt, you:
- Quilt smaller sections
- Join them neatly
- Finish with a professional-looking quilt
Benefits of Quilt As You Go
- Easier to handle than full quilts
- Perfect for beginners
- Ideal for small sewing spaces
- Great for elderly quilters or anyone with limited mobility
- Allows more control over quilting designs
This quilting technique is especially helpful if you find it difficult to push a large quilt through your sewing machine.
Materials Needed for Quilt As You Go
Fabric & Supplies
To get started with This quilting technique you’ll need:
- Quilt blocks (at least two to join)
- Quilt batting (cut to block size)
- Backing fabric (1.5 inches larger than block)
- Thread
- Pins or clips
- Ruler and rotary cutter
Sewing Machine Setup
For this this quilting technique method:
- Drop your feed dogs
- Use an open toe foot
- Set up for free motion quilting
Step 1: Prepare Your Quilt Blocks
Before starting your Quilt As You Go process, you need to prepare your quilt sandwich.
Trim the Batting
Cut your batting to match the exact size of your quilt block.
If there is excess batting:
- Lay your block flat
- Trim evenly along all edges
This step ensures your Quilt As You Go project lays flat and professional.
Cut Your Backing Fabric
Your backing fabric should be:
- About 1.5 inches larger than your quilt block
This extra fabric is essential for the joining method later.
Step 2: Free Motion Quilt Each Block
Now it’s time to quilt your blocks individually.
Simple Quilting Design
For this tutorial, use a beginner-friendly design:
- Half circles
- Repeat across the block
This creates a soft, flowing texture.
Important Tip
Do NOT quilt all the way to the edges.
Leave:
- At least 1 inch unquilted around the edges
This is crucial for the joining process.
Step 3: Position Blocks for Quilt As You Go
Place your two quilt blocks:
- Right sides together
Before sewing:
- Pull back the batting
- Pull back the backing fabric
You only want to sew the quilt tops together for this step.
Step 4: Stitch the Blocks Together
Sew a:
- Quarter-inch seam
This connects your quilt blocks while keeping the batting and backing free.
This is the key step in the this method.
Step 5: Trim the Batting
After sewing:
- Fold the batting over
- Check for overlap
- Trim any excess
You want the batting to:
- Sit flat
- Meet neatly in the middle
This ensures your Quilt As You Go project stays smooth and even.
Step 6: Fold and Press the Backing Fabric
Now we finish the back seam.
Create a Clean Finish
- Fold one side of the backing fabric to the center
- Press to create a guideline
- Fold the opposite side over
- Fold again to hide raw edges
Press everything flat.
This is what gives this quilting technique its neat, finished look.
Step 7: Hand Stitch the Seam
Using a needle and thread:
- Hand stitch the folded seam down
- Use a binding-style stitch
This secures your Quilt As You Go seam beautifully.
Step 8: Finish Quilting the Block
Now go back and:
- Fill in the unquilted areas
- Continue your design across the seam
This blends everything together and completes your Quilt As You Go block.
What Quilt As You Go Looks Like
Front of the Quilt
The front will look like:
- A regular quilt
- Seamless and cohesive
Back of the Quilt
On the back:
- You will see the joining strips
This is completely normal for Quilt As You Go quilts.
How to Build a Full Quilt with Quilt As You Go
Once you’ve joined two blocks:
- Add more blocks the same way
- Build rows
- Join rows together
The process stays exactly the same throughout your project.
Quilt As You Go for Table Runners & Toppers
This method is perfect for:
- Table runners
- Table toppers
- Small quilts
For example:
- Create 3 blocks
- Join them using Quilt As You Go
- Add binding using the backing fabric
Why Quilt As You Go Is Perfect for Beginners
If you’re new to quilting, Quilt As You Go is one of the easiest methods to learn and one of the most forgiving techniques for building your skills.
You don’t need:
- A large workspace
- A longarm machine
- Advanced skills
You can focus on:
- One block at a time
- Building confidence
One of the biggest reasons beginners love Quilt As You Go is because it removes the overwhelm that often comes with traditional quilting. Instead of handling a large, heavy quilt, you’re working with small, manageable pieces. This makes it much easier to guide your fabric through the sewing machine and maintain control over your stitching.
With Quilt As You Go, mistakes are also easier to fix. If something doesn’t turn out quite right, you’re only adjusting a single block rather than an entire quilt. This gives you the freedom to learn at your own pace without the pressure of perfection. It’s a much more relaxed and enjoyable way to approach quilting, especially when you’re just starting out.
Another benefit for beginners is how quickly you can see progress. Completing one block at a time gives you a sense of accomplishment, which helps keep you motivated. Quilting can sometimes feel like a long process, but Quilt As You Go breaks it down into smaller, achievable steps that feel rewarding.
This method also helps you develop essential quilting skills. As you work through each block, you naturally improve your cutting, stitching, pressing, and design techniques. Over time, these small improvements build into strong, consistent quilting habits that will benefit all your future projects.
Quilt As You Go is also very forgiving when it comes to space and time. You don’t need a dedicated sewing room or hours of uninterrupted work. You can pick up a block, work on it, and put it aside whenever needed. This flexibility makes quilting more accessible and easier to fit into everyday life.
Overall, Quilt As You Go is the perfect starting point for beginners because it simplifies the process, builds confidence, and makes quilting feel achievable and enjoyable from the very first project.
Pro Tips for Quilt As You Go Success
Keep It Simple
Start with easy quilting designs like loops or half circles.
Press Carefully
Pressing seams properly makes a huge difference in your final result.
Trim Accurately
Accurate trimming keeps your project aligned.
Use Quality Fabric
Good fabric makes sewing smoother and results cleaner.
Final Thoughts on Quilt As You Go
This quilting technique is one of the most practical and beginner-friendly quilting techniques you can learn.
It allows you to:
- Quilt in manageable sections
- Avoid bulky projects
- Create beautiful quilts with ease
Whether you’re making a full quilt, a table runner, or a seasonal topper, this quilting technique gives you flexibility and control every step of the way.
One of the best things about this quilting technique is how approachable it makes quilting for everyone. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the size of a full quilt, you can focus on one section at a time and build your project gradually. This not only improves your accuracy but also makes the entire quilting experience far more enjoyable and less stressful.
As you continue using Quilt As You Go, you’ll start to notice how much more confident you become with your quilting skills. Each block gives you the opportunity to practice and refine your technique, whether it’s your stitching, spacing, or overall design. Over time, this leads to more polished and professional-looking quilts without the pressure of managing a large piece all at once.
Another advantage of Quilt As You Go is the creative freedom it offers. You can experiment with different quilting patterns, textures, and designs on each block. This makes your finished quilt more unique and personalized, which is one of the most rewarding parts of quilting.
Additionally, this method is perfect for using up fabric scraps. If you enjoy scrap quilting, Quilt As You Go allows you to turn smaller pieces of fabric into something cohesive and beautiful without wasting materials.
In the end, Quilt As You Go is more than just a technique—it’s a smarter, more flexible way of quilting. It helps you stay organized, reduces frustration, and allows you to enjoy every step of the process while still achieving stunning results.
This is the you tube tutorial : https://youtu.be/_AbCTFL1XdQ?si=rfWSk5lQ889wD2i1
If you enjoyed this tutorial you will like String Quilt Block Tutorial https://faodailcreation.ca/2026/04/09/string-quilt-block/
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