Quilt as You go method or.....will it work?

[coffeebreak]

I know "how" to do quilt-as-you-go, but have 2 questions.

1. If you lay the backing, batting and then start sewing the pieces on the batting and adding more as you go...do you have the batting and back the size you want the quilt to be and just keep that kind of rolled up and just roll out as you go?

Or you have a top section assembled make it to about 25" square, then lay that on batting and backing also 25" square, and start top stitching (STID or whatever you use) from center out..and then stop just one row before you get to the edge of the batting/backing, then piece together more rows and add to the top portion of the quilt, add same measurement of batting/backing and continue STID and repeat until you get the quilt the size you want. And the put on binding. (hope that makes sense!)...

I am attaching a pic of a portion of this quilt I am making with just strips and squares...and was thinking I might try the QAYG method....and use batting/backing this size (itis about 15"sq) and STID until the second to last row, then add more strips around this finished part, and when I get another 10" or so sewn on the front...go back, add 10" of batting&backing and SITD...until I get to 60x60 and then just finish the STID to edges and add binding.

Good idea? Will it work? Better suggestion? I am asking as a way to maybe get around some of the hard top quilting when doing a large quilt in a regular sized sewing machine.

[Laurel Knott Kindley]

I made a very large quilt with my guild about 11 years ago with this method. It works really well if you have a lot of people to work on the quilt and can divide it up. Quilt each block individually except for the outside edges. Then sew the top parts together with a sewing machine. When you sew the back, fold one side over the other and slip stitch it down. Then, just quilt on either side of the seam. Hope that makes sense.

I read somewhere that this method was first used by the pioneers when they were traveling across country in wagons. They were going to need quilts for when they settled and with no place to layout a large quilt to quilt the whole thing, this technique was "born". If anyone knows of a different story of how this was started, please share. I'm curious.

[Sandy Navas]

Laurel has said it just like I would, only much easier to understand. Never heard that explanation about the pioneers but that makes so much sense.

[JimsQueenie]

Sure with I could help you, I have never made this type of quilt. I love hearing stories of how quilts were started though so glad I came here as I would like to try to make a quilt this way sometime. I love doing new things and techniques. Piece and blessings, Vicki

[coffeebreak]

I made a very large quilt with my guild about 11 years ago with this method. It works really well if you have a lot of people to work on the quilt and can divide it up. Quilt each block individually except for the outside edges. Then sew the top parts together with a sewing machine. When you sew the back, fold one side over the other and slip stitch it down. Then, just quilt on either side of the seam. Hope that makes sense.

I read somewhere that this method was first used by the pioneers when they were traveling across country in wagons. They were going to need quilts for when they settled and with no place to layout a large quilt to quilt the whole thing, this technique was "born". If anyone knows of a different story of how this was started, please share. I'm curious.

THose pioneer ladies were pretty darn smart so I don't doubt that being the "birthplace" of this method at all. Total common sense and necessity! I think I am going to try it... I can always disassemble if it doesn't work good enough!