Making a Large Quilt In Sections - Another Approach

 I previously published a post (16 years ago!) about how to make a quilt in sections. This was a method I devised, and have used a number of times since then. 

Recently, I came across a video which explains 9 ways to make a quilt in sections!!!  Some of these are variations of each other, but I found Technique 3 most interesting.

I tried it out using scrap fabs, and refined the process from what is shown in the video.

Here is my version of this QAYG process:

The point of building a quilt in sections is to minimize or eliminate the large amount of bulk that would be present if the entire quilt was quilted in whole.

For this technique to work, there must be sashing between the rows (or columns). Each row (or column) is first quilted by itself. Then, you will join these quilted units together to make the full-sized quilt. But you should do the process in sub-sections. For example: If your quilt has 5 columns, you can join columns 1 and 2 as described below. Then join columns 3 and 4 (so you now have two pairs of column units). Then join column 3 to 1-2; then 1-2-3 to 4-5.

Important notes:

• ·      This method works best for quilts that have NO borders. You can still use it for quilts with borders, but be sure to include the top and bottom ones (for assembling rows) or the two side ones (for columns) as part of the quilted strips. Then, the sides (for rows) or top-bottom (for columns) will need to be added last. Or: treat these as extensions of the blocks. If you do that, then these borders will be “pieced” when you sew the rows (columns) together.
• ·     The sashing strips should be added to the BOTTOMS of each row or the RIGHT SIDE of each column (except, of course, not on the last row or column).
• ·     It would be smart to make a mini-sized test model to be sure you understand and can do the process before trying it on your actual quilt.  

 

QUILTING

Q1.  Cut a strip of backing fabric and a strip of batting at least 1” bigger all around than the row (column) to be quilted (use your judgement based on how dense the quilting will be). NOTE: For the LAST ROW (COLUMN), include any border (or sash) on the top (pieced blocks), and for the size of the back and batting.

Q2.  Place backing fabric WRONG side up and tape ends to table.

Q3.  Place the batting on top.

Q4.  Place the assembled row (column) of blocks on top (face up).

Q5.  Pin as necessary.

Q6.  Quilt as desired.

Q7.  Trim excess batting and back fabric on all 4 sides. Save the fabric and batting! You may be able to use them for the sashing strips assembly.

REPEAT Q1 – Q7 FOR ALL REMAINING STRIPS.

 

SASHING

S1.  Cut the sashing pieces. For example:

For a 2” finished sashing, cut:

• A 2 ½” strip of top sashing fabric x the length of the row (column) (you can cut a little longer just to be safe if you wish). Note that this sashing may be made up of smaller strips and squares instead of just one long piece. Refer to your quilt pattern for details.
• A 1 ½” strip of batting x the length of the row (column) (plus extra).
• A 4 1/2”+ strip of backing fabric x the length of the row (column) (plus extra). The formula for this is two times the FINISHED size of the top-sash + ½” PLUS 1/16” (just to be safe).

S2.  Place the top sashing fab strip RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER on the front edge of the row (column) strip and pin raw edges. You can sew it on at this point or wait until Step S6. If sewn here, do NOT press open. Note: if this sashing strip has been pieced, be sure to line up any seams as appropriate.

S3. Fold the back fab sashing strip in half along the fill length (so it would now be 2 ¼+” in this example).

S4. Pres the fold.

S5. Place that strip on the back of the row (column) with the raw edges together and pin.

S6. Sew ALL layers (top sash [if not sewn in S2], pieced row (column), and folded backing strip), with a ¼” seam. Be sure the top sash strip lays flat (especially if sewn on in Step S2). Note that we have NOT used the batting strip at this point.

S7. Remove pins and unfold the TOP SASHING fabric strip.

S8. Press both back and top sashes.

S9. Add the next row (column): Place the top sashing fab strip (from the whole assembled previous unit) RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER on the front of the row (column) strip and pin raw edges.

S10. Sew the new row (column) to the top sashing fab (1/4” seam). Be sure NOT to sew (or catch) the back sashing strip.

S11. Open up the unit and press the just sewn top sashing fabric in place. Also, if this strip was pieced, the seam lines of adjacent blocks should line up.

S12. Flip the sections over (so the back is facing up) and lay the batting strip in the cavity between the two rows (columns).

S13. Fold the back sashing piece over to the new unit. It should line up with the ¼” seam line where the second unit was sewed to the top sashing fab. Press and pin in place in preparation for topstitching. Be sure the batting strip lays flat.

S14. Topstitch along the fold very close to the edge. Doing so, of course, means that the threads will show through on the quilt top! Alternatively, you can whipstitch by hand (but it may be hard based on how much quilting was done and how close the ¼” seam line is). If you do topstitch, you may want to topstitch the other side for a consistent look.

REPEAT STEPS S1 – S14 FOR ALL REMAINING STRIPS (EXCEPT THE LAST ROW / COLUMN).