If you’ve ever tried quilting a full-size quilt on a domestic sewing machine, you know the struggle. The bunching. The wrestling. The awkward shoulder positions. The moment you question your life choices while shoving 8 pounds of fabric through a 6-inch throat space.

That’s exactly why Quilt As You Go (QAYG) is such a game changer.

Instead of quilting one giant quilt sandwich, you quilt manageable sections first — then join them together at the end.

It’s easier.
It’s lighter.
And it makes large quilts possible on small machines.

In this complete Quilt As You Go tutorial, we’ll cover:

• What Quilt As You Go actually means

• The two main QAYG methods (with sashing & without)

• Step-by-step instructions

• Fabric math and block planning

• Best batting choices

• How to reduce bulk

• Pros and cons of QAYG

• When not to use this method

• Common beginner mistakes

Let’s break it down properly.

What Is Quilt As You Go?

Quilt As You Go is a quilting technique where you:

1. Piece your quilt blocks.

2. Quilt each block individually (with batting and backing).

3. Join the quilted blocks together.

Instead of:

Top ? Batting ? Backing ? Quilt entire thing ? Bind

You’re essentially making mini quilts and connecting them later.

This eliminates the hardest part of quilting for beginners: managing bulk.

Why Quilt As You Go Is So Popular

Quilt As You Go has grown in popularity because it:

? Works on small sewing machines
? Eliminates full quilt basting
? Reduces shoulder strain
? Allows portable sewing
? Makes quilting feel less overwhelming

It’s especially popular with:

• Beginner quilters

• Scrap quilters

• Memory quilt makers

• Anyone with limited workspace

The Two Main Quilt As You Go Methods

There are two common ways to do QAYG.

Let’s compare them clearly.

Method 1: Quilt As You Go With Sashing (Best for Beginners)

This is the easiest and most forgiving method.

How It Works

• Quilt each block separately.

• Join blocks together with sashing strips.

• Use backing extensions to finish seams neatly.

The sashing hides the joins and reduces bulk at intersections.

Why This Method Is Beginner-Friendly

• Mistakes are easier to hide
  • No exposed seam allowances
  • Less precision required
  • Bulk is distributed

It’s structured and predictable — which beginners appreciate.

Step-by-Step: Quilt As You Go With Sashing

Let’s walk through it clearly.

Step 1: Decide Your Block Size

Choose a consistent finished block size.

Example:
10″ finished blocks (10½” unfinished)

Consistency is critical in QAYG.

Step 2: Cut Batting & Backing

For each block:

Batting = same size as unfinished block
Backing = 1″ larger on all sides

Example:

10½” block
Batting: 10½”
Backing: 12½”

That extra inch allows you to fold backing over seam joins later.

Step 3: Quilt Each Block Individually

Create a mini quilt sandwich:

Backing (right side down)
Batting
Block (right side up)

Quilt as desired:

• Straight line quilting
  • Crosshatch
  • Diagonal lines
  • Gentle curves
  • Stitch in the ditch

After quilting, trim batting flush with block edges.

Leave backing extension intact.

Step 4: Join Blocks With Sashing

Cut sashing strips:

Common finished width: 1½”–2½”

Sew sashing between blocks on the quilt top.

Press carefully to reduce seam bulk.

Continue building rows.

Step 5: Finish the Back Seams

Fold backing extensions over the seam allowances.

Topstitch in place.

This neatly encases the seam on the back.

Repeat for horizontal joins.

Then bind outer edges as usual.

And just like that — fully quilted quilt, no wrestling required.

Method 2: Quilt As You Go Without Sashing

This method creates an invisible join.

It’s cleaner visually — but more advanced.

How It Works

• Quilt blocks individually.

• Trim batting flush.

• Sew blocks right sides together (top layers only).

• Open seam.

• Fold backing edges inward.

• Stitch down.

It creates a flat seam that blends almost seamlessly.

Pros

• Modern finish
  • No sashing interruption
  • Clean quilt front

Cons

• Requires precision trimming
  • Can become bulky
  • Less forgiving

Beginners usually start with the sashing method.

Best Batting for Quilt As You Go

Because you’re joining quilted sections, batting choice matters.

Best options:

? Low loft cotton batting
? Cotton/poly blend batting
? Batting that compresses easily

Avoid:

? High-loft polyester batting
? Very thick batting

Thick batting makes seam joins bulky and harder to manage.

Fabric Math Example (Throw Size Quilt)

Let’s break this down.

Throw quilt: 60″ x 70″
Block size: 10″ finished

You’ll need:

6 blocks across
7 blocks down
Total: 42 blocks

Batting:
42 pieces, 10½” each

Backing:
42 pieces, 12½” each

Add extra yardage for sashing and outer border.

How to Reduce Bulk in QAYG

Bulk is the main complaint about this method.

Here’s how to avoid it:

• Trim batting precisely
  • Press seams open where possible
  • Use thinner batting
  • Avoid over-quilting
  • Choose moderate seam allowances

Precision during trimming makes joining easier later.

When NOT to Use Quilt As You Go

QAYG isn’t perfect for every quilt.

Avoid if:

• You want intricate free-motion quilting across the entire quilt
  • You plan to use a longarm
  • You want uninterrupted quilting designs
  • You prefer ultra-flat quilt backs

QAYG excels with simpler quilting designs.

Best Quilt Styles for QAYG

Quilt As You Go works beautifully with:

• Scrap quilts
  • Nine patch quilts
  • String quilts
  • Memory quilts
  • Baby quilts
  • 5-inch square patchwork quilts

Block-based quilts are ideal.

Common Quilt As You Go Mistakes

Let’s prevent frustration.

Skipping trimming
Forgetting seam allowance on backing
Using inconsistent block sizes
Choosing thick batting
Pressing aggressively and stretching blocks

Measure twice. Trim carefully.

Pros and Cons of Quilt As You Go

Pros

? Manageable sections
? Beginner-friendly
? No full quilt basting
? Works on small machines
? Great for large quilts

Cons

? Visible seams (with sashing method)
? Slight seam bulk
? Limited continuous quilting designs

Knowing both sides helps you choose wisely.

Thoughts on Quilt As You Go

Quilt As You Go makes quilting feel achievable.

Instead of one overwhelming project, you create progress one block at a time.

It’s especially empowering for beginners who feel intimidated by traditional quilting.

If your sewing machine feels too small…
If your workspace feels too tight…
If you’ve abandoned quilts because of bulk…

QAYG might be the method that gets you finishing again.

And honestly? Finishing is the best feeling in quilting.