Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Quilt-As-You-Go Strip Quilt


Making a quilt can be a bit pricey, especially when you consider sending it to be quilted once you've finished piecing the top. If you are a DIY kind of gal, then this quilting method will definitely appeal. Here's how to make it:

Using anywhere between 3 and 16 different fabrics cut the following strips:

Three 6" x 42"
Two 5" x 42"
Four 4" x 42"
Five 3" x 42"
Two 2" x 42"

Lay them out on the ground in a random pleasing pattern. Then, cut a backing fabric (you may need to piece it) 45" x 60" and use a spray adhesive to attach it to a baby crib size batting. Then lay it on the ground batting side up.


Pin the bottom strip to the bottom of your batting/backing right side up and sew along the bottom edge where it's pinned using a 1/4 in. seam (you will be sewing through all three layers).  Now, lay the next strip on top of the attached strip right sides together with edges matched up. Sew through all four layers where you've pinned.  Now press the seam open so you're new strip is right side up, then attach the next strip the same way as the last and repeat until the all strips are attached.  

To make it easy while you are sewing the seams, roll up the excess backing/batting so it will sit nicely to the right of your needle. Be sure to always sew in the same direction, if you try to turn your quilt and sew from the other side, you risk stretching the fabric (which never looks nice). When you've completed your quilt, trim the edges and bind as desired. Not sure how to bind? Watch for my binding tutorial next tuesday.  


This is a condensed tutorial, if you have any questions, please ask!

One more thing, when your quilt is done, you've got to "break it in" (as we call it at our house) by letting your baby/grandbaby/neighbors baby walk, lay or wipe their snotty nose on it. :) Here's Juliette on Halloween initiating her new quilt.






Fabrics Used:



20 comments:

Nancy said...

Ok. I think I can do that. I can sew a straight stitch. Nothing fancy. "Making a quilt" has always been on my list of things I want to do. Thanks for the tips.

Melissa @ LoveBugLiving said...

I have actually been thinking about making a strip quilt like this. So if I'm reading it right you are piecing it together and quilting it in the same step. So much quicker! Thanks!

Melissa
www.lovebugliving.com

Anonymous said...

Great idea! I am definitely a DIY kinda gal. I love the fabrics you used in this quilt...adorable!

Jamie @ the Backless Shirt Blog said...

Thanks for the quick tutorial. I want to try it now!!!
Jamie

The Farrier's Daughter said...

Hi there! Found you at WIWW and am soooo happy! I will be adding to my faves :-)

Rolled Up Pretty said...

Oh my gosh, I wish I had it in me to quilt. Something about it scares the living daylights outta me. This is adorable though! As is everything you make :)

Emily said...

What a smart idea! Looking forward to trying this sometime. PS Darling picture of the quilt being broken in.

Jennie B. said...

I LOVE this quilt! Looks like something I could do.... And your costumes are fab. I love your innocent look! CUte, Annie.

Tanya said...

Love this fabric line...always a great, fast quilt pattern, too. Trade ya' Ju Ju for my fabric stash!

Emily said...

This makes me want to dust off my sewing machine!

Marie said...

Beautiful quilt!

Marie
mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

What a fabulous tutorial...a quilt I actually think I could make :)

Your newest follower, Jessica from http://myworldmadebyhand.blogspot.com I'd love it if you'd stop by and follow as well :)

Jill said...

LOVE the fabrics you used - what a pretty quilt! I'm definitely coming back for your binding tutorial - not my strong point!! :(

Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a great week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

Katie said...

WOW! Love your fabric choices--this quilt is beauitful. I think I could totally make a quilt like this. BTW... featured your project today on Sew Woodsy$!

Sewanonymous and So Much More said...

What an adorable little girl!! She's so cute! You've inspired me to start the quilt I've been planning ever since I bought the fabric...lol...several months ago!
Very nice job!
Ellie

Nancy said...

I Love this idea!! I may be back someday soon to ask questions!! Your little girl is adorable!!

Thanks, Nancy

Rebecca said...

I just saw someone using this method for a table runner, such a quick way to finish a project!

chris said...

Clever girl. I love the fabrics you used.

Q @ JAQS said...

Love those fabrics - great job!

Love for you to join my Linky Party - JAQS "Made by ME" at http://www.jaqsstudio.com/2011/11/made-by-me-6-linky-party-and-features.html

Megan said...

Very fun! :) Thanks for linking up to {Sew} Modern Monday and have a great week!