Q&A

By Marla Stefanelli

I'm making a quilt and would like to quilt each square before assembling them together. How do you do this?
B. Hill,
e-mail

This quilt-as-you-go method takes longer than regular quilting, but it does make the project portable so you can quilt while you're out and about.

Start by making a mini-quilt sandwich for each block. Cut the backing the same size as the pieced or appliquéd block. Cut the batting 1/4" smaller. Lay the backing wrong side up on a flat surface. Center the batting over it, and then place the block right side up on top; thread- or pin-baste the layers together.

Quilt each block leaving the outer 1/2" free of stitching.

Join two blocks with rights sides facing, using a 1/4" seam and stitching just the quilt-block layers together (1).

To finish the back, turn under one seam allowance 1/4" and overlap it over the other; blindstitch to secure (2).

Join the blocks into strips and then join the strips. Or join the blocks into larger squares and then join the squares together to complete the quilt.

Bind the outer edges to finish. Don't forget to make a label for the quilt back that includes your name, date and place of residence.

From the October 2006 issue of Sew News magazine.