A Super Simple and Fun Quilt As You Go Tutorial: Part One + 5 Quilt As You Go Patterns to Try

Over time, many quilting techniques are transformed and created. One of the most popular and fun techniques to come onto the scene is the quilt as you go method. There are several ways to achieve the QAYG technique, and later in this post, I’ll show you some beautiful quilt as you go patterns.

Before we look at quilt patterns, I want to show you my favorite technique with a step-by-step quilt as you go tutorial for quilt blocks. Let’s get into it!

Part One of the Beginner-Friendly Quilt As You Go Tutorial

For this tutorial, I will show you how to make the blocks to make a gorgeous scrappy table topper. We will make four- 9 ¼” square blocks, but you could easily use the tutorial to create a smaller or larger quilt, depending on what you want the finished project to look like. 

How Do You Make a Quilt As You Go Quilt?

When you first start researching QAYG projects, it might appear a bit complex, but I assure you, it’s a great beginner-friendly sewing project. In this quilting tutorial, I will show you how to make the quilt as you go blocks.

Step 1: Choose and Cut Your Fabrics

I will be using leftover jellyroll strips that I have from a previous sewing project, but you can use any fabric you like as long as your strips are at least 9 ½” long. I will be using strips that are various widths for a fun varied, layer look.

rotary blade fabric strips quilt as you go patterns

You can use jellyroll strips “as is,” but for my table topper, I want to use different widths for my strips ranging from 1” to 2 ½”. Cut as many strips as you need to create four- 9 ¼” square blocks. Tip: This is a fantastic project to use up some of those scraps you have lying around. 

cutting mat fabric strips rotary cutter blade quilt as you go patterns

I will also need to cut four- 9 ½” squares of batting and four- 9 ½” squares of backing fabric.

fabric batting cutting mat quilt as you go patterns

Step 2: Create the Strip-Pieced Blocks

For each block, take a backing fabric square, batting square, and several strips to your sewing machine. Lay the backing fabric right side down. Then place the batting on top of the backing fabric.

batting fabric quilt as you go patterns

Now take your first strip and place it roughly in the center of the square face up. 

batting fabric strip quilt as you go patterns

Take your next strip and lay it on the right side of the first strip face down.

fabric strips batting quilt as you go patterns

Sew with a ¼” seam on the right edge of the strips. This will be sewing the strips together and attaching them to the batting and backing (aka quilting as you go!)

fabric quilt batting quilt as you go patterns

Using your iron, press the second strip over so it is right side up.

oliso iron fabric quilt as you go patterns

Add the next strip and press it over as you did with the second strip. 

Continue this until you have filled up the entire right side of the block.

quilt as you go block half done

Flip the block around and do the same thing to fill up the left side of the block.

quilt as you go block

Repeat these steps to create three more blocks and trim each block to 9 ¼” x 9 ¼”.

four quilt as you go blocks quilt as you go patterns

Next week we’ll go over the next several steps to complete this beautiful table topper.

5 Super Simple and Beautiful Quilt As You Go Patterns

Now that you know how to quilt as you go works, let’s look at some fantastic patterns that you can use to make one-of-a-kind quilts for your home. All of these patterns are great beginner-friendly sewing projects.

  1. Quilt As You Go Table Runner
quilt as you go table runner

This sweet table runner pattern includes step-by-step instructions for quilting as you go in a simple strip-piecing technique. A table runner like this one would make a wonderful housewarming gift or birthday present for your loved ones. When you purchase this pattern, you gain access to video tutorials and all the instructions you need to make this table runner.

  1. Quilt As You Go Handbag
quilt as you go tote bag

This beginner-friendly quilt pattern will show you how to make a beautiful quilted tote bag like the one in the image above. This pattern is from the Etsy shop “JustJudeDesigns”. The finished bag will measure 17 ½” x 18 “ x 5”.

  1. Quilt As You Go Patchwork Pouch
quilt as you go zipper pouches

How cute are these patchwork zipper pouches? I found this pattern on Etsy in the shop “sweetjane”, and it is a fantastic beginner sewing project. This would make a super fun project to make with and for your kids. The finished pouches measure 9 ½” x 6 ½” x 3”.

  1. “Luv 2 Quilt” Quilt As You Go Table Runner
quilt as you go quilter's table runner

This pattern is from the shop “JoniSchonDesigns” on Etsy, and they have several different quilt as you go patterns to choose from. I really loved this one and thought it would be a great addition to this collection of quilt patterns. The finished table runner measures 18” x 42 ½”.

  1. Winter Solstice Quilt Pattern
quilt as you go quilt pattern

The Etsy shop “FairyLakeQuiltDesign” has several quilt as you go patterns, so I had to pick one to add to this list. This beautiful quilt pattern uses fabric strips to make these gorgeous quilt blocks. The pattern includes instructions for four quilt sizes.

I hope you enjoyed this quick, fun collection of quilt as you go quilts and other projects. This is such a fun technique that I think is under-utilized. It’s a great way to learn how to quilt, and it’s a lot of fun too!

Feel free to ask any questions about the quilt as you go tutorial in the comments below!


Happy Stitches!

quilt as you go patterns

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