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I love sharing my quilts with others because I know I’ve brought a little joy into their life. Seeing the smile on their face when they admire a beautiful quilt makes my day, especially if it is one of mine. But one of the questions I get asked often is, “How long did that take you?” It’s asked in a way that implies I must have taken a longer amount of time to have a completed quilt in hand.
Surprisingly, quilting does not take as long as most people think. Even beginner quilters can take advantage of the time-saving tips listed below for their first project. The time it takes to make a quilt can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the quilt pattern, the size of the quilt, your quilting experience and skill level, and how much time you can dedicate to the project each day. When I make one of my patterns it usually takes me about ONE WEEKEND. That’s with kids running around, chores to do, and general chaos all weekend long. Not only do I want to have a good time, I want to have complete quilts, not stacks of unfinished projects.
Some Quilting Considerations
I’m not a quilting superhero. I believe anyone who has the desire to make a quilt, can get it done in a much shorter timeframe than they assumed. Here are some general considerations for finishing a quilting project in a weekend:
Quilt Pattern Skill-Level: If you're making a small, simple quilt with a basic design, it could take much less time than an intermediate or advanced quilt. Look for a simple pattern that contains simple design elements (squares and half-square triangles) for the fastest quilts, like patchwork quilts. Techniques such as applique and paper piecing are fun, but require more time. Some quilt patterns that sew up the fastest include T-shirt quilts, rag quilts, and medallion quilts (especially with fabric panels).
Quilt Size: A small quilt is faster to make than a large quilt, especially if you are a beginner. Making a patchwork baby quilt will take less time than a patchwork queen-sized quilt or king-sized quilt. If you're quilting for the first time, a great way to get started is with smaller projects like a table runner, baby quilt, or lap quilt.
Hand-Quilting vs. Machine Quilting: The method of quilting can also affect the time it takes. Hand quilting is a slower process compared to using a sewing machine for quilting.
Experience: Your quilting experience matters. Experienced quilters tend to work faster and more efficiently than beginners. That’s not to say those beginners can’t quilt fast. There are many techniques that make even beginners faster. There are many free tutorials on YouTube and around the web to help you out.
Dedication: How consistently you work on the quilt also plays a role. If you quilt for several hours every day, you'll finish faster than if you only work on it sporadically. Yes, I have a quilt that took me 7 years to finish… because I only took it out a few times a year and only worked a few hours on it each time.
It's essential to remember that quilting is a labor of love, and many quilters enjoy the process as much as the finished product. If you're new to quilting, it's a good idea to start with a smaller, simpler project to get a feel for the process and gradually work your way up to more complex quilts. Additionally, quilting can be a relaxing and enjoyable hobby, so the time spent working on a quilt can be quite rewarding.
That being said, I enjoy the process of quilting a lot more when I know the finished quilt is just around the corner.
What are some useful techniques to make a quilt faster?
I’ve developed a toolbox of techniques over the years that helps me be as efficient as possible. Making a quilt faster involves optimizing your quilting process without sacrificing quality. Here are some useful techniques to help you quilt more efficiently:
Plan Ahead: Before you start quilting, plan your project thoroughly. Choose a simple or time-efficient quilt pattern, select fabrics that are easy to work with, and organize your quilting supplies. Use my Quilt In A Weekend planner to help you organize your time. Having a timeline and checklist can help you work with purpose.
Chain Piecing: Chain piecing is a technique where you continuously sew pieces of fabric together without cutting the thread in between. This saves time and thread. You can chain piece rows, blocks, or sections of your quilt. I organize my sewing so that I can chain piece as much as possible.
Use Pre-Cut Fabric: Pre-cut fabric packs, such as charm packs, jelly rolls, or layer cakes, can save a lot of time on cutting. These packs come with coordinated fabrics in standard sizes, so you can get right into piecing. While this can be a huge time saver, some patterns do still require you to cut some layer cake squares to make the quilt blocks.
Rotary Cutter and Ruler: Invest in a good rotary cutter and acrylic ruler. These tools make cutting fabric pieces quicker and more accurate.
Sewing Machine Settings: Familiarize yourself with your sewing machine settings and features. Adjust the stitch length and tension for efficient sewing and proper fabric handling.
Piece in Sections: Instead of quilting each block or section individually, look for opportunities to sew several blocks at once. Can you make all the half-square triangles at once? Chain piecing comes in handy here.
Basting Techniques: Explore different basting methods to secure your quilt layers (quilt sandwich) together quickly and effectively. Spray basting can save time compared to traditional pin basting. While I’m not a fan of spray basting, different techniques work for different people.
Prioritize Tasks: Break down your quilting process into smaller tasks and prioritize them. Focus on completing one task at a time, such as cutting, piecing, or quilting, before moving on to the next. My Quilt In A Weekend planner can help you focus on each step.
Organize Your Workspace: Keep your quilting area organized and clutter-free. Having your tools and materials readily accessible can save time searching for things.
Limit Unnecessary Detail in the Quilting: While intricate quilting designs can be beautiful, consider simplifying your quilting patterns to save time. Using a walking foot to quilt a simple grid pattern can really make your quilt shine. Tying your quilt can add a homey feeling. Choose designs that complement your quilt without requiring excessive stitching. This is the fun part for me, but if you don't enjoy this part, look into sending your finished quilt to a longarm quilter. For a reasonable fee, they can give your quilt a professional-looking finish. Some will even do the binding for you.
Practice and Experience: The more you quilt, the faster you'll become. Practice improves your accuracy and speed in cutting, piecing, and quilting.
Quilt with a Group: If possible, join a quilting group or class. Quilting with others can be motivating and can also provide opportunities for sharing tips and techniques to speed up your process. Visit your local quilt shop or attend a local quilt guild meeting. There are great places to meet other quilters who can keep you motivated and share your interests.
Remember that while these techniques can help you make a quilt faster, balancing speed with quality is essential. Rushing through the process too quickly can lead to mistakes and frustration. Take your time to enjoy the creative process while also finding ways to work efficiently.
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