Quilting is a satisfying creative outlet, but sometimes, completing a whole quilt can feel overwhelming or sometimes we just lose interest or get side tracked and then it ends up with the pile of other unfinished projects in the sad land of in the dark corner of the closet until I can get back to it… but pssst you don’t get back to it!! Then the guilt or a new overwhelm shows up of unfinished projects piling up!!
With a bit of planning, it’s absolutely possible to start a quilt and follow through to be finished and ready for the quilting or for the longarmer within 30 days. Here’s how to break down the process into manageable chunks, so you can create your quilt top from start to finish in a month and not add to the lonely land of forgotten half made projects:
Before you start, it’s important to set clear goals for your quilt top. Are you following a pattern or designing your own layout? What size will your quilt top be? Will it be a single block design, a patchwork of different blocks, or a more intricate layout? Choose something that suits your skill level and fits within the timeframe. A small- to medium-sized quilt top, such as a lap quilt or throw, is ideal for completing in a month. If all this already stresses you out. Just pick something simple to get you going on this planning process.
Now that you know what you want to create, break your project down into weekly tasks. This structure will help keep you on track and ensure you’re progressing steadily toward your goal. Set aside time daily/weekly to be able work on the project, this way you have the time set aside and you know you can work on it even if it’s for 30 minutes.
Start with fabric selection. Choose fabrics that inspire you and are suitable for the design you’ve chosen, an easy way to pick fabric is to stick with a fabric line since they do a good job at putting fabrics together to go together in a project. Once you’ve got your fabrics, start cutting. Be sure to carefully follow your pattern’s cutting instructions (if you’re using one). Take your time here to ensure everything is cut accurately—you’ll thank yourself later when piecing your quilt top. (Helpful hint read through the pattern first so you can read how the steps will follow it helps to ease into moving to the next step once your eyes have already gone over the instructions once)
Week 2: Piecing the Blocks
This week, focus on piecing together the individual blocks that will make up your quilt top. Depending on the design, you may need to create several different blocks. Make sure you’re piecing accurately. Aim to complete half of your blocks by the end of Week 2.
Turn on a podcast you can listen to as sometimes it becomes a long process. Incorporate times to get up and move (I have dumbbells next to my sewing machine so I can get a few reps in between periods of sitting. This alleviates sedentary pains that come from sitting long periods of time hunched over.
Week 3: Assembling the Quilt Top
Sew any remaining blocks from week 2. Then, it’s time to start assembly. Double-check the pattern layout for accuracy and start sewing your rows or sections together.
Once again get something to keep you company, if you’re over podcasts listen to music, or listen (yep I said listen) to a TV show you don’t need to watch because you’ve watched it enough times you won’t get engrossed in it, but you can still enjoy it in the back ground because you can envision what you’re missing by watching it. This is kind of fun to see how good that memory of yours is!
In the final week, finish assembling your quilt top by joining all rows together. Once everything is sewn together, it’s important to press the seams so they lie flat. This step will help give your quilt top a polished, professional finish. Take a moment to admire your work before you call it done! I like to make a toast to myself (with my water bottle ha!) of a job well executed.
By the end of the month, you’ll have a completed quilt top that’s ready for the next step—whether that’s quilting it yourself or sending it to a longarm quilter. Take a moment to appreciate the hard work and creativity that went into your quilt top. You’ve set a goal, worked consistently, and brought your vision to life!
Stay Organized: Keep your fabric and blocks neatly arranged to avoid losing pieces. A project box or fabric bins can help.
Don’t Rush: Quilting is about enjoying the process, so take your time, especially during the piecing and assembly stages. But make sure you put aside time. You don’t want to let it sit for too long otherwise it will become another Unfinished project 🙂
Ask for Help: If you get stuck, reach out to your quilting community online or at your local quilt shop for advice and support. Or ask for a friend to come over and keep you company as you figure it out. Sometimes brainstorming with someone is fun and productive!
Set Small Milestones: Celebrate completing each step, whether it’s cutting, piecing, or pressing. These small victories will keep you motivated!
By following a well-structured plan, completing a quilt top in just one month is completely achievable! Focus on steady progress, stay organized, and enjoy the process. Before you know it, you’ll have a beautiful quilt top ready to quilt!
This post features our latest Color Crush collection shipping to stores this month. As well as the Take Flight quilt pattern.
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