Quilt As You Go Block Tutorial
If you love using up fabric scraps and want to add some fun quilted texture to smaller projects, this method is for you! Quilt As You Go (QAYG) is an easy, no-measuring-required, way to create a scrappy quilted piece. In this tutorial, I'll walk you through the simple steps to make a 6" x 6" QAYG block - perfect for projects like my Heart Wrist Pinnie or you could make something a little bigger for the scrappy version of my Finn Frost Snowman pattern.
What Is Quilt As You Go (QAYG)?
Quilt As You Go (QAYG) is a method of sewing fabric directly onto a foundation piece (usually batting) while quilting it at the same time. Instead of piecing all of your fabric first and then quilting, this method lets you do both at once - a real time saver!
The best part? No measuring required. Just grab your fabric scraps and start sewing!
Supplies You'll Need
6" x 6" Square of Batting
This will be your foundation.
Fabric Scraps
8-10 pieces between 2" - 6" of coordinating quilting cotton.
Thread
I love using Aurifil 50 weight!
Sewing Machine
I generally use a 1/4" foot but use whatever you've got. Nothing special required.
Rotary Cutter
A 28 mm is ideal because you're cutting small pieces, but any rotary cutter will do! You could even use scissors.
Self Healing Cutting Mat
This makes trimming a breeze.
Iron & Wool Pressing Mat
I love to keep these handy next to my sewing machine. Some of my scraps come out of the bin with a lot well-loved wrinkles. :)
Step 1: Place Your First Scrap
- Choose a fabric scrap and place it face up in the center of your batting square.
- This will be your starting piece. I generally make this small, ~1" x 2".
Step 2: Add Your Second Scrap
- Pick another scrap that is the same width or height as the first piece where they will touch.
- Place it right sides together (RST) with the first piece, aligning the edge that will be sewn.
- Sew along the edge with a 1/4" seam allowance (SA).
Step 3: Flip & Quilt
- Flip the second fabric piece over so both fabrics are now right side up.
- Press or finger-press the seam.
- Quilt over both pieces. You can use a straight stitch or get creative with a decorative stitch!
Step 4: Keep Adding Scraps
- Choose a third fabric piece that matches the width or height of the first two combined.
- Place it RST with the edge of the two fabrics.
- Sew with a 1/4" SA, flip it over, and quilt it down.
Step 5: Repeat Until Fabric Is Covered
- Repeat this process, building around the fabrics already quilted until the entire 6" x 6" foundation piece is covered.
Step 6: Trim & Use Your Quilted Fabric
- Once your batting is fully covered with quilted fabric, trim any excess to get a clean 6" x 6" square.
- Now you have a beautifully quilted piece that you can use like a regular fabric!
- Use it to cut out shapes (like hearts for the Heart Wrist Pinnie) or incorporate into a bag project as a pocket or the outside of a pouch. The options are endless!
Why You'll Love This Method
✨ No Measuring Required – Just grab your scraps and start sewing!
✨ Quilt As You Go – Saves time by quilting each piece as you add it.
✨ Perfect for Scraps – A great way to use up every last bit of fabric.
✨ Endless Possibilities – QAYG adds so much quilty charm to small projects!
Final Thoughts
Learning how to create Quilt As You Go (QAYG) blocks is a fun skill every quilter should have. Once you've mastered this process, you'll be able to customize any small sewing project. Ready to give it a try? Grab your fabric and get started today!
I can’t wait to see what you make! If you try this method, tag me on Instagram @remivailstudio and use #remivailstudio so I can cheer you on.
Happy Stitching!
xo,
Tamara💞
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Resource & Supply Links
Supplies
28 mm Rotary Cutter
Small Rotating Cutting Mat
Wool Pressing Mat 9 x 9
Tiny Iron
My Favorite Threads
Aurifil 12 wt Thread - quilting, embroidery, big stitch binding
- Aurifil 12 wt Wool Thread - embroidery
- Aurifil 8 wt Thread - embroidery, big stitch binding
- Aurifil 50 wt Thread - piecing, bobbin
- Aurifil 80 wt Thread - hand sewing
Here's a Link to my Amazon Store Front if you're curious about the specific supplies I use!
Hi, I'm Tamara!
I'm the artist behind the scenes at Remi Vail Studio. When I'm not sewing you'll find me loving on my two fur babies, Tellee and Corduroy, playing outside with my hubby, or elbow deep in the dirt of my garden!
Thank you so much for being here. It means the world to me!
More Quilty Inspiration
There are affiliate links in this blog post that I may earn a small commission from if you purchase after clicking. This has in no way swayed my recommendations for resources. It is exactly what I use in my own sewing room.