Quilt as you go?

Question

I am making a queen size quilt and will use the "Quilt as you go" method. Has anyone every used this method? Opinions? And whenever I buy thread I notice "quilt thread" also on spools in the display/kiosk. What is the difference? I have asked the clerks at the fabric store and they dont know.
thanks much!!

Answer 1

First, the thread issue. The threads in the kiosk are cotton instead of polyester. When you piece quilts, you should use 100% cotton thread rather than the polyester or cotton/poly blend. The polyester is much stronger and over a long period of time it can "cut" the cotton fabrics, causing your quilt to fall apart. Even within cotton quilting threads, there's a difference between the thread you piece with (thinner) and the thread you quilt with (heavier). Also, never use hand quilting thread in your machine.

As for the quilt as you go method, there are several different ways this can be done. I have a book by Lynda Milligan and Nancy Smith called "Divide and Conquer." It includes several different methods for quilting smaller sections then assembling them into a quilt. I did one where the blocks were quilted individually, then assembled with sashing on both front and back. It was easy to quilt and best of all it's gorgeous on both sides.

Answer 2

I've never used the quilt as you go method. If you enjoy it, I say go for it.

As for the thread issue, I don't buy the specialty threads. I actually buy thread on the large spools since I am quilting daily and don't want to run to the store all the time for thread. I don't think it makes much of a difference. The only special quilt thread I use is for handquilting. It's a much stronger thread.

Good luck