Make a Large Quilt in Sections to Reduce Strain
How to Join Quilted Sections on Your Home Sewing Machine
Oct 12, 2009
Quilt blocks are divided into smaller pieces and the sewn blocks are then stitched together to complete a quilt top. Traditionally, quilt tops are layered with batting and backing, then quilted. Basting layers before quilting requires a large, flat work space and a great deal of both patience and energy. Quilting each block as you go can eliminate the strain, but leaves you with a whole lot of extra sewing and seams that aren't reinforced by overall quilting.
Breaking quilts into sections makes it possible to quilt even the largest quilts easily. By working in sections no larger than roughly 36" x 45" you never have to go back into the middle of a large quilt when it's time to quilt it. Construction and quilting can all be done on a home sewing machine. It's also possible to reinforce the seams between the sections with more quilting. The quilted sections shown here are 36" x 36" and 36" x 30" and are 2 of 9 sections. The finished quilt will be 96" x 96". The section with the peach will be the quilt's center.
Determine the Finished Quilt Size and Block Size, then the Number of Sections
Mattress sizes are given below. Add the amount of drop you desire twice to the width and once or twice to the length. If the pillows are to be covered by the quilt, add the drop twice to the length. If using shams on top of the quilt, add the drop once to the length. A small throw (45" x 72") can be made of 2 36" x 45" sections
Mattress Sizes:
- Standard Bunk and Twin 39" x 75"
- Full/Double 54" x 75"
- Queen 60" x 80"
- California Queen 60" x 84"
- Expanded Queen 66" x 80"
- King 76" x 80"
- California King 72" x 84"
The size of the quilt blocks you choose will also factor into the size and number of sections. The quilt sections shown here are made of 6" blocks, so the size of the sections is a multiple of 6". A quilt with 10" blocks should have sections no larger than 4 blocks wide by 4 blocks high, for a maximum size of 40" square.
Quilting Each Section
Each section is layered and quilted much the same as a whole quilt. Layer and baste the backing, batting, and pieced section. Use quilt basting pins or basting spray. Leave 1 1/2" unquilted on all sides of the section that will be joined to another section. Mark off the space to be left unquilted with masking tape or a straight line of quilting. This will leave a 3" space to be quilted after the sections are joined. See Tips for How to Quilt on a Home Sewing Machine.
How to Join Quilted Sections
Use the following steps to join 2 sections:
- Fold and pin the backing out of the way toward the center of the section.
- Trim the batting even with the cut edge of the quilt top, using a rotary mat and cutter. For accuracy this can be easily done by measuring from the block seam line, adding 1/4" seam allowance. Click the "Cutting" picture below, the batting was cut at 6 1/4" for a 6" block.
- Unfold the backing and fold the quilt top and batting out of the way. Measure 6" (or the size of your blocks) from the same line used to cut the batting, mark the sewing line on the wrong side of the backing with a pencil. Mark each block intersection on the seam line of the backing.
- Carefully matching the seam lines and block intersections, pin and sew only the backing of the sections to be joined. Trim the backing seam allowance and press open.
- Trim the batting so the pieces butt together without overlapping.
- Turn under the 1/4" seam allowance on one side, pin and applique by hand or machine into place. See the "Finishing the Seam" picture below.
- Quilt the 3" space over the joined seam.
Making large quilts with a home sewing machine is so much easier this way. Give it a try, especially if you love lots of quilting. Quilting is that extra dimension that is unique to the quilting arts. You may also be interested in How to Plan to Make an Easy One Block Quilt.
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