Wondering if Quilt-As-You-Go quilts really hold up over time? I revisited several quilts I made using Jera Brandvig’s QAYG method – where each block is quilted with batting (but no backing!) before being joined together. After 10 years of family use and frequent washing, I’m sharing what held up, what surprised me, and why I still recommend this beginner-friendly technique for quilts you and your family will use and enjoy.
Watch the video below for my full review, real-life quilt photos, and a deep dive into how this method held up over 10 years – with honest PROS and CONS.
Almost 10 years ago now, my daughter Connor, my mother-law Sue, and I got together to try something new. Inspired by Jera Brandvig’s book Quilt As-You-Go Made Modern, (affiliate link) we made a series of quilts using her unconventional approach: quilting each block individually with batting, then assembling the top before adding the backing fabric.
At the time, it felt strange – even a little risky. Wouldn’t the backing sag? Would the joins be bulky? Was quilting really enough to hold everything together?
Now, after a decade of real family use – kids, pets, lots of washing in the washer and drying in the dryer – I’m finally ready to answer those questions.
Spoiler: These quilts still look pretty great.
Of course, not every quilter has had the same experience. Some have felt the method didn’t adapt well to applique or large-scale designs. Others struggled with the precision required to join pre-quilted blocks evenly. And yes – some still feel the amount of quilting Jera originally suggested might be a little light for heavy use.
While I don’t recommend these techniques for competition quilts, many others – including myself – find this technique empowering. It allows us to quilt comfortably on our home machines. It makes larger projects more accessible. And it gives us the confidence to try new designs without the physical strain of pushing a full quilt sandwich through a small throat space.
Since then, Jera has released Quilt As-You-Go Made Vintage and Quilt As-You-Go Made Clever (affiliate links), expanding and refining her methods with even more flexibility and creative possibilities.
If you’ve been on the fence about trying QAYG, maybe my experience – and the feedback from quilters around the world – will help you decide.
Happy Quilting!
