How to put your quilt top together – the quick and easy way

You have finished your quilt blocks,  have them all spread out either on the floor or on your design wall, and now you have to figure out how to put your quilt top together.

I always like to do things as quickly and as simply as possible, so here is my latest tip.

I use green 3M masking tape for labeling each quilt block.  I have tried 3Ms other colors and other manufacturers, but this brand and color works best.  I use the same labeling system as used in Excel for numbering cells, as in A1, A2, A3, C1 etc.  If I just have to label the column its just 1,2 etc but if I want to label each block I use the Excel option.

I write on the masking tape the relevant number, tear it off and place it on the top left hand corner of the block.  Always use the same placement on the block so if it is important that the block is in the exact place, this tells you.  Place the label about an inch out from the sides so you don’t accidentally sew it in the seam.  (yes I have done that as well).

I then pin the columns together, with just one pin initially, then I remove them from the floor or wall and can start sewing the columns together.  The tape wont pull off, unless you want it to.

But, don’t iron on the tape, this just makes it more difficult to remove it.  I usually remove the labels when I have finished putting the top together.

I have been known to leave the tape on for up to 3 years, that says a bit about how long my UFOs can sit there :-).

This will make the whole process of putting your quilt top together a lot quicker and easier.  And a lot less times you will need to crawl around the floor on your knees.