My Favorite Time Saving Hacks for Quicker Quilting

We all love a good time-saving tip, right? Especially one that actually works. I’ve been quilting for over 15 years and have picked up a few tips and hacks. I’m excited to share some of those tips with you today!

Using time-saving hacks when quilting, such as chain piecing or pre-cut fabric kits, allows quilters to maximize their efficiency and focus more on the creative aspects of their projects.

These techniques reduce repetitive tasks, minimize errors, and streamline the overall process, making managing larger or more complex quilts easier.

By saving time on basic steps, quilters can dedicate more energy to design, color selection, and adding personalized touches, ultimately enhancing the enjoyment and satisfaction of quilting.

Here are some of my favorite time-saving hacks to make quilting more efficient.

1. Chain Piecing

Sew multiple pieces of fabric together in a continuous chain without cutting the thread between pieces. This saves time and thread and keeps your pieces organized.

Feed the first set of pieces through the sewing machine, stitching as usual, but immediately feed the next set of pieces through instead of stopping and cutting the thread at the end. Continue this process, creating a “chain” of fabric pieces connected by a thread. Once all pieces are sewn, cut the connecting threads between them, leaving you with individual sewn pieces ready for the next step.

2. Use Precut Fabrics

Use pre-cut fabric bundles like jelly rolls, charm packs, and fat quarters to save time on cutting. These pre-cut pieces come in standard sizes and are perfect for many quilting patterns.

3. Stay Organized

Easier said than done, right??? Keep your tools and materials organized and within reach. Store your supplies in bins, baskets, and pegboards. An organized workspace reduces time spent searching for tools and materials.

4. Use Strip Sets When Possible

Sew long strips of fabric together and then cut them into smaller units. This method, known as strip piecing, speeds up making blocks.

5. Use the Assembly Line Method

Work on multiple quilt blocks simultaneously. Instead of completing one block at a time, work on all blocks in stages (e.g., sew all pieces, press all seams, then trim all units). (Quilt is the Scrappy Log Cabin)

6. Set Up a Pressing Station Close By

Keep an iron and ironing board close to your sewing machine. Or invest in a tabletop iron and board. Pressing seams immediately after sewing them keeps your pieces flat and accurate, which saves time in the long run.

7. Use Leaders & Enders

Use small fabric scraps as “leaders and enders” when starting and ending a seam. This prevents the fabric from getting caught in the machine and can be used to create another project simultaneously.

8. Use Marking Tools

Mark cutting and sewing lines quickly and accurately using fabric markers, chalk, or erasable pens. Templates and rulers with built-in seam allowances can also speed up the marking process.

9. Keep Your Sewing Machine Running Smoothly

Keep your sewing machine clean and well-maintained. Regularly change the needle, clean the bobbin area, and oil the machine (if your machine calls for it, not all sewing machines need to be oiled), to ensure smooth and efficient sewing.

10. Use a Design Wall & Plan Ahead

Before sewing, lay out all your quilt blocks to plan the final arrangement. This step ensures you are happy with the design and reduces the need for rearranging blocks later. (The quilt above is from our Simple Patchwork Quilt Tutorial)

11. Work in Short Intervals

It may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes, working in short intervals is more effective than planning out long blocks of time to quilt. Set aside dedicated quilting time and break tasks into manageable chunks. Use a timer to stay focused and take short breaks to avoid fatigue.

By incorporating these time-saving hacks into your quilting routine, you can work more efficiently and enjoy more time creating beautiful quilts.

One of my favorite tings about quilting has always been that quilters are willing to share their knowledge with others! If you have a favorite tip-saving tip or hack, let me know in the comments section!