You don´t go all the way to the edge, I leave about 1/2" around the border so that I can machine stitch the top piece to the next top piece and then I hand sew the 2 backing parts together .....Does that make sense, probably as clear as mud. Mine isn´t finished yet but will post a pic when I do. Run out of the backing fabric and have to wait till next week or maybe mañana to get some more :( Elle

If you go to:- HTTP://www.quilterscache.com it gives you consice diagrams with instructions for hand or machine sewing and you end up with a very neat piece of sashing and no bulk to deal with. Give it whirl!!

Thanks! I love that site: thequilterscache.com
First time to visit there. :)
I think I will try to put my blocks together without the sashing strips. I will try to hand sew the backings together with a small whip stitch.
Is that what you are doing Elle?
Looks like it would be less bulk. Atleast, hope I'm right! :?:

No don´t have any sashing on mine and it works just fine. Just but the batting together to make it look like one piece and herringbone stitch the two pieces together.....no bulk then. Keep your material at the back so that it would normally run along the line of stitching in the ditch.

I didn´t think of the way they used to quilt (in the wagon trains). No sewing machines, so when I read that in one of the links it made sense just hadn´t thought of them just sitting there quilting one block at a time. :D I am sure you will find it easier with the quilting I certainly have getting a whole quilt through the machine was just awful for me.

Elle

I am very pleased that you found it useful. On my next quilt, which will be Cathedral Window I will try to use the same method, but of course as you may know there is no sashing in between. Happy Quilting

Thanks for all the help ladies! Can't wait to start quilting one block at a time. :mrgreen:
I've tried to machine quilt an entire quilt "once" before, and I will not try that again. I don't have the patience for that. :roll:

I was just given one of her books for free! I haven't even opened it yet!

Oohh! Lucky you. Hope you enjoy! :)

Simply Quilts has a video from Nancy Smith and Linda Milligan
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/pac_ctnt_988/text/0,,HGTV_22056_58466,00.html?c=6619 I hope this link will work for you .... if not go to HGTV, Simply Quilts.... videos and look up "Divide and Conquer" or Divided quilting.
They do a great job and you can watch it over and over.... Quilter 1234

Thanks so much! This is a wonderful video!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: