Is quilting really supposed to be "Quick and Easy"?
 

I see countless ads for patterns described as "quick" or "easy" and I realize that some patterns are easier to cut and piece than others. But, for me, those adjectives don't exactly match what I feel is more of a slow, deliberate process and an art. Or maybe it's me, but I've been piecing quilts for more than 20 years, and although I've learned techniques that have improved my skills, I still don't really find anything quick and easy about it (but I love doing it!). I still enjoy the process of choosing fabrics, and searching for patterns, but sometimes it seems that the faster I try to go, the slower it actually Does go!!

Any opinions/comments?

Thanks.

For me, I don't care if is a "quick" or "easy" pattern. If I want to do a pattern I just do it. Like you, I love all of the process of quilting. I take my time and enjoy the process. The more enjoyment I get from making a quilt, I fell that I do a better job. I also have been quilting for more then 20 years.

For me, "quick and easy" AKA jelly roll or charm square patterns don't interest me. I'm drawn to pinwheels, HST, fading colors from one block to another, applique and almost anything that is done on point. But those are also the techniques that are challenging for me. My color choices are not necessarily the best and I have my daughters double check that for me. I too have learned new techniques to make what ever pattern I choose easier to cut and piece.
That being said, some days everything falls in to place and it is indeed "fast and easy" and I'm amazed at how much I've accomplished in a short period of time. Other days, everything goes wrong and I have to walk away and find something else to do (housework?). As long as I continue to enjoy the process, I'll keep challenging myself and striving for the next block to be better than the last.

Have to add it's been an 18 year learning experience for me.

8 years here and still waiting for quick and easy. Because I do not use pieces smaller that 2 1/2", mine should go more quickly although that doesn't seem to be true. I did not enjoy the jelly roll face quilt, but I do like some easier patterns.

Lol when I read the topic. I don’t know of any quilt to be fast and easy that is pleasing to my eye. Even if it’s a jelly roll race , I need to make sure I take 1/4 in seams. I tend to go more for quilts that have piecings. I get bored easy with so called easy quilts. The jelly roll race quilt - did it once and that was enough- was bored out of my mind. Lol

I prefer the challenging patterns, and I like to enjoy the whole process.

I really don't think there is an easy quilt pattern but I feel if we enjoy the process it really is fun. As far as quick quilt, that really depends on how long we get to sew or piece each day. I am a slow sewer anyway but sure do love the process of making a quilt.

There is no quick and easy for me. I am constantly amazed by pics posted that say "I made this yesterday..." or some variation of that. I love quilting, and every aspect of it. But...it takes me forever! I think and mull for a long time. I may cut, then think, then iron, and then piece. I over think everything. I also can't spend hours on end quilting as there is so much else that also needs to be done. I still love the process though, and just keep plugging along!

"Quick and Easy" are big marketing words. They think that's what we want. Something for nothing... in this case, time.

The most beautiful quilts have obvious work and thought put into them. But the quickies have their place too. Many people sew for charity and are always looking for attractive patterns that don't take forever to put together. They can make and donate more that way!

Some people don't have the patience to work too long on one quilt. Better they have some quick patterns to make than give up on quilting as being too hard. There's a place for both kinds of quilting... 'quick and easy', and 'slow but steady'. :o

I chose to make the placemats for my son (see my posting under "Pictures") using QAYG for the first time and doing an all-machine binding because I figured they would go quickly enough to finish within a week and I could send them with my husband who will help him move. I think that "quick and easy" is a relative term and that it's nice to have as an option when time is of the essence. Interestingly, my son commented last night that I'm quilting faster now that I'm retired. It does help to have more time, but the techniques were the key for that project.

it was quick + easy = boring

or

it was quick + easy = i'll never let anybody look at it too closely. lol

I prefer “quick n easy” for donation quilts.

Some people seem to be able to put things together really quickly -

Some of us have to struggle a bit more -

As long as one is enjoying the process - does it really matter?

Every quilter has their own view of what is easy & what is difficult.
And every quilter is at a different stage in their quilting skills.
As long as you go at a pace you like, it's the right pace.
Sometimes I *do* like quick and easy but other times I like complicated with small pieces.

This was a pattern from The Quilter's magazine years ago. I modified it a bit and use it when I teach quilting. I've made it at least a dozen times and can do the lap size (40" x 54" -ish) quilting and machine bound in about 8 hours.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]597910[/ATTACH]

I have found that Rail Fence is also fast & easy. :o

Is quilting really supposed to be "Quick and Easy"? - it's supposed to be anything that makes you happy.

I like patterns with lots of little pieces and as a rule I don't quilt for others, however, if a sibling requests a quilt for a gift, and they need it next week, it's nice to have some quick & easy patterns to choose from.

I agree with PaperPrincess, my thoughts exactly.

Fantastic quilts! Just the kind I love to make! I'm old and I have a huge stash that I'd like to make into as many quilts as I can in the short time I have left. All my quilts now are baby and kid's ones that go to Crisis Pregnancy Centers and Linus Project. I love that your quilts have the organized scrappy look! Beautiful!!

Somehow the word "quick" in the same sentence with "quilting" gives me visions of rotary cutter accidents, sloppy seams, and supernatural intervention for the sandwiching and binding time.

"Easy" is okay, but I'm the kind of person who can complicate anything.

I agree with those who say there are valid reasons to do quick and easy (relative terms) quilts. There may be a baby shower coming with little notice. There might be a sick individual who would appreciate a quilt sooner rahter than later (or there might not be a "later" :( ). Donation quilts for children are often more about the cheerful colors and characters than the time spent on piecing and quilting. Finishing an easy quilt is better than letting a challenging one linger on the UFO pile forever, doing no good to anyone.

For me, things *could* be quick if I didn't stop every few minutes to check email, play a game on my phone, etc. I am easily distracted but some things are easier than others. I am never in hurry or up against a deadline, so it doesn't matter to me.

It depends on the quilt I am making. If it is something I know will be mistreated and not cared about, I have a tendency to try and make it as quick and easy as I can. That does not mean sloppy or badly made for sure!

The two quilts I won Viewer's Choice at local quilt shows were quick and easy patterns. One was the Five Minute Block pattern. The more complicated quilts didn't win. I think any pattern can be beautiful depending on the fabric color choices and the way it's quilted.

I think what makes a quilt is not whether it was a long tedious delicate task over time or a sham bam thank you ma’am. I think the end result is what makes it. I’ve been quilting for at least thirty years but did not take it up seriously until I discovered chain piecing and rotary cutting. I love reading quilting books that describe techniques as opposed to specific patterns, and I much prefer creating my own patterns, some of which can be complex and some very simple, but they are all beautiful I am told. They become what they are based on how I use color and design and patter(of fabric).

Again, diffrent strokes for different folks.

I have been working with scraps for donation to kids. Lots of trimming,cutting,sewing,pressing. Nothing fast and easy about them. I love the idea that come winter they will help kids feel warm.

I agree that quilting doesn't seem to be a quick and/or easy craft. Even using a panel takes a fairly significant chunk of time to complete. Today I made a machine embroidery zip pouch, a machine embroidery ornament, 4 pattern weights and a pin cushion. Now those were quick and relatively easy … unlike a quilt.

I don't seem to do quick & easy either! I've been quilting for 8 years now, have learned lots of various techniques and I piece some, use panels for some, but just can't get into the jelly roll quilts. I like a challenge and I'm very old fashioned, so my quilts are more traditional. Plus I always quilt my own on my home sewing machine. I've gotten pretty good over the years! I'm happy with my slower pace, enjoy the whole process and always look forward to the next project!

For me, the joy is in the doing, not the speed at which I get it done. Everyone has their own criteria for doing their craft.

My question would be, just what is fast, and compared to what? Fast and easy is really just a selling point and maybe causes a bit of frustration for people who grab onto that idea only to have disappointment fall onto their lap when the project isn't fast or easy.

It is an open-ended term with a wide interpretation.

There is a place for all types of quilts from easy to complicated and as long as we truly have an understanding of what we are doing, everything will be fine.

peace

I can see calling a quilt pattern "easy" if it's something straight-forward that someone who has made several quilts would not have to learn anything new for. But quick? None of them are quick as far as I'm concerned. I have no idea how people make a quilt in a day or over a weekend. It takes me longer than that just to sandwich, quilt and bind a lap quilt. I suppose it's relative - this quick quilt will only take me two months instead of six.

It's a bit of a cliché, but if it were easy, it wouldn't be worth doing.

What an interesting topic!
I don't associate quiltmaking and the words "quick" and "easy" either.
While some patterns are definitely easier to make, I have never made a quilt quickly :)
That's the biggest reason my sister won't learn how to quilt. She likes things that she can make in 5 minutes.
I agree with Sewbizgirl- marketing tactics!!

Your pink and black on the right appeals to me a lot. I assume it’s made of 2 blocks (1 plain and 1 stripe) could you share the block dimensions ? I’ve got perfect fabrics and will begin today !

I'm not a fast quilt maker but enjoy the process so much. "quick and easy" brings a picture in my mind of a quilt made of up of very large pieces rather than the small pieces of fabric. Each style has it's place, I guess!

I think of quick and easy as simple piecing, ie, strips, squares and rectangles. Can be done by a new quilter without too much fuss. No paper piecing, applique, Y seams. Simple and can be done in a day or two instead of years. There is a need for these patterns as new quilters can be overwhelmed and want to give up if they can't finish a quilt in a short time. These quilts can be award winning by the fabrics chosen.

I like quilts that are quick and easy put look hard and complicated. Such as a pineapple block quilt using a specialty ruler that makes it easy.

I feel the same way!

I think your question begs to be answered with the old quip, "Different strokes for different folks". As with garment sewing, some people make wedding dresses and some people make children's shorts.

I look at quilting as a craft. It's much like cabinet making or garment sewing. It's making a product to be used and enjoyed. In the case of quilts, they are used to keep people warm, cheer up a distraught child, warm a dialysis patient, celebrate the birth of a child, commemorate a wedding or just to remind someone they are loved.

Although most societies revere art in it's many incarnations, it is not very useful. It hangs on the wall or sits on a pedestal, period. At it's best, it shows the artist's love of life and shares the beauty the artists sees. Sometimes it's just a useless lump of steel that sits in a city park that most passers-by wonder what it's supposed to be.

I suppose my point of view is reflected in my choice of patterns. I don't intentionally make wall hangings. I love quick and easy. Endlessly sewing small bits of fabric together might be the most boring task I can imagine. I don't think I could ever get all the seams to match on one of Bonnie Hunter's quilts. I love Eleanor Burn's "quilt in a day" patterns. Success is matching seams, a non wavy border or the delight people show when a special quilt is made just for them.

I enjoy my craft and the act of giving. For me, that's what it's all about. If I choose "quick and easy" over "slow and deliberate", that doesn't change anything. I'm still a quilt maker and I deserve that moniker.

bkay

I am in the slow and steady crowd, but may still use easier and quicker techniques like the 4 at once flying geese, 8 HSTs etc. but the whole process is not speedy. I, too, enjoy the process, the end result and the giving.

I wouldn't say quilting is supposed to be quick and easy, but I guess some people prefer a fast pace . I once read about a competition to see who could make a quilt the fastest. Definitely not my cup of tea, but the quilting world is large enough to accommodate just about any type of personality. I do think a simple quilt can have as much appeal as a complicated one.

In my opinion, 'quick and easy' is one of the biggest lies going for the quilting world. From start to finish it is never quick. By the time you pick out the material, cut it, sew it together and then quilt it, quite a bit of time has passed by.

Easy, maybe. Depending on your sewing skill, some quilts are easy to put together.

However, as Einstein said about time and relativity: “Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. That's relativity.”

If you enjoy quilting, then the time will pass quickly, so there you have it...

I like quick and easy. But, as I gain experience, 'easy' gets a little more challenging. I used to be afraid of triangles, now they are becoming one of my favorites. I get bored easily, and there are so many beautiful fabrics and pattern's, I can't wait to move on to the next one.

I use the patterns I like best for the fabric I have and some are quick and easy but I love the ones that take time and a lot of thought best. It is always feels so good when I have a hard one and it comes out right and beautiful.