What is Fun&Done! Quilting?

Fun&Done! Quilting is a fast and easy quilt-as-you-go technique. The quilting is completed as each block is constructed. Sew the blocks together, and you’re done! Now that’s fun! It’s all done by machine, and the binding is the fastest technique that you’ve ever seen.

Do I have to buy a Batting Buddy to make these quilts?

No, the Batting Buddy is not required. However, almost everyone who tries one loves it! The motto of Fun&Done! is “satisfy your need for speed”. The Batting Buddy takes your project up to rocket speed!

I bought a Batting Buddy, but it doesn't come with instructions. How do I use it?

The Batting Buddy is an optional accessory designed to work with all Fun&Done! Quilting patterns. It is not a required item for the Fun&Done! technique, but many quilters like it because it makes their project much faster and more accurate. Here is how you use the Batting Buddy:

1. Use the Square Template to cut your batting to the exact size.

2. Use the Frame Template to cut your backing to the exact size.

3. Use the Frame Template to center the batting on the backing square.

To finish the block, refer to your Fun&Done! Quilting pattern. Instructions vary by pattern.

What batting do you recommend?

Quilters Dream Select. Or, choose a cotton batting that is stable, not stretchy. For all battings, do a test first by pressing it with an iron. Some battings have a scrim that will melt and distort the batting when pressed. Be sure that the batting is pressed before cutting to pre-shrink. Polyester batting is not recommended because it might be slippery and move out of position during block construction. Also, polyester might melt when pressed.

Can I use batting scraps that are left over from other projects?

Yes, this is a perfect use for those leftovers! Be sure to use the same type and brand of batting so that your quilt is a consistent weight and hand throughout.

What size do you recommend for use with a wheelchair?

The Crib Size is perfect for use with a wheelchair. It fits nicely over the lap and covers the legs and feet without dragging on the floor/ground.

Can I make this quilt in a Queen or King Size?

Yes, Fun&Done! can be made in larger sizes, with a few considerations:

1. Queen and King sizes will require a large quantity of backing fabric. Since this may not be available in just one fabric, you may need to find two similar fabrics for backing. Or, do a scrappier look; for example, assorted blues. Or maybe 2 fabrics in a checkerboard.
2. Large quilts will be hard to manage under the sewing machine. When sewing rows together, use a method different than what’s recommended in the pattern. Instead of sewing the top half to the bottom half, start at the top and add one row at a time. This would require that you do not turn the quilt when topstitching the sashing, because it will not fit under your machine.
3. Estimated yardages for #101 - #112 and #115 - #120 are:

• Queen Size / 90"x105" / 12 X 14 rows/ 168 Blocks = Add together     Twin+ Lap yardage. 
• King / 105"x105" / 14 x 14 rows / 196 Blocks = Add together Twin + Crib + Crib yardage
• Estimated yardages for #113 - #114 are:
• Queen Size / 82"x105" / 11 X 14 rows / 154 Blocks = Add together Twin + Lap yardage.
• King / 112"x105" / 15 x 14 rows / 210 Blocks = Add together Twin + Twin yardage.

How can I tell what is your easiest or hardest pattern?

They are all easy, but the ones that use angled cuts require more attention to detail. Here is a ranking:

Beginners: Easy Diamonds, Magnificent Medley, Lively Lattice, Zip Strip, Chit Chat, Woven Wonder, Fast Lane, Beaded Curtain, Criss-Cross, Jazzy Jewels, StarBox, Street Smart

Intermediate: Presto Pinwheels, Speedy Stars, Feathered Flowers, Blooming Blossoms, Hot Shot, Sticks & Stones, Spring Blooms, Tulip Tango

I finished my quilt, but have extra fabric left over. Why are the yardage requirements so generous?

I consider the following in my yardage requirements to accommodate all quilters:

• Many quilters prefer to pre-wash their fabrics. This can result in shrinkage of about 1 inch per yard. It also results in distortion – in order to get strips cut perpendicular to the fold line, some fabrics might lose up to 3” on each end, or 6” total.
• Some fabrics are wider than others, and depending on the pattern, you may be able to get 1 extra piece per strip from a wider fabric, and therefore need fewer strips.
• You don’t need to be a perfect quilter in order to make these patterns. We all make mistakes in cutting, and trimming these blocks might result in an accidentally sliced backing fabric. This yardage allows for a mis-cut without forcing you to find replacement fabric! Call it a built in Oops Kit.
• Your quilt shop may be adding an extra inch for every yard they measure. When buying large lengths of fabric, that can add up!

When I sew my blocks together into rows, the seamlines in one block don't seem to match the seamlines in the adjoining block. How can I get them to match? (Patterns #101-106, 108)

Check the backing side of your block to be sure that the seamline that goes diagonally across the center of the block is exactly centered. If it is off center, it will affect the rest of the seamlines. Confirm that you are accurately placing the pieces for the center seam, and that your seam is exactly 1/4".

Other Fun&Done! Helpful Hints

* Use True Grips Adhesive Rings on the back of the Batting Buddy to keep it from slipping while cutting fabric and batting.
* Use a strong thread.  I like Mettler 50 wt.  Lighter, thinner threads are not recommended.
* I like to use a Schmetz Sharps needle in size 90. Because you are going through three layers (fabric, batting & more fabric) the 90 size needle will not break as easily. Sharps have a sharp point, not a ball point.