If you’re been quilting for any length of time, chances are you’ve got at least one unfinished project tucked away. Maybe it’s a quilt top that just needs backing. Maybe it’s a pile of blocks waiting to be assembled. Or maybe… it’s a whole stack of “I’ll get to that someday” quilts quietly judging you from a closet.
Here’s the good news: unfinished quilts aren’t failures. They’re simply paused projects—and this year can be the year you gently bring some of them across the finish line.
No guilt. No pressure. Just practical, doable ways to make progress and rediscover the joy of finishing.
1. Pick Just One Quilt to Focus On
When you look at all your unfinished quilts at once, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Instead, choose one project to work on first.
Ask yourself:
- Which quilt feels closest to done?
- Which one excites me the most right now?
- Which one would feel really good to finish?
One finished quilt is far more motivating than ten untouched ones.
2. Break the Project into Small, Clear Steps
“Finish the quilt” is a big, intimidating goal. Break it down into manageable tasks:
- Piece the remaining blocks
- Sew the quilt top
- Choose backing fabric
- Quilt it
- Bind it
Write the steps down and cross them off as you go. Progress feels much more real when you can see it.
3. Choose Simple Quilting Designs
Many quilts stall out at the quilting stage because we’re overthinking the design.
Simple is not boring—it’s effective.
- Straight-line quilting
- Gentle curves
- Large, open designs
Simple quilting gets quilts finished and lets the piecing shine. Done is better than perfect.
4. Set a “Finish, Not Start” Rule (Temporarily!)
You don’t have to swear off new projects forever—but consider setting a short-term rule:
For every new quilt started, finish one that’s already in progress.
This creates balance without taking the fun out of quilting. New ideas still have space—just not at the expense of everything else.
5. Rework or Repurpose If Needed
Sometimes a quilt stays unfinished because it no longer feels right—and that’s okay.
Options include:
- Changing the layout
- Adding or removing borders
- Turning blocks into a smaller project (table runner, pillow, wall quilt)
Giving yourself permission to adjust or downsize a project can be incredibly freeing.
6. Schedule Dedicated Finish Time
If finishing quilts only happens “when there’s time,” it often doesn’t happen at all.
Try:
- One evening a week devoted to finishing
- A short daily session (even 15 minutes helps)
- A weekend “finish fest” with a clear goal
Consistent, small efforts add up faster than you think.
7. Use a Checklist or Tracker
Tracking progress can be surprisingly motivating.
Create:
- A simple notebook list
- A printable WIP tracker
- A notes app list on your phone
Seeing quilts move from “in progress” to “finished” is incredibly satisfying—and might inspire you to keep going.
8. Ask for Help (or Outsource!)
Finishing doesn’t have to mean doing everything yourself.
- Send a quilt out for longarm quilting
- Ask a friend to help with basting
- Trade skills with another quilter
There’s no prize for doing it all alone—only joy in a finished quilt.
9. Celebrate Small Wins
Finished binding deserves celebration—but so does:
- A completed quilt top
- A sandwiched quilt
- A finished block pile
Take photos. Share progress. Acknowledge the work you’re doing. Every step counts.
10. Remember Why You Started
Unfinished quilts often hold more than fabric—they hold ideas, seasons of life, and creativity from a specific moment in time.
Reconnecting with why you started a quilt can reignite excitement and make finishing feel meaningful rather than obligatory.
Finishing unfinished quilts isn’t about clearing space or meeting goals—it’s about honoring your time, your creativity, and the work you’ve already put in.
This year doesn’t have to be about finishing everything. It can simply be about finishing something—and enjoying the process along the way.
One quilt at a time. One step at a time. You’ve got this. 🧵✨