Round Robin Rules

What is a Round Robin Quilt Exchange?

Well, Besides being super fun, it’s a great way to make friends, learn about each other, learn new sewing techniques, and more! A Round Robin Quilt is generally a Medallion Quilt, created with a center block surrounded by borders. You create your center block using predetermined guidelines. You then swap with another member of your group and add something onto her/his block. It could be a simple border, or it could be something more complex! Then, you swap again, and get to add a border(s) to a new quilt. Keep switching until you’ve reached a predetermined number (around 6-8) or until everyone has worked on every other quilt! Then you get your quilt back (the one with your block in the middle). That’s it!

It is as easy as that. If you are a new quilter with less skill, it’s okay just to do a simple border. Sometimes a quilt just needs something plain to help break up the complexity of the other rounds. If you have the skill, go ahead and create something stunning to help complement the simpler rounds.

Below are our guidelines for the new Round Robin my local group is hosting.

1. Start with a block of your choosing. It should be between 6” and 18”. Something too small would result in a very small finished quilt, but something too big might result in a king sized monster! It’s up to you.

2. Bring your quilt in a small box or bag to easily pass between each person.

3. When you get someone else’s quilt, add between 2-6” on each side. If you add much more than that, their quilt will be way too big! With 8 people, if each person just adds 5” on each side, a 12” block will quickly become 92” (or over 7 feet across!) When we get toward the end, we’ll ask each person how big they want their quilt, and we may stop early.

4. Decide if you want to see the quilt between each exchange. If you want it to be a secret, tell us now, otherwise, we will show off what we’ve done at each meeting!

5. Commit to finishing your portion on time. If it looks like you are unable to finish, ask the group leader to help out. If you decide you want to drop out at any time, that’s fine. Please bring the quilt you’re working on back, and we’ll return your quilt to you as well. You DO NOT have to participate if you don’t want to. And it’s okay to drop out. It’s not okay to steal someone else’s quilt though.

6. If you have specific fabric you want to be used in your quilt, send that with the block. It might be a good idea to send a small notebook with your quilt so you can give notes to those who will be adding onto your quilt, and so they can write you notes as well.

7. Be sure to always give your project to the same person. If you are unable to attend the exchange meeting, try to let the group leader know ahead of time, or send the project with a friend to exchange for you.

8. Try to always use better fabric and good thread. You don’t have to use your most expensive fabric, but create something that you’ll be proud to share with your new friends.

9. Always follow the guidelines left in the notebook from the quilt’s owner. If they say don’t use blue in their quilt. Do not use blue! If you are unsure, ask them. If they say no religious themes, don’t use fabric with Bible verses!

10. Never ever change the work of a previous row!

11. Do try to do your best work. Press the seams, trim the threads, square the quilt. If you struggle with any of these aspects, please ask for help!

12. Most of all, don’t stress, and have fun.

Check Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, or Google for ideas. Simply search for “Round Robin Quilt Ideas.” There are several videos, images, and more for your consideration. I’ll be posting updates on my quilt each round!

Rules for a Round Robin Quilt Exchange