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What to Do With UFOs – (5 Practical (and Kind!) Ways to Deal With Your Unfinished Quilt Projects)
Hi!
It’s time we had a chat… It’s time to talk about what to do with UFOs! Like we all did, I started my quilting journey with good intentions of never having anything unfinished laying around. I was going to start, and finish each new project in turn, and never find myself dealing with the baggage of having any of UFOs. Well, decades on, and I have to confess – I have a bunch of them stashed around the place, and I often feel a bit guilty looking at them still.
Let’s be honest—if you’ve been quilting for more than five minutes, you’ve probably got at least one UFO hiding somewhere in your sewing room. Or two. Or… well, let’s not count. “UFOs”—UnFinished Objects—have a sneaky way of multiplying when we’re not looking. Maybe you lost interest in the pattern. Maybe your fabric choices suddenly feel all wrong. Or maybe life just got in the way. Whatever the reason, you’re not alone.
In this post, we’re tackling UFOs head-on—with a mix of practical steps and gentle encouragement to help you either finish, repurpose, or (gulp) let go of those half-done projects. No guilt. Just options, action, and maybe even a little joy.
Step 1: Take Stock (Without Shame)
The first step is simple: go find them. Open the cupboard, look under the cutting table, peek behind the fabric bins. Gather up all your unfinished quilt projects in one spot. You don’t have to do anything with them just yet—just see what you’ve got.
Once you’ve rounded them up, take a few minutes to look through each project. Try to recall why you started it, where you left off, and how you feel about it now. Are you still excited about it? Or does it make you feel stressed or annoyed?
This step isn’t about judging yourself—it’s about getting clarity. Every quilter has projects that stalled out. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it just means you’re human and creative.
Bonus Tip:
Create a simple UFO tracking sheet. Write down the name of the project, what’s left to do, and whether you want to finish it, rework it, or let it go. This alone can help clear mental clutter.
Step 2: Reconnect or Reassess
Now that you’ve got the list, it’s time to make some decisions. Ask yourself: Do I still love this? Some quilts still have a spark—you can see the finished project in your mind, and maybe you even feel a little thrill at the thought of getting back to it. Others… not so much.
If you’re not sure, try working on it for just 15 minutes. Sometimes that’s all it takes to rekindle your enthusiasm—or confirm that it’s just not your jam anymore.
Bonus Idea:
If you’ve fallen out of love with the fabric, consider donating the project to a community group or quilting charity. Someone else might love finishing what you’ve started.
(Image from: https://www.thelittlemushroomcap.com/ufos-and-wips-of-quilts-and-sewing-projects-2018/ )
Step 3: Break It Down Into Bite-Sized Steps
One of the biggest reasons UFOs stay unfinished? They feel overwhelming. Maybe you left off at the dreaded quilting stage, or you’ve got borders to add and no matching fabric. Either way, it can feel like too much.
Take each project and break it down into mini tasks. For example:
- Finish sewing blocks
- Add borders
- Baste the layers
- Quilt in the ditch
- Bind
Then choose one task to work on. Not the whole quilt. Just one small thing.
Bonus Tip:
Set a timer for 20 minutes and just work on that one task. Progress without pressure is the name of the game.
Step 4: Repurpose What No Longer Sparks Joy
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just don’t want to finish the thing. That’s okay. Really.
But before you toss it, think creatively. Could those blocks become a table runner, cushion cover, or tote bag? Could you chop up that ugly quilt top and turn it into mug rugs or placemats? Repurposing gives new life to old projects—and sometimes even makes you like them more.
Bonus Idea:
Have a UFO swap day with your quilting friends. What doesn’t inspire you anymore might be someone else’s dream project.
Step 5: Let It Go (Without the Guilt)
Let’s say it plainly: it’s okay to let a project go. If it’s causing stress, cluttering your space, or just making you feel bad, give yourself permission to release it.
You might:
- Donate it as-is
- Gift it to someone who wants to finish it
- Salvage the usable fabric and toss the rest
The important part? Don’t feel guilty. You started the project because it excited you. If it no longer does, that’s just part of the creative journey.
Bonus Tip:
Have a little “letting go” ritual. Take a photo, say goodbye, and free up space—for both your sewing room and your mind.
Final Thoughts: UFOs Don’t Define You
Having unfinished quilt projects doesn’t make you a bad quilter. It means you’re curious, inspired, and willing to try new things. That’s something to celebrate—not stress over.
So take a deep breath, pick one project (just one!), and move it forward. Whether you finish it, transform it, or let it go, you’ll feel lighter—and ready to enjoy quilting even more.
Would you like a printable UFO Tracker to help you get started? Let me know—I’d be happy to share one in a future post or newsletter!
Let me know which UFO you’re tackling first—I’d love to cheer you on!
Enjoy your week!
