If there’s one thing we quilters have in common—no matter our style, skill level, or stash size—it’s this: we all have more than a few Works In Progress – WIPs. Some are tucked neatly into project bins. A few may be tucked away in bags (we call those PIGs – or Projects in Bags). Some are hiding in plain sight on the design wall. Others … well, let’s just say they’ve taken up long-term residence in a closet and are now technically vintage.
And yet, whenever we think about them, a little whisper of guilt floats in: Shouldn’t I finish that? Shouldn’t I stop starting new projects? Shouldn’t I be … better?
Here’s the truth: having WIPs doesn’t make you a bad quilter. It makes you a creative quilter. Personally, I have at least 20 WIPs and a few more PIGs of my own, so this topic is front and center for me.
Why We Collect WIPs Like They’re Fat Quarters
Before diving into solutions, let’s acknowledge why these projects multiply:
- We’re inspired easily. A new fabric line? A clever block layout? A quilt-along starting Tuesday? Of course we’re in.
- Our skills evolve. Sometimes we pause because we’ve learned something new and want to apply it — just … not to the project we are already working on.
- Life happens. Time, energy, focus… they ebb and flow.
- Some projects are meant to marinate. Creativity isn’t always linear. Some ideas need to sit on the shelf until the spark returns.
Is Having a Few WIPs (or PIGs) Really a Problem?
Only if you want it to be.
For some quilters, a stack of WIPs is energizing — a treasure trove of possibilities ready when inspiration strikes. For others, it feels like clutter or unfinished business that weighs on the mind.
So the question isn’t “Do I have too many WIPs?”
It’s “Do my WIPs support my creativity or suffocate it?”
If They Feel Like a Problem, Let’s Fix That
Here are some ideas for dealing with an abundance of WIPs and PIGs:
1. The Great WIP Audit (No Judgement Allowed)
Pull out every project and sort them into categories:
- [1] Still love it.
- [2] Love parts of it.
- [3] What was I thinking?
This isn’t a guilt exercise—it’s clarity.
2. Set Projects Free
If something no longer sparks joy (or even mild interest), let it go:
- Donate the blocks to a guild comfort quilt program.
- Gift the fabric to a new quilter.
- Turn the finished elements into potholders, mug rugs, table toppers, or zipper pouches.
Liberating and productive!
3. Pick One Tiny Thing
Instead of “finish this whole quilt,” choose a micro-goal:
- Piece one block.
- Quilt one row.
- Attach one border.
Small steps make big quilts.
4. Create a “First Aid Station” for WIPs
Give your in-progress projects a designated, visible, easy-to-access place.
When a WIP is buried, it becomes invisible … and forgotten.
When it’s visible, it’s approachable.
5. Schedule a Monthly WIP Date
Just one evening. One Saturday morning. One cup of tea.
Work on any WIP you feel drawn to.
No rules, no deadlines, no guilt.
6. Give Yourself Permission to Start Something New
Sometimes a new project is exactly the spark you need. Inspiration begets inspiration.
Finishing isn’t the only purpose of quilting—joy is, too.
If WIPs Aren’t a Problem for You… Yay!
Then treat them like a curated gallery of ideas. No guilt needed. Creativity often thrives best when there are multiple pots simmering at once.
The Bottom Line
Quilting is supposed to bring joy. WIPs are simply a sign that your creative well is full, your ideas are abundant, and your enthusiasm is very much alive.
If finishing some of them feels good — great! If letting some go feels better — also great.
And if keeping them around “just because” makes you smile … well, that’s the best reason of all.