How to Organise a Row by Row or a Round Robin
Firstly, what are Row x Rows and Round Robins? They are quilts, which have more than one person working on them, by design. Usually a group of friends will get together, and decide on the rules. What usually happens is that the ‘owner’ of the quilt, or the person who starts it, begins with a block and a colour scheme. This is then handed onto the next person in the group who adds to this block. A Round Robin means that the quilter adds a border to the quilt as it is passed around. A Row x Row has a row added as the quilt is passed around. The number of participants depends on how big the quilt gets.

Rules to consider
Time frame. Each person needs time to work on the quilt top. Usually a month is good for any one’s calendar. Consider the length of time it will take for the quilt top to move around a circle of 8 friends, moving once per month. You may want to limit the number of participants per quilt, limit the amount of time or the size of the quilt. If there are 8 quilts moving around this circle of friends, then the time limit may need to be strictly enforced. Include things such as good quality and pre-washed fabrics only, in the guidelines.

Colour schemes
Individuals will always prefer different colour schemes so these need to be set out plainly for all to see. Often it’s a good idea to include a note with the quilt top as it travels around the circle. Set out on the note, preferred colours, colours to be avoided, and designs which will or will not suit the owner. These are all things to be nutted out before you start. After all, the owner will have to live with the finished quilt. It may be a good idea to include some ‘theme’ fabric for all the friends to use to provide some continuity in the quilt. Sometimes, all of the fabric is included so there is complete control over the finished colour scheme. However, you may like a more serendipitous approach and leave the colours to your friend’s good taste. In these quilts, you may decide to make the same row, or border for every ones quilt so that you end up with six quilts that are all alike, except for the colours. You may like to leave the design concepts to each individual so you get six completely different quilts at the end. Other concepts to consider include how many borders to add in one go. Maybe for a lopsided or arty effect 4 borders in a round robin can be optional. There are other ways to make a group quilt like this. You can start with an appliqué rather than a block, and simply continue to add to the appliqué. This method works well with a theme, such as underwater scene, tree of memories, rainforest etc. You can alternate methods for each border. Border 1 needs to have piecing. Border 2 needs to have stars and hearts. Border 3 should contain green. Again, variations are endless. Another way to work on a quilt top is to make a certain amount of surface area in various sized blocks. Each person makes a certain amount of blocks and hands them onto the owner. That way, the finished quilt can be put together by the owner and a scrappier look is acquired.

Remember to set the rules, make sure everyone agrees and understands and them have FUN!