UFO challenge planner
Plan and print 12 unfinished sewing or quilting projects.
Sample projects. Your edits save on this device.
Year: __________. Monthly target: the last day of each month.
Your 12-project inventory
Edit the project for your chosen month. Tick Done when you finish.
| # | Project / next step | Done |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scrap lap quiltJoin the last two rows | |
| 2 | Linen cushionCut the backing | |
| 3 | Baby quiltPiece the border | |
| 4 | Cotton skirtPress and sew the hem | |
| 5 | Star quiltChoose a quilting plan | |
| 6 | Log cabin quiltQuilt the center | |
| 7 | Canvas toteSew the handles | |
| 8 | Holiday wall hangingAttach the binding | |
| 9 | Nine-patch quiltPress the blocks | |
| 10 | Memory quiltSort the saved fabric | |
| 11 | Mini quiltHand-stitch the binding | |
| 12 | Bed quiltAdd a label |
Make a finish plan you can keep
UFO means unfinished object. Start with projects you still want to finish, from a skirt that needs a hem to quilt blocks or a nearly bound quilt. The names above are examples, not a list you need to follow.
- Take stock. Put the pieces, pattern and supplies for each project together. Name it so you can find it again.
- Rank your projects. Put a quick finish in slot 1. Next, list projects with a real gift date, then those you most want to use. Leave projects that need supplies for a later month. Change the month menus to match your order.
- Name the next action. Write “cut four binding strips” rather than “finish quilt.” If you are stuck, make the next step a choice or a supply check.
- Choose your months. Start in any month. Match a small project to a busy month and give a large quilt more than one month. Repeating a project in the schedule still counts as one finish.
- Set a deadline. Use the last day of each chosen month as your finish date. For a gift, aim for the month before you need it. Set aside a short sewing slot each week.
- Review and adjust. Tick Done when the project meets your own finish goal. If it needs more time, move it to a later month or use a catch-up month.
Print or save your plan
Use Print my plan for a compact inventory and monthly schedule. Choose Save as PDF in your print dialog for a file, or Start blank for a sheet to fill in by hand. Starting blank clears the current plan after you confirm.
Your edits are saved in this browser on this device. Clearing browser storage removes them. Print a copy if you want to keep the plan elsewhere.
Batch the steps that remain
For clothes and bags, group the jobs: cut the missing pieces, sew seams, finish edges, then press. For quilts, split the work into small jobs: prepare the backing, choose the batting, baste, quilt, bind and label. Put just the next job in your inventory. For help with an edge finish, see our quilt binding guide, or return to the quilting guides for other techniques.
Let go of projects you will not finish
Decide whether to finish, change or let go of each project. Turn spare blocks into a smaller piece, save fabric for another use, or offer a part-made project to someone who wants it. Ask before giving it to a person or group. Keep its pattern and pieces together. Remove it from your finish list so the plan reflects work you still want to do.
Need to check your supplies? Keep our free sewing checklist kit beside your project list.
An original Karamat Sews planning tool. It is independent of American Patchwork & Quilting and its UFO Challenge.