Help with fixing seam direction
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: N. California
Posts: 9
I’m almost finished piecing my very first quilt. I used 6 charm packs. I worked on the placement, then to simplify, created 9-patch blocks. Once my blocks were completed, I joined them across into rows. I now have 5 rows to sew together (16 charms wide, 3 charms height).
I’ve been pretty lucky with butting my seams, but now that I’m ready to do the final sewing of the long rows, I have seams along the way that are not butting correctly. Because of the way the seams are sewn, I can’t just press it over to the other side without twisting the seam.
Any suggestions on how to get the seams that need to be re-positioned in the right direction? I was thinking about cutting into my vertical ¼ inch seam allowance which would allow me to turn the seam the correct way, but I’m wondering if this would have any impact on the stability of the quilt?
Any recommendations would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thank you,
Michele
I’ve been pretty lucky with butting my seams, but now that I’m ready to do the final sewing of the long rows, I have seams along the way that are not butting correctly. Because of the way the seams are sewn, I can’t just press it over to the other side without twisting the seam.
Any suggestions on how to get the seams that need to be re-positioned in the right direction? I was thinking about cutting into my vertical ¼ inch seam allowance which would allow me to turn the seam the correct way, but I’m wondering if this would have any impact on the stability of the quilt?
Any recommendations would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thank you,
Michele
#6
While I try to keep my seams in opposite directions when they meet, sometimes they don't - especially if I need to flip a block cause it looks better the other direction. I simply don't worry about it. The only time I do worry about seam direction is in Bargello.
Another question ... if you guys see a twisted seam - especially in a long row, do you rip it and fix it or leave it? I'll leave it :)
Another question ... if you guys see a twisted seam - especially in a long row, do you rip it and fix it or leave it? I'll leave it :)
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: N. California
Posts: 9
Thank you to all those that responded.
In hindsight, I now realize I needed a "pressing" plan. I did really good about butting all my seams up in the initial 9 patch and also when I joined 9 patch to 9 patch. When I begin making the final joining of rows 1 and 2 (only have 5 long pieces to join) I came to a dead stop this afternoon because I couldn't figure out how to fix this without having to pull it all out.
Going forward, now that I have the experience of making a quilt, I'll pay more attention and plan on how I press the pieces together.
My biggest concern was having a "knot" or big bump in the middle of the quilt, but it doesn't sound like that's going to be an issue if I end up twisting the seam.
Thank you for all the ideas.
In hindsight, I now realize I needed a "pressing" plan. I did really good about butting all my seams up in the initial 9 patch and also when I joined 9 patch to 9 patch. When I begin making the final joining of rows 1 and 2 (only have 5 long pieces to join) I came to a dead stop this afternoon because I couldn't figure out how to fix this without having to pull it all out.
Going forward, now that I have the experience of making a quilt, I'll pay more attention and plan on how I press the pieces together.
My biggest concern was having a "knot" or big bump in the middle of the quilt, but it doesn't sound like that's going to be an issue if I end up twisting the seam.
Thank you for all the ideas.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Posts: 8,562
See this post for another way to piece without dealing with those long rows:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-104774-2.htm#2678078
Jan in VA
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-104774-2.htm#2678078
Jan in VA
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