On my last PP project, I trimmed back the 1/4" seam just before sewing the seams together. I pin a lot to make sure everything is lining up. I also baste my blocks together so if something isn't lining up, that is easy to fix.
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On my last PP project, I trimmed back the 1/4" seam just before sewing the seams together. I pin a lot to make sure everything is lining up. I also baste my blocks together so if something isn't lining up, that is easy to fix.
A Good Friend, like an old quilt, is both a Treasure and a Comfort
I made a huge paper pieced pineapple block quilt and tried sewing the blocks together both ways...with and without the paper. I first did it with the papers on and was not pleased with the results, I then carefully removed the paper, pressed the blocks and even stitched around the very outside edge to prevent shifting and tried again...still not to my total liking. Then I starched, pressed and sewed the blocks together after basting them initially with the largest stitch possible, adjusting the not so great intersections and pinning those and finally the regular stitch. Was I 100% happy with the results...ummm not really but I was pleased and that is how I ended up finishing the quilt.
First off the hype that paper piecing gives your perfection is just that, but it does produce some stunning results that just regular piecing seldom rivals. I know I could have pressed more carefully when I did the block and maybe then the angular intersections might have been more "perfect" and leaving the papers on would have been the way to go as some well known teachers suggest. However, there are a ton of angles, various biases, varying thicknesses of fabrics and then there is the human factor and this is not ever going to result in flawlessness. I bet when you fix the worst intersections and you have it all pressed and ultimately quilted...you will step back and look at this and be more than happy you did it!
Last edited by Basketman; 02-01-2015 at 07:05 AM.
I'm going to try to explain my process, but if you need further info you can Private Mess for more.
With right sides together stick a pin through the two pieces at the exact point of intersection. Then lift the top layer and...with the pin still in place...put a tiny spot of basting glue at that point. Then using your little Clover Iron hit that spot with heat to dry it, and move on down to the next point of intersection and do the same. You can use a big iron, too, but those little tiny pointy ones are perfect for this. By doing this you will eliminate your pins which are a big reason why the fabric is shifting. I even run a VERY thin bead of glue down the whole seam keeping it just inside of the line, and use no pins for seam lines. If for some reason it isn't as good as you want it...moisten the area just a little to be able to separate the pieces and go again. Make sure it is basting glue or Elmer's washable or you won't be able to have any "do overs." Hope this helps.
You have gotten some wonderful suggestions here. One thing that I had to do when I doing a Judy Niemeyer quilt, was to make sure my fabric was on both feed dogs. I had to use a center stitch and then move my needle to the 1/4 inch seam to keep the material firmly seated. If only one of the feed dogs is pulling, then the material is gonna slide and slip sideways.
Sew a Little, Love a Lot & Live like you were dying!
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