I'm a new-bee and although I iron my seams and try HARD to make the seams match up, I'm usually off by just a few hairs. It's very frusterating. Please - any suggestions???

Have a look at my tutorial, hope it helps

:thumbup:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-28328-1.htm

I used to have the same problem. Extremely accurate measurements, perfect sewing lines, and not matched seams. I did two things. I turned off the iron and started pining more. Now I just finger press and when matching the seams I make sure the matching goes down beyond what I can see. Make sure you match the seams all the way down and pin. All my seams are matched now.

I use very fine silk pins. I can even sew over them if I think the seam joing may move when stitching over it.

First, I normally press my seams open. It makes things lay flatter. Then when matching seams. I put my pin in the center of the top seam, perpendicular to the fabric and pin straight down. Then look at the bottom seam, put the pin straight through that seam - again perpendicular to the fabric. Leave that pin sticking straight up and keep as straight as possible. Then put pins in normal fashion on either side of the perpendicular pin and then remove that pin. I also sew over my pins. Doesn't always work but does more often than not.

I'm a newbie too and still challenged by matching up seams and intersections. First thing that helped me (after learning about cutting and sewing accuracy) was to press properly so that the seam allowances go in opposite directions and you can feel the seams nest up together. Second thing is the forked pins (mine are from Clover). They are very fine and sharp and you put a prong on each side of the seam to hold it exactly in place until you sew up to it. I never sew over the pins. I'm working today on assembling a small quilt from bowtie blocks and boy, are there a lot of intersections! Third thing I've learned is practice, practice, practice.

Where did you find the forked pins? I don't think I have ever noticed them while shopping. Love the idea. THANKS!

If they aren't off much, match the seams and ease in the extra, pinning to hold smooth.

Easy for all...I conquered it...I press my seams in opposite directions and butt them...pin on seam line...Then baste stitch (if your machine doesn't have one then set to 6.0 stitch length) before regular stitch...If it's off just pull out the baste string...no picking and cutting tiny stitches...If lined up which they usually are now I just restitch over the baste stitch with my regular stitch...SEW SIMPLE and no more pulling out of small stitches.