Matching seams instructions needed
 

I'm hoping someone can tell me how to match these seams. I am fairly new to quilting (just made clothes until this year) and need some help.

Is there a tip/trick/whatever to make it easier to match where the triangle seam crosses the seam of the square without my having to take it apart 3-4 times each block.

I can finally do it but I'm wearing the material out with all the ripping going on. Any advise?

TIA,
Dray

Hi dray,
Check the blocks to see if they are the same size. Maybe they need to be squared up first.

sorry..I forgot the picture LOL
 

here it is..I hope <crossing fingers=""></crossing>

When pairing up seams, make sure that they are going in opposite directions, and that when you feel the seam, it feels flat. What you can do is then very carefully pin on either side of the seam, making sure it stays put. Then sew about 5 stitches over just the seam. Then you can check to make sure that it is right. Doing it this way until you are more proficient, will keep you from ripping out the whole length of the row. If it's lined up, go back and sew the row. No need to rip the 5 stitches out.
I learned this from a friend several years ago and it has saved me lots of ripping. But the more you quilt, the better you will get at matching seams.
Another tip is when you are sewing patches together, make sure the seam on top is going up, or toward the machine and the bottom seam is going down, or towards you. This will make the feed dogs push the seams together. I hope this helps you. Good luck. Gina

Looks like your seam allowance might not be a true 1/4 inch. Measure the bottom block once it is pressed and see if it measures exactly what it is supposed to be.

Also, if the blocks & triangles are cut accurately, then your problem 'could' be that you're not doing EXACTLY quarter inch seams. I try to gauge my seams by the thickness of the thread line smaller than quarter inch....not easy...but you learn by lining up with the presser foot. You can usually find a spot there that you can follow along the edge of the fabric. Better still, get a 1/4" foot; makes it so much easier. Persevere! One day it will be like you've done it all your life.:)

I would take the block to the ironing board first. Take a straight pin and push it straight down through the triangle piece at the seam and match this up to the block's seam. In other words, the straight pin should be at the exact matching place for both pieces, 1/4" in from the edges. Once you are satisfied with this, I recommend using Elmer's washable white school glue. Lift up the top of the seam allowance and place a small (tiny) drop of glue inside the seam allowance right next to that pin. Use your iron to press the seam, which will cause the glue to keep the seam allowance in place. Only then do you remove the pin and go to the sewing machine.

In your photo, you would need to do this for both places on the block where the triangles meet the block seams. There may be a gap between the two spots, caused by one middle piece being longer than the other. Place the longer side against the bed of your machine, which will help you ease in the extra fabric. (You can pull a little on the top fabric while sewing also.)

An alternative to this process is to use a long stitch on your machine to sew just the triangle/block seams for about 3 stitches each. Take out of machine and check to see if seams are matched. If not, it's easy to remove just those 3 stitches where the point meets and re-sew with basting stitches until correct. Once you are satisfied, do not remove the basting stitches; just sew over them when you sew the seam.

Accurate cutting, sewing a 1/4" seam and pressing seam allowances in opposite directions are the secrets. Just keep trying and it will happen and become second nature to you.

Make sure your pieces are cut accurately before sewing, and measure the block after sewing. If the blocks don't measure the correct finished size, then your seams are not accurate. If your cutting, seams, and finished block are accurate, the seams should align. In looking at the photo, it appears to me that the upper block has some fullness between the triangles and the print in the second block isn't the same size on the right as it is on the left. Of course, this could be an optical illusion. Measure each piece to be sure it is the correct size. If it is, then adjust your seams. Let us know how it works out.

also the way you press the seams helps too. in your photo, press that seam toward the bottom piece. that will help. or press it open if needed.