Tips for piecing diamonds?
 

I've started working on a quilt made up of diamonds and it seems that I sew each seam twice before getting it right. Before getting further into it (I have only made one block) I thought it would be a good idea to ask here on the QB. Is there an easy way to line the pieces up before sewing? And how do you match seams up so they come out right? Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Funny you should ask. I am doing a quilt that has lots of diamonds right now. What is working for me is to cut the pieces around the diamond a quarter inch larger than the pattern calls for, then at the point end allow the side pieces to extend past the diamond about a quarter inch when I sew the seam. This does require squaring up the edges after sewing, but the diamonds are precise and have the proper seam allowance on the sides so I won't lose any points on the next step.

would have to see what you are piecing to give informed answer otherewise trying to give solutions and not really knowing what the problem is

Diamonds will have some edges that are not on the straight grain of the fabric. Starching your fabric heavily before cutting will help keep these edges from stretching out of shape.

I spent some time today piecing a few of the diamonds together and I feel that I have made some progress.

Kat Sew, I did what you said and left 1/4" ears where the two pieces cross and that works great. As far as matching seams, I make a mark 1/4" from the top of the seam on both pieces and use a pin to line them up. I then place two pins on either side and then baste the seam area. If it looks good, then I sew the pieces together. A little extra work, but it beats ripping and doing again!

PaperPrincess, I use Mary Ellen's Best Press on my fabric. I have found that some fabric need a little more than others.

I'll continue on tomorrow, but now that I seem to be on my way I'm getting excited about working on it. Thanks you guys!

If what you are doing is a Lone Star, it is easier if you make strip sets then cut them into diamond strips. I believe I saw a tut on youtube. You do have to plan out the strip sets

Lots of starch or sizing help keep the edges under control.

QM, I'm not doing a Lone Star quilt. I'm using the Harlequin pattern from Aardvark Quilts. Lots and lots of diamonds!