I am trying to expand my sewing horizons and make an actual quilt, even a small one.

I cut blocks all the same size but by the time I got done sewing them all together they wouldn't line up :(

What is the secret to getting them to line up??

robin

Cutting, pressing, squaring, seam allowance, there's lots that could be your point of issue.

Seam allowances have to be exact. If you're doing a 1/4 inch all the time they should line up. I have had problems with stretching the block when pressing so be careful of that. Someone with more experience will be along to help you out more.

Seam size...

How they were cut - did you use straight of grain, or are they cut on the bias?

It takes practice to make a perfect quarter inch seam. That may be off a little bit. It is wise to press and measure each component as you go.

Seam allowance. You have to be accurate. And a walking foot helps too. And double checking your blocks at every step.

I'm just guessing, but your biases may be running in different directions. Your material will stretch one way but it won't stretch when you turn it the other way. Try keeping the biases all one direction. You have to sew with an accurate 1/4" on EACH & EVERY seam. Say you're off 1/8", & those 1/8" keep adding up, it will throw the seams off also. Accurate cutting is a MUST. With my first quilt, I cut mine with scissors, drew the squares out with a yard stick. No, I'm not that old, I just didn't know any better. Using a rotary cutter & a good ruler helps. If there's ANY possiblity of taking a beginners quilt class, it is so WELL worth the money. It is amazing how much you can learn from them. Good luck & don't give up. It's mind boggling at first but there's lots of good help here on this board.

If you cut accurately, then the most likely culprit is the 1/4" seam. It is essential to find where the 1/4" is on your machine. http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-109768-1.htm is a tutorial.

Pressing without stretching is another fun one to learn, but important. http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-149984-1.htm is a tutorial.

Learning how to "nest" the seams really helps with getting blocks and rows to line up. http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-28328-1.htm is a tutorial.

Looking through the tutorial section of QB is a great way to find out how to do just about anything!!!

Practice....cutting all the blocks carefully to same size...maintaining exact 1/4" seams. If your seams are off, nothing is going to line up. That's the MAIN key!!

I agree with Izaquilter. Taking a beginning quilt class is a great help. Even though I've sewn for years, I took a couple of classes when I wanted to start making quilts and those classes were well worth it.

You may be able to figure out things on your own, but taking a class makes learning about quilting a joy, not a frustration