Twisted seam in Jenny's video
 

I just finished watching Jenny's Chopped Block video. Towards the end, when she is sewing her blocks together, she "bends" the seam (opposite direction of the way it was pressed so the 2 blocks can nest together). When she shows the back of the block, after pressing, it looks like the seams are twisted. I've always tried to stay away from this because I thought it may cause a hump on the quilt front. But, maybe I shouldn't be so worried about this???? Looking for feedback.

I have taken many workshops from well known instructors and many do the same thing with the seams that are not opposing. Some say be sure and tell your longarmer some seams are twisted. They all say do not clip the seams if going in the same direction when matched.

For me, it sometimes comes down to deciding do I want a twisted seam or do I want to the seams to butt up against each other. I can't always make things come out so every seam is flat and every seam is nested no matter how hard I try. My choice is usually to nest the seams and let the seam twist if I have to. Either one can cause a little bump.

I don't like twisted seams. I don't think long-armers do, either.

If it is absolutely unavoidable, I will clip the seam so it lays flat. I clip one side of the seam in another place and the other side in another spot.

My line of thinking is that I'm making only one side of the fabric "vulnerable" at a time. But the reality may be that I'm making two spots "vulnerable" instead of only one.

Then I put Fray Chek on the clipped spots.

I've been very leery of the twisting thing, thinking things could come undone down the line. I haven't made pinwheels, though, just 4-piece intersections. If it's bulky, it seems to sink into the batting and not be that noticeable.

OTOH, all those quilt experts are likely not wrong. :)

hugs,
Charlotte

I clip them being careful not to cut into the seam thread.

i have often twisted the seams... it posed no problems when i quilted the quilt. and it is not noticeable when done.

I agree. I may not purposely twist them but sometimes it happens. Doesn't seem to cause a problem.

I have ended up with twisted seams also but i never do it intentionally. I know when it happens it hasnt caused problems. I usually tend to not nest seams if its going to cause a twist but the underside has a mind of its own when cruising through the machine!

I consistently twist seams and clip them. I want my seams to nest so it is a necessity for me. Clipping seems to make them lie better, but I don't go all the way to the seam line & cut threads.