elizajo

On a long seam like a border, especially if it was cut on the crosswise grain (from selvage to selvage), it might help to use the walking foot. Be careful not to pull or push the fabric through the machine, too. If you are sure that both pieces were cut the same length and you still come out with one piece longer, then one layer didn't feed through the machine correctly. Since the seam is straight, you will end up with one side puffy. So you have to decide whether to fix it or hope it will "quilt out".

I am just now stitching 14" blocks together with my 1/4" patchwork foot and had the same problem on one seam, even with pinning. I'm ripping and remeasuring to double check the accuracy of my 14" and then put on my walking foot before I restitch.

ETA: I just checked my measurements, one block was off by 1/4" at one end. I had to square it up again.

patty48

I'm an "over pinner".....I too sewed clothes before learning how to quilt....just habit I guess

MadQuilter

Did you measure across the center of the quilt top to get the correct measurement for the border, or did you just sew until you got to the end?

I generally pin at the ends, in the center and again in quarters. The rest, I adjust as I go.

littlehud

I pin a lot when I am piecing or adding borders. It seems to keep things working better for me.

amma

Yes, but I glue baste them on :wink:

GailG

Makes sense to me. That's what I do. Then if one piece is to be eased in a little, I know which one to place on the bottom. So does that make sense?
:lol:

deranged_damsel

a good rule is... if you are sewing a strip border or sashing, place that side down. the feed dogs will be less likely to strech whole fabric than pieced fabric. also I match up the layers well before they reach the foot and just hold it tight, it helps keep one layer getting to the foot faster than the other.
I HATE taking to time to pin! whats WORSE it taking the time to unpick!!! UGHHHHH....