Can anyone else relate to this?
07-26-2022, 06:16 AM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: New England, USA
Posts: 2,969
So you have already gotten lots of great tips so far so I will not duplicate what others have said BUT remember this is a hobby and is supposed to be fun so try not to stress.
That being said I am a bit ocd when quilting and piecing. If I were to do a Bear Claw that small, I would paper piece it. If you are interested in trying that, I would happily do a foundation in EQ for you.
edit - by the way - your block is cute and has all it's points - which is what people will be looking at.
That being said I am a bit ocd when quilting and piecing. If I were to do a Bear Claw that small, I would paper piece it. If you are interested in trying that, I would happily do a foundation in EQ for you.
edit - by the way - your block is cute and has all it's points - which is what people will be looking at.
Last edited by eparys; 07-26-2022 at 06:19 AM.
07-26-2022, 06:27 AM
#22
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 202
Thank you for your comments and encouragement!!
I am already doing many of the things suggested - overcutting, starching, pressing (not ironing), though I do admit to using steam.
There are two problems I notice I have - 1) my machine does not pull the fabric evenly. If I seam two pieces of fabric the exact same size, they often end up being off by a few threads. The top fabric is pushed "downwards further" than the bottom. I don't know if this is a quirk that is particular to my personal machine or all machines in general or somewhere in the middle. and 2) I use a quarter inch foot but because it is metal and not clear I can't see the last 3/8" as it is being sewn so often this part of my seam will be off, either too wide or too narrow by a couple threads. (And there was a third thing I thought of while writing this but it's gone from my brain, can't remember what it was.)
I know when I'm finished with a quilt I look at it and say that those little "offs" really aren't noticeable at all. It's just that when I'm trying so hard to have everything match up it's discouraging when I'm off by so much on every square.
I am already doing many of the things suggested - overcutting, starching, pressing (not ironing), though I do admit to using steam.
There are two problems I notice I have - 1) my machine does not pull the fabric evenly. If I seam two pieces of fabric the exact same size, they often end up being off by a few threads. The top fabric is pushed "downwards further" than the bottom. I don't know if this is a quirk that is particular to my personal machine or all machines in general or somewhere in the middle. and 2) I use a quarter inch foot but because it is metal and not clear I can't see the last 3/8" as it is being sewn so often this part of my seam will be off, either too wide or too narrow by a couple threads. (And there was a third thing I thought of while writing this but it's gone from my brain, can't remember what it was.)
I know when I'm finished with a quilt I look at it and say that those little "offs" really aren't noticeable at all. It's just that when I'm trying so hard to have everything match up it's discouraging when I'm off by so much on every square.
07-26-2022, 11:40 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: Northeast
Posts: 682
As long as you have enough in the seam allowance, don't fret the small stuff. Just make adjustments when you sew the blocks together, remembering when you need to fudge on not completely matching edge to edge on the seams.
PS. Really like your fabric!
PS. Really like your fabric!
07-26-2022, 05:07 PM
#25
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,557
my machine does not pull the fabric evenly. If I seam two pieces of fabric the exact same size, they often end up being off by a few threads. The top fabric is pushed "downwards further" than the bottom. I don't know if this is a quirk that is particular to my personal machine or all machines in general or somewhere in the middle.
07-26-2022, 05:15 PM
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: North Idaho
Posts: 1,695
1. have you tried changing to a fresh needle that will pierce the fabric cleaner all the way through?
2. Using a stiletto (or similar object) may help guide your fabric all the way through to the end.
3. You could try changing feet and remeasuring your 1/4 inch from a target point that is more visual for you. I prefer to use an open toe foot and move my needle to a position that gives me my 1/4 inch measured from the inside edge of the right toe. I find it difficult to see and control fabric when my needle placement and foot use requires the fabric to flow completely under the surface of the foot. ...hope that makes sense!
2. Using a stiletto (or similar object) may help guide your fabric all the way through to the end.
3. You could try changing feet and remeasuring your 1/4 inch from a target point that is more visual for you. I prefer to use an open toe foot and move my needle to a position that gives me my 1/4 inch measured from the inside edge of the right toe. I find it difficult to see and control fabric when my needle placement and foot use requires the fabric to flow completely under the surface of the foot. ...hope that makes sense!
