Do you square your blocks.
#22
I can't imagine NOT squaring my blocks. They just go together so much easier, with seams matching and points intact, etc., when all of the blocks are properly squared. And I keep checking the squaring as I put the quilt together. Then I make sure the quilt is square by putting in the first, exact, border. The more square you keep the quilt, the fewer overall problems you will have.
#24
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
I could NOT have said it any better. I like making my blocks a bit bigger like EB does. I love to be able to trim it down after giving the final pressing. I have seen too many quilt tops that won't lay flat!!
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: The Deep South near Cajun Country, USA
Posts: 5,432
I started out with the attitude, everything cut good, sewed good, creates square blocks. And all was good. It also, helps to have the same amount of seams in each block.
And then, I made some half square triangles. OMG! I had to square those little guys up. They slid, stretched, ran and more. (Wish I had known about the starch it stiff method. Haven't tried it but will soon.) That experience with the HSTs has made me into a person who makes sure everything is square every step of the way. Each part must fit as perfectly as possible, otherwise, some ripply, wiggly, cupping blocks occur. I overcut and stitch scant 1/4" seams and still have to square up.
Some don't square anything and still make beautiful quilts. It all comes down to what works for you.
And then, I made some half square triangles. OMG! I had to square those little guys up. They slid, stretched, ran and more. (Wish I had known about the starch it stiff method. Haven't tried it but will soon.) That experience with the HSTs has made me into a person who makes sure everything is square every step of the way. Each part must fit as perfectly as possible, otherwise, some ripply, wiggly, cupping blocks occur. I overcut and stitch scant 1/4" seams and still have to square up.
Some don't square anything and still make beautiful quilts. It all comes down to what works for you.
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NW IL
Posts: 493
Yes and no, it depends on the fabric as I have had some (yes the good LGS fabric) stretch when I iron and I know to press not iron (sliding the iron). On those I ease in leting the feed dogs do the work as they will shrink back to the right size after the finshed quilt is washed. It always seems it in the corner where it stretches and I know if I square up the block I will be losing that required amount of threads. I haven't had a problem with the tops or quilting when it's been a problem with the stretching and easing it in. Once the top is sewn together and reironed before quilting they seem to fit in sort of unstretch if that makes sense.
I'm am careful with my cuting and sewing the 1/4" so my finshed block are the finshed size they were to be.
I'm am careful with my cuting and sewing the 1/4" so my finshed block are the finshed size they were to be.
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nativetexan
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10-19-2013 08:37 PM