Getting seams to match up. Will I ever master it?
#11
So with the glue basting, just stick a little bit right where my seams match, stick them together and press it with a dry iron? What about if you don't line them up correctly and you have to redo the glue? Does the fabric come apart easily at all?
The problem is happening on that outside strip that I piece on last. Seems that some of the strips are too long for the block and I'm having to pin on the straight seams and ease inbetween. I was thinking maybe my 1/4" was too scant on those last strips. I'm sure I'll get it all figured out on the last block. :)
Kathy, I love where you said you've never made a perfect quilt, but each quilt you've made has perfects spots. How true!!
The problem is happening on that outside strip that I piece on last. Seems that some of the strips are too long for the block and I'm having to pin on the straight seams and ease inbetween. I was thinking maybe my 1/4" was too scant on those last strips. I'm sure I'll get it all figured out on the last block. :)
Kathy, I love where you said you've never made a perfect quilt, but each quilt you've made has perfects spots. How true!!
#12
I'm in agreement with Deb, too. It 'looks' like your seams may be too deep, more than 1/4". Does your pattern call for 1/4" or a scant 1/4"? Have you measured your seam width to make sure it is what your pattern calls for? Some directions will call for a scant 1/4" when you have so many pieces in a block, but others do not. Consistency is what matters.
Also, what type of thread you use for piecing can make a big difference on the outcome, too. Many quilters have switched to using 50 weight 2 ply for piecing instead of the traditional 3 ply. It makes a HUGE difference!! My piecing has improved tremendously just by switching to a 2 ply, like Aurafil or any other 2 ply. They are just as strong as the 2 ply, but thinner so they take up less room in the seam.
I've pieced a lot of blocks similar to the ones you're doing, and it does look like, as Deb mentioned about the alignment, that your seam might be too deep, more than 1/4".
Be patient, checking these few steps will go a long way to improve your piecing, as will practice. As another poster said, you are doing a fairly complicated block, so please, don't be so hard on yourself. You will be much happier with the end result if you rip and redo once you've found out what's causing the misalignment. Best of luck and please, keep us posted on your progress.
Karla
Also, what type of thread you use for piecing can make a big difference on the outcome, too. Many quilters have switched to using 50 weight 2 ply for piecing instead of the traditional 3 ply. It makes a HUGE difference!! My piecing has improved tremendously just by switching to a 2 ply, like Aurafil or any other 2 ply. They are just as strong as the 2 ply, but thinner so they take up less room in the seam.
I've pieced a lot of blocks similar to the ones you're doing, and it does look like, as Deb mentioned about the alignment, that your seam might be too deep, more than 1/4".
Be patient, checking these few steps will go a long way to improve your piecing, as will practice. As another poster said, you are doing a fairly complicated block, so please, don't be so hard on yourself. You will be much happier with the end result if you rip and redo once you've found out what's causing the misalignment. Best of luck and please, keep us posted on your progress.
Karla
#13
I also ease the fabric (pull on the top or bottom) to get the seams to line up if there's a slight mismatch.
If I absolutely, positively have to have everything be "perfect" I paper piece. I get much better results with points that way.
If I absolutely, positively have to have everything be "perfect" I paper piece. I get much better results with points that way.
#14
Originally Posted by Pam
It is frustrating to get the angles to line up, that is for sure. Try the glue basting, if that does not work, this might, it is time consuming and I learned this from a pro that enters quilt shows to win. Let me know if it works for you. Hand baste, eww, I know, right? Just one or 2 stitches at each intersection, leave the thread hanging and just go down the block. It takes a little longer than pinning but before you sew you KNOW it is lined up, and the stitches are easy to take out. I have not done this yet.
#15
Originally Posted by Quiltgranny
Also, what type of thread you use for piecing can make a big difference on the outcome, too. Many quilters have switched to using 50 weight 2 ply for piecing instead of the traditional 3 ply. It makes a HUGE difference!! My piecing has improved tremendously just by switching to a 2 ply, like Aurafil or any other 2 ply. They are just as strong as the 2 ply, but thinner so they take up less room in the seam.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Oregon City, OR
Posts: 1,016
Just a thought...my sewing machine has a tendency to "push" places with seams. Am in the process of pressing all my seams open to try and counteract this problem. It happens when the seam is pressed towards the machine as it approaches. It doesn't happen when the seam is pressed in the direction towards me. (Does this make sense?)
#20
Originally Posted by Pam
It is frustrating to get the angles to line up, that is for sure. Try the glue basting, if that does not work, this might, it is time consuming and I learned this from a pro that enters quilt shows to win. Let me know if it works for you. Hand baste, eww, I know, right? Just one or 2 stitches at each intersection, leave the thread hanging and just go down the block. It takes a little longer than pinning but before you sew you KNOW it is lined up, and the stitches are easy to take out. I have not done this yet.
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