Getting seams to match up. Will I ever master it?
#21
Originally Posted by debbieumphress
I also have a 1/4" foot and marked a 1/4 using blue paint ers tape and putting a second layer on the tape gives it a border to follow. And "press" don't iron. I tend to stretch my seams when I ironed incorectly. I am talking about what happens to me, not you. Just a thought. lol
#22
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,624
Good grief, Rachel :) You're making some beautiful blocks there...and you're worried about your seams being a smidge off??? (I know, I know ~~ YOU know and that's what bothers you.............I'm the same way :))
#23
I haven't read all the answers, so I am sorry if I am repeating, but I was having the same problem when I first started quilting. I discover what my problem was. I was making sure that the seams were pressed in opposite directions, but when I butt them against each other, I was only doing it on the edge, instead of all the way down. Your seam is 1/4 inch, so you need to make sure the seams are butted all the way down. It helps to pin on both sides of the corners.
#24
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.
#26
Originally Posted by quiltilicious
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.
#27
and now, a serious reply....everyone has made excellent suggestions...All of which I need to take into consideration considering what the blocks that I slaved over all day today look like.... :hunf:
#28
I am still new to all this, but one thing I did learn early on, is to not pin at the direct seam line. I line them up and check and recheck, then pin on either side of the seam, but still in that quarter inch.
What sort of glue do you use for basting, just the school type or something special?
What sort of glue do you use for basting, just the school type or something special?
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: North DFW
Posts: 603
Originally Posted by Katia
What sort of glue do you use for basting, just the school type or something special?
I line up the points with a straight pin stuck in the points as mentioned in other replies, then glue and iron. If the glue is dry, I haven't noticed any gunking of the needle.
#30
Originally Posted by Pamela Artman
Here's a tip I use when piecing angled pieces. Put a pin through the seam 1/4" in from the edge. Then poke the pin through the seam 1/4" from the edge of the other unit. Hold the pin straight up and down between two of your fingers (don't come back up through the fabric with your pin, just hold it in place) and take another pin and pin on each side of your first pin, then sew your seam, making sure to hit the "spot" thats marked with the first pin, removing the pins as you come to them. Kinda hard to explain! When you put your pin through the two seams, you'll see why it's so hard to sew them correctly because the seams don't line up.
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