Alfie

OK I been reading posts for a long time and now I need help. This place is great, most of the time I don't even need to ask. I just find an answer before I even know I need help!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for that in advance.
Now I seem to be having trouble with waves in my pieced tops once I'm almost done. You know something like a "B" cup in the middle, well mabe not that bad but............I ususally use steam to press my seams and to press everything else. I do that right from the start, thats what I was told to do to help stop this problem. Now this last project seems to have a little wave to it. Not happy about it. Hopefully the quilting with take care of it but would like to know what I'm doing wrong. :x :x :?: :?:

kluedesigns

i never use steam on blocks or tops - it allows the fabric to distort. i also lift & press with the iron i don't move it around on the fabric like you do when ironing a shirt.

once you have the blocks together you should square them before putting them into a top.

then when adding the borders you should measure the top thru the center and use that length and width measurement to cut your border fabric.

kluedesigns

yes, bias very carefully :shock:

Elisabrat

I never even thought about the steam stretching things makes perfect sense. Thanks for that tip. I agree squaring up really helps even if your blocks end up all not exactly as many inches as you like they sure lay better. Starch helps me get the fabric flat and straight, feels funky to work with but it seems to keep things pretty darn flat.

Alfie

thanks everyone. I usually sq up everything but this wall hanging was made out of 45 degree angles that were sewn together, not really any "blocks" just strips.

amma

Too much padding on your ironing board can cause ripples too, I finally figured that one out lol

kluedesigns

thats so true, thanks for the heads up.