nancysew

Does anyone know how to keep fabric smooth when piecing a quilt top? I know free-motion does smooth out the quilt before adding the border.

Peckish

Well, you could just iron it. 😉

I'm thinking maybe there's a larger issue you're asking about? Wavy edges, maybe?

sewingpup

?can you maybe post a picture? It is bit unclear about what you are asking about. Are you seams puckering? That is usually a tension problem or you maybe pulling the fabric along instead of letting the machine to the work. But I am not really sure what the problem is. are you pressing your seams as you go?

Peckish

Also - you said free motion does smooth out the quilt before adding the border. To clarify, when you say "border" do you mean binding?

Onebyone

I make sure the quilt sandwich is basted with no give at all. I use Elmers school glue. My quilt lays flat as paper. When the glue dries it does shrink and pull the fabric. I simply iron it and the glue will not reshrink. This glue roller bottle makes glue basting fast and easy. Thanks to BonnieJP for posting about this wonderful way to apply the glue.

tallchick

Are you asking about piecing the top? Layering everything (sandwiching) Or quilting it?

Tartan

You are going to have some thicker spots due to seam allowances. Make sure none of your seams are twisted as that can cause lumps. Try to nest intersecting seams as much as possible. When a lot of seams all come together like the centre of a star, try to press the seam allowances so they circle. The back of your quilt top should almost look as good as the front. Your piecing will improve with practice.

nancysew

Yes, I mean wavy edges, like puckering.

nancysew

I am talking about piecing the top. My fabric does not lay flat while piecing.

nancysew

Yes, I mean binding.