Help! I always lose my points when I sew my blocks together. I have a 1/4" foot and am very careful to get the 1/4" seam allowance and I double check when I cut the squares to be sure they are the proper size but when I put them together I am still losing my points sometimes. Is there a trick?

Use a scant 1/4 not a full quarter. You have to account for the thread plus the fold of the fabric so use 3/16 to put it together. Also dbl check your quarter inch foot to make sure it is not 5/16.

I use a 1/4 inch everywhere else

I can move my needle so I use my 1/4 inch foot but move my needle to the right 3-4 clicks to get a scant 1/4

Starching your fabric before cutting will help stabilize the fabric so it doesn't stretch out of shape with handling and sewing.

Usually the problem you describe is caused by the seam being a little too big. You need to sew a "scant" 1/4-inch seam to allow for thickness of the thread and the fold of the fabric.

Yes starch like mad! You could mistake alot of my fabric for card stock ;)

I pin my points. I place a pin through the stitces of both blocks. This way they don't slip when the fabric goes through the feed dogs. Hope that makes sense.

Here is my tutorial on troubleshooting keeping those points.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-23252-1.htm

I don't starch much, but I do use the scant 1/4" and I check each junction as I sew it to be sure it is spot on.
With all this, I don't have a lot of trouble with points.

I pin and glue baste for points. No slipping.

hahahahahaha BUT a very good idea. :D

Here's how to check if you have a perfect 1/4 inch. I use the strip method.
It's a good idea to test every time you make a new quilt as fabric weight
can differ quite a bit.
http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/techni...er-seam_1.html

Yup. I use 3 pins at each seam (one before, after, and in the actual seam) and I sew through my pins. Pulling them out before you sew makes things shift

Just curious...do you starch your fabric? I do and I remove my pins just before it goes under the presser foot and haven't had any shifting problems.

I love your tutorials. I always learn a new trick. Thank you for sharing.