I tried to do a 8 point star paper pieced and there were so many seams coming together in the middle it really is way too bulky any suggestions on how to correct this.

You have to unstitch a couple of threads in the centre and open them up....and press them flat...

ditto.

I press seams open when I make any kind of star.

Pressing really really well can help to make such a difference.

Also, if you've been leaving your paper on, pick off the paper, before you sew where there are seams on seams, that you won't be able to get inside to take them off.

I stop & back stitch 1/4 inch from the end at all the center seams except the final one where you sew the 2 halves together and then I press that final seam open. I remove the paper before sewing the halves together also.

only stitching a stitch or two beyond each line (not to the end) helps-
press seams open-
pick out stitches in the center-
visit the 'Quilt In A Day' web site- Elenor Burns will show you how to join/press multiple-bulky seams in a spin that makes them lie flat....good tut's there too.

Hit it with a hammer...Someone told me recently that they are now selling a tool that looks like a hammer for this reason...She just used a hammer and it worked.

This works. This is how I was taught to hem jeans. Hit that pesky felled seam with a hammer. Really makes it easier to sew.

Doesn't this just add bulk to the seam allowance adding even MORE bulk at the center seam intersection?

I have the new tool for "whacking" your quilts. It does work. After buying it I thought any rubber mallet with a flat end would have worked and probably would have been cheaper.

Just steam the spot you want to whack and then WHAM, it's flat. I put the pieces on a cutting board (I sew in my kitchen table and don't want to damage that) and it works fabulously. Not sure how, but it is flat when I get done whacking it.

ps: great stress reliever :)

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-87433-1.htm
go here and open the quilt in a day link

I love to PP. Haven't had trouble with centers. I like your avatar. Could you get me the pattern for the cats?

thanks...



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