Hi. I am looking for advice. I am piecing a portion of my quilt backing using 2 inch squares. Are the lengthwise edges sewn together or do you alternate lengthwise and crosswise edges together? Or is it mandatory to be sure the lengthwise edges are on the vertical? I am concerned about it ending up "wonky".
thanks for any tips. |
My answer would be different depending on the number you are stitching together and the configuration.
Eg. 4 blocks by 30? or 12 blocks by 12? or larger? |
If they are already cut, how does one tell the difference?
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Are the squares already cut? Or are you piecing strips, then cutting into squares?
If the fabric has not yet been cut, I would recommend heavily starching the fabric. This prevents stretching and distortion while you piece. If piecing strips, they are more stable cut lengthwise rather than the most usual crosswise. The lengthwise grain is more stable, so the strips will go together with less distortion. If you can heavily starch before cutting strips, then it won't matter whether the strips are cut crosswise or lengthwise. If you are piecing already-cut squares, I'm not sure how you could keep track of lengthwise/crosswise grain unless the fabric has a directional print. |
Originally Posted by Prism99
Are the squares already cut? Or are you piecing strips, then cutting into squares?
If the fabric has not yet been cut, I would recommend heavily starching the fabric. This prevents stretching and distortion while you piece. If piecing strips, they are more stable cut lengthwise rather than the most usual crosswise. The lengthwise grain is more stable, so the strips will go together with less distortion. If you can heavily starch before cutting strips, then it won't matter whether the strips are cut crosswise or lengthwise. If you are piecing already-cut squares, I'm not sure how you could keep track of lengthwise/crosswise grain unless the fabric has a directional print. |
wow i am confused must be that kind of day lol
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Originally Posted by CompulsiveQuilter
If they are already cut, how does one tell the difference?
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Originally Posted by QuiltE
Good thought, I was thinking she was meaning the length/crosswise of the back of the quilt! |
as long as they are not bias cuts it does not really matter- with only a 2" piece you are not going to experience undo stretching-which would be the only reason to even think about cross-wise vs. lengthwise...
bias is stretchy...regardless of size. |
Originally Posted by CompulsiveQuilter
If they are already cut, how does one tell the difference?
Or use some squares from a charm pack. Now stretch a square gently on the east/west axis. And then do it on the north/south axis. One way will be tighter and have less give - that's the warp (lengthwise - parallel to the selvage). And the other way will have more stretch in it - that's the weft (width-wise/crosswise). For Bea's problem with 2" squares, it's really not a issue, and wouldn't make much of a difference, because as Prism99 & ckcowl both said, they're just 2". ;-) But there are instances when it's beneficial to take that into consideration. It can reduce stretching and strengthen the construction. Even when you're not dealing with any exposed bias edges. It's the sort of thing you don't notice until you do it, and then you realize how wonky the previous attempts really were. :mrgreen: |
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