This is what I do and it seems as if the opening closes better there and I the quilting will hide some if it isn't perfect.

This is the right thread at the right time:) I'm also making placemats and some really good ideas. Thanks

I love that stuff! I use it when joining binding, I found a "cheater" method online that works very well for me. No more too-tight or too-baggy binding for me!

Whenever I birth a potholder, place mat or similar items I always slip stitch the opening closed by hand after it is turned and before it is top stitched. You can do it without the stitches even showing by using a fine needle to get little stitches and using the fold to run your thread along. It makes the top stitching easier to do and overall just looks nicer I think. I recently gave some microwave bowls and potholders to a friend and she kept going around and around the edge to figure out how I made them as she couldn't find the area where I had turned them. I don't use my walking foot to top stitch the edge because it doesn't like it when I am stitching close to an edge and only a small part of the walking foot is on the fabric.

If the edge is on the bias, could it be stretching just a bit when you turn the quilt right side out through the opening? Hence the little extra fabric which results in a tuck?

You are getting that bit of pucker probably because the fabrics are being stretched as you squeeze the whole thing out of that little opening.....try leaving a bigger open section for turning out......after I've turned out, I iron down that edge all around...folding under that open seam and the steam will tighten it up if there is a pucker.....just a hint....

I do, too - I have found this works well. :-)

Marysewfun

Paper Princess and Quiltmouse have the right ideas. When I use the birthing method I always let the top go just a smidge over, we're talking tiny amount and it works perfectly. Another tricky time is when you are doing circles using the birthing method, such as coasters. I used to screw these up regularly until I found that if I cut them out on the bias there was just enough give to allow me to make a nice smooth closure without puckers.

Wow! I love this idea. Thank you big time.

Thanks for so many great suggestions! I have 4 more sets of placemats ready to birth, so I think I will have a go at all of these methods! I picked up some wonder tape today, so will try that next!