when pinning applique pieces to the block push the pins in from underneath --the thread then has nothing to catch on

Too hard to pick one! but the latest was really useful....winding your binding on a toilet roll tube...so simple and effective.

I have two equal, both given on the same thread. Starch. Spray baste. both saved my sanity.

The wisdom, "Sometimes, even though your quilt isn't finished, you're finished with your quilt. Even Beethoven left things unfinished, and no one doubts his genius!"

Jan in VA

to use smaller straight pins to line up my seams.

To enjoy the quilting process,cause if not.. why put all the $$$ & time in it.No one forces me to use patterns or fabrics I don't like.
It's really freeing,cause I do this for myself.My opinion comes 1st in quilting.

Lots of great tips. I think the starching one would be mine. :thumbup:

Find what works best for you, then do things your way.

Was when a quilt teacher told us when sewing a sq in the corner on a bigger sq to make a half triangle to start at the point like normal but gradualy sew a liitle off your line along side and go back to the point.Make sure this is on the side where the point is so whren you press over you have the extra.
THis gives you a little extra to fold back and then you can sq agin and not be short.
Clear as mud. lol
Gale

Cutting, stitching an accurate 1/4" seam and pressing (not ironing) carefully are all really important. Mastering each of these skills will really improve the quality of your stitching and help avoid the frustration of blocks not fitting and frog stitching. The value of spray starching was also a huge revelation to me. I just couldn't believe it would make such a difference.