Do you sew 9 squares together, use 3 strips and cut 9 patch, or use another method? What is the best way to have every seam match up?

I strip piece them. So much easier.

I strip piece if I have/need a lot. I also piece them if I'm using up precut squares.

Me too!

If they're small I strip them. Larger than 4 inch. I sew them together.

I prefer to strip piece too :D:D:D
For piecing there is a great tutorial here on the board in the Tutorial section :D:D:D

I use strip piecing for both 4 and 9 patch. Love doing both-

"strippin' is the only way to go

I strip piece unless I'm doing scrappy and then it's the old fashioned way of sewing squares together.

mltquilt

I'm a stripper! I also use this method for a D9P.

me too!

stripping

To answer your question about "what is the best method for having every seam match up"

Careful sewing
Accurate sewing
Slow down when sewing
Pin if necessary

I sew each individual square. I don't care to much for strip piecing. I guess I'm just not use to it because my strips tend to curve.

Under 4 inches is strip piecing, if not scrappy. Otherwise it is cut and match. I watch the way I iron the seams so they will "Lock" into each other, and wind up having to baste till I get them to match, then sew the seams together.

I strip piece.

I have to agree with this, I want it to look right and professional so no short cuts.

I strip piece when I can, unless I only need ONE, which is rare, but does occassionally happen.

Ditto :)
I use the 'leader/ender' method a lot!

I prefer this method too....just sew my 3 strips together then subcut. They go together so nicely and seems to by so much faster than piecing.

I remember seeing on one of the old Fons & Porter Quilt shows... Marianne suggested you alternate sewing from opposite ends when strip sewing. This helps keep the strips from getting curvy. I have tried this and I too, recommend doing it this way. Also starching fabric before cutting the strips helps control them.

LOL! my thought exactly!

Ditto!

stripping

glad you ask that question.....
I heard of changing ends to sew
BUT starch before you cut...
I starch every thing but never thought of that.
thanks ya'all

Strip piece as much as possible. When I cut strip sets I know they are perfectly square and straight.

I love stripping my nine and four patch squares and I also love my starch. Until I tried it, I had no idea that it could make such a difference. Now if only I could find liquid starch in Canada! Our Wal-mart or local grocery stores just don't carry it.

Strip piecing - the only way to go!!

Have you seen the newest tute on Missouri Quilt on scrappy 4 patch? Very easy and quicker than the old method! Plus looks like all points match too.. Going to try this soon.

I have had great luck with strip piecing them. Much faster!

Strip method. :lol:

Accurate cutting and careful pressing help, too.

Interesting that you only got one answer re matching seams! If I'm having a 'good' day, they go together perfectly because I've pressed them, and they magically match. Otherwise, I sew and check each matchpoint before sewing the entire seam.

I have a pile of squares next to my machine and I use them for leaders and enders...Bonnie Hunter's method. I can easily make a bunch of 2, 4, 9 or 16 patch blocks this way while I am making another quilt entirely! When I am putting the 2, 3, and 4 patches together to make the block, I finger press the seams to one side (making them opposite for the other piece), cuddle the seams together with my fingers, pin the seam and sew. Usually end up with a decent match up...but there is always my seam ripper handy if it is off too much!

I sew each block individually since each one is cut out that way. All my tops are from scraps since I use my material to make little clothes (kids) for missions. I'd better live to be 120 and have good eyesight, as much material as I have. When I think I'm making progress in my stockpile, someone gives me more material. Maybe when I'm retired I'll have more time.

I sew each square but I like the scrappy look and it also enables me to use up smaller pieces of fabric.

Have you seen any of the homemade starch recipes using cornstarch and water? I wonder if they work. They won't keep long because the don't have any preservatives.

I cut them in strips and sew strips together, cut in strips and sew them together until I have enough.

I prefer the strip piecing method and I sometimes like to make the "two for one Nine patch" http://annalenaland.com/2010/06/03/t...ne-nine-patch/