The 1/4" dots are the only way I can do them and I go very slowly - of course I should add that I haven't done a lot of them

I once did a 9 inch block that had 56 pieces. Every seam was a y seam. Going slow, it took 10 hours to complete. Never again!!!!

ROFL, am I correct that you really really think Y seams are horrible ?? :-)))

It's about ending 1/4" from the end - I back stitch so that the seam stays put.

A quilting friend had this advice for me: "Life is too short for Y seams!"

YukonViv gave you excellent advice, I discovered they weren't as bad as I thought when I relaxed, went very slow and methodical and was very accurate. Marking the seams with a very visible dot where you will stop and pivet really helps, don't raise your needle for anything! and I used the end of my seam ripper to make sure the fabric on the underside was in the right position before I resumed sewing. And after my first one the following seemed somewhat easier, I think it was because I was less tense by getting through the first one. Good luck!

I think Kay Woods is the easiest and best way of doing this. Many say to stop at the dot and that's great for hand sewing but I like sewing to the end, as Kay suggests, when using the machine.

I would google it or go to utube and see if there is a tutorial... I usually mark dots on the corners, but I sew from the center out.

I just made a grandma's flower garden table runner (we have a contest at our local quilt guild with patriotic fabrics) and it was the first time I have made Y's You know once you got the hang of it, it was really kind of fun. The only hard part of it was putting the backing on, which I had to sew, clip and turn (I call it birthing) and then hand sew the opening shut. Just remember make sure that your edges are correct and don't go past your seam allowance and it will go just fine.

I do all my Y seams by hand so there's no need for pinning. One of my favorite relaxing in the evening things to do!