NatalieMacDonald

I want to make a border of Seminole piecing. Would stay stitching help to stabilize the edges to get that accurate 1/4" seam? Any other tips to make this challenge fun from those who have worked with this piecing is appreciated?

And by the way, I am learning and implementing already from everybodies comments on the QMB. There's nothing like another quilter who shares the same passion.

dunster

I would definitely use starch to stabilize the fabric.

I'm not so sure about stay stitching, since I haven't done this before. Are you intending to do the stay stitching near the seam lines before the fabric is cut? If so, that might help, but if you try it after the fabric has been cut on the bias then I would think that would cause more stretching.

amma

Starching the fabric before cutting helps a lot too. I starch mine heavily to keep bias edges from stretching. I don't have to worry about stay stitching then.

MTS

I think the stay stiching might come in handy after all the pieces are together in the band you're making.

Essentially, if you were to trim the bottom and top of the band straight, you'd have the whole edge be on the bias.

That's where I might mark or eye the 1/4" seam line, and stay stich about 1/8" from where I'd be cutting the straight edge. The stitching will be hidden in the seam allowance.

NatalieMacDonald

Perfect! Thanks for the many quick responses. Time to take a deep breath and get at it! I'll do the heavy starching before cutting. Just hadn't thought of that. Appreciated muchly!