Is there a trick to matching seams?
#15
I put a pin straight down through the seam/point on the top block. Then put that same pin through the seam/point on the underneath block. Hold that pin perfectly straight up/down then place pins on either side through the 2 blocks and remove the up/down pin. This should hold your seam in place. I also (gasp!) sew over pins which I find helps things stay in place until they are sewn together.
#16
First of all I pin and then pin some more. If I'm trying to match straight seams then I press the seams to one side and nest where they join when I can. If I'm trying to match a point then I put a pin through the point and then put that pin through the corresponding fabric I'm going to sew it to and use a pen or pencil to mark the spot where the pin comes through the fabric. That is my target when I am stitching the seam. In a perfect world that should be 1/4" from the edge but sometimes its a little off but matching a point on the front is more noticeable than whether the seam on the back is 1/4" or just shy or over 1/4". I always have points that match and this is my fail safe way to doing it.
Sometimes I will press seams open to reduce bulk. It is a little more difficult sometimes to match seams this way because of the slippage in sewing.
I use a stiletto when I am guiding my sewing through the presser foot to help keep the top layer from slipping at a different rate than the bottom layer next to the feed dogs.
Sometimes I will press seams open to reduce bulk. It is a little more difficult sometimes to match seams this way because of the slippage in sewing.
I use a stiletto when I am guiding my sewing through the presser foot to help keep the top layer from slipping at a different rate than the bottom layer next to the feed dogs.
#18
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,131
I do both: Nest my seams and Use a pin. Some of the quilters I know are using washable Elmer's glue. You might try finding previous post on that subject using the advance search in the upper right corner of the menu bar. Good Luck !!
#19
you know I bought some of those two prong pins but forget to use them. Just press seams opposite of each other, place together-nestle the seams against each other and pin on each side. sew. even though i pin a lot, once in awhile fabric will move on me. Grrrr. but it's all part of life. Sometimes i fix it, sometimes not. depends how much is shows.
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 8,106
I've been known to use glue stick to ensure that my seams match, as well. It's also handy when my hands hurt too much to manipulate pins.
Also, check that you're cutting on a FLAT surface and that your cutting mat is flat as well. It's amazing what cutting on a flat surface can do for your accuracy.
For what it's worth, I'm doing a 5.5' flower square swap at guild and many of the members have been quilting for a very long time. I've learned that not all 5.5" squares are created equal. It's sort of liberating...
Also, check that you're cutting on a FLAT surface and that your cutting mat is flat as well. It's amazing what cutting on a flat surface can do for your accuracy.
For what it's worth, I'm doing a 5.5' flower square swap at guild and many of the members have been quilting for a very long time. I've learned that not all 5.5" squares are created equal. It's sort of liberating...
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