Too much fabric at points
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 73
Too much fabric at points
I am practicing foundation piecing on scrap material while I wait for my fabric to arrive. I am planning on doing a foundation pieced quilt for the first time.
On my practice block, I am running into an issue. I can make beautiful squares and rectangles, but when I go to sew them all together into a block, there is way too much material at the points and my machine is struggling to get over the "hump". I never ran into this with traditional piecing because we are instructed to press the seams in opposite directions. Is this just an issue that I have to learn to deal with when doing foundation piecing, or am I doing something wrong?
I'll attach some pics so you can see what I'm talking about.
On my practice block, I am running into an issue. I can make beautiful squares and rectangles, but when I go to sew them all together into a block, there is way too much material at the points and my machine is struggling to get over the "hump". I never ran into this with traditional piecing because we are instructed to press the seams in opposite directions. Is this just an issue that I have to learn to deal with when doing foundation piecing, or am I doing something wrong?
I'll attach some pics so you can see what I'm talking about.
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,412
Foundation piecing is not the same as paper piecing so I don't know which one you are referring to. In paper piecing you can do opposing seams as in regular peicing or press open. Foundation piecing is sewing on a base usually strip piecing.
#3
Your blocks look great. Whether you piece then conventionally or paper piece then you will have the same issue. I just did a Storm at Sea topper and I ironed all the seams open. My DH took a closet pole and ran it through the table saw and took off about 1/3 of it so the pole sat flat on my table. I place the right side of the block down and use that iron on. Works great.
Also, in order to get my points spot on, I put a pin at the tip of the point I wanted to match and then through the point where it matched on the other block. Then as I held that pin vertical, I put a pin next to it ti hold it in place.
Also, in order to get my points spot on, I put a pin at the tip of the point I wanted to match and then through the point where it matched on the other block. Then as I held that pin vertical, I put a pin next to it ti hold it in place.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,559
Honestly, I had the exact same issue with my paper-pieced storm at sea. It's just something you have to do your best at, and then accept your results. I pressed my seams open, used a lot of steam and a weight to get them as flat as possible, and was pretty happy after it was quilted.
BTW, did you see the paper-pieced pdf pattern I attached in the other thread?
BTW, did you see the paper-pieced pdf pattern I attached in the other thread?
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 73
Honestly, I had the exact same issue with my paper-pieced storm at sea. It's just something you have to do your best at, and then accept your results. I pressed my seams open, used a lot of steam and a weight to get them as flat as possible, and was pretty happy after it was quilted.
BTW, did you see the paper-pieced pdf pattern I attached in the other thread?
BTW, did you see the paper-pieced pdf pattern I attached in the other thread?
yes, I just saw that. Thanks so much!!
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Tn
Posts: 9,014
I think with the points of your diamonds coming together with the same points of the other block you will just have to deal with this bulk. If it was a single seam you wouldn’t have so much fabric. But, you have 2 seams with 3 pieces of fabric X 2.
#9
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 73
Ugh. Ok. Do you think it will be easier if I iron the seams open?