Folding seams in one direction
 

I find that when I press seams in one direction it takes up a tiny bit of fabric because of the fold. As a result, one piece of fabric is a tiny bit smaller than the other. Over the construction of a block this results with the block not being exactly the correct size. Or in blocks with many pieces, they all don't line up properly. For example, in doing a block like Birds in the Air, when I go to attach the pieced side to the piece of fabric that has no seams, they don't match up perfectly.

Stitching the seams open helps some until you get a place where a bunch of corners come together. Nesting the seams helps, but not a perfect solution.

Does anyone use a techinque that takes into account this fabric shrinkage due the seam allow?

I have learned to make a test block to check that the block will end up being the size I am trying for before cutting everything out.

Cut the pieces a smidge bigger or make seam allowances a smidge narrower.

A scant quarter inch seam and a 50/60 wt thread helps.

Hugs

Caroline

Have you tried to alter pressing directions? Here's an example of Bird in the Air.
You can see how she pressed her block.
http://chock-a-blockquiltblocks.blog...ds-in-air.html

I use thin thread for the bobbin and I usually press my seams open.

I use 60 wt thread and check my seam allowance at the start of each project. You actually measure the patch not the seam.

This may not make sense but I cut the width of the black line on my Omnigrid ruler and that has made a big difference. Yes, there is always the hump factor but you find what technique will help you overcome the problem. I also like to oversize my blocks or HST, then I iron them with starch and then trim them down to the perfect size.

Here's another trick --- when you piece a block in sections, always do the most-pieces section/s first, measure, then piece the rest. Using a thinner/finer thread also helps; lots of quilters use a 60 wt. thread to piece.

Jan in VA

60 wt thread. I use Bottom Line.

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I have some Bottom Line that I'll try out.