Help Needed: Method to Piece the "Seeds of Life" Curves!
 

Hey everyone

I'm working on a "Seeds of Life" quilt pattern that I designed myself, and I'm really struggling with piecing the curves. I've cut out all my pieces and tried sewing them, but every single seam is on a curve, and I just can't seem to get it right.

I've watched countless YouTube videos, tried endless pinning, glue basting, and even my own "caveman" method, but I'm still not successful. I did figure out that the bigger the curved pieces are, the easier they seem to be to sew, but that's about the extent of my progress! I haven't tried Wonder Tape yet, and I've also found that the "pinch method" to find the center doesn't really work well with the different shapes in this design.

I've attached a picture of one of my attempts so you can see what I'm up against. I've seen one or two finished "Seeds of Life" designs online, but they don't offer much in the way of piecing instructions.

What is the approximate diameter of the block you designed?

I've learned that some blocks are actually MUCH easier to hand-piece than to attempt to sew them by machine.

That block looks like it would be one of them.

I think Bear is right, this is probably easier to do by hand, but it can be done by sewing and I'll do a bit of research.

Before I research, if you asked me to make one based on the picture -- I like the solid thin petal things in the center, but I would probably divide the center into wedges right down the middle of the thin petals. There are 6 sections, so 60 degree triangles basically. Then I'd either work on out to the edges, or I would do it in rings. Although I often disparage specialty rulers, there is such a thing as having the right tool for the job and if I did it in rings, I would want the correct size template rings, or I do have a couple different circle cutting things.

Edit: The gentle curves should be reasonably easy to piece by machine but may take a bit of getting used to.

Edit 2: One of the other make it easier techniques would be to simply hand applique the thin slivers on top of the center circle.

There are twelve seams coming together at the center.

First, I would make sure that the templates (with seam allowances) ere extremely accurate and that the sewing is also accurate and consistent.

Just from lookinig at the picture - i think my first try would be to piece each white wedge to the coral "curved triangle"
Then sew each of those units to the other white and coral units. Sort of like the LeMooyne Star assembly technique

Then press the center by pressing all seams either clockwise or counterclockwise. Then "spin" the center glob to distribute some of the bulk.

I would sew the outside ring in the same manner. But press the seams in the opposite direction.

Then I would join the rings. I might even consider hand basting before machine sewing to minimize shifting.

I have not tried it - but that's what I think I would try.

Oh, I feel your pain! I've struggled with the double wedding ring pattern and it isn't half so complicated as yours. Something that occurred to me when sewing some non-quilt items, though, is that I've set sleeves into garments and faced necklines for years. Curved seams! I agree with bearisgray that hand sewing might be your best bet. What about some hand basting and then machine sewing? I also wonder about running a basting thread along the convex side of the seam and slightly gathering as you sew; not enough to cause puckers but enough to ease in fullness.

I think I would tackle this with EPP. The flat back stitch is amazing for curves.

I love curves! I clip to 1/8" in 3 places on concave piece: mid-point, and one on each side. Lift up piece slightly while feeding through machine foot.
I think I would make 6 wedges according to the black lines I placed on your photo. Add purple pieces to a black piece, then, add white pieces to a red. then join those two pieces to make a wedge.

If you find this too difficult, could you cut out the red pieces. Fold, pin and press the two edge seams 1/4", and place in position on a white circle. When satisfied use a little glue to secure, then stitch either by hand or a small zig-zag machine stitch. 'Reverse applique.'

thanks for the ideas , I am not that advanced. I have made the patterns myself. I like the idea about trying to make it into triangles. I do use freezer paper. it seems to me no one is quilting this pattern. I like the fold back method of piecing with the 1/4 ruler. I wish someone had that technique for curves.