Piecing with 1 1/2" squares
08-07-2021, 02:19 PM
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 993
I use 1 1/2" squares fairly frequently, as sewingpup mentioned, using a smaller stitch length is helpful. Sometimes I'll also cut the fabric an 1/8" wider and use a full 1/4" seam (instead of trying for the narrower scant 1/4") and then trim down if needed.
08-08-2021, 06:03 AM
#34
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: The Finger Lakes of upstate NY
Posts: 3,439
Love little blocks with tiny pieces! I'm currently working on Summer Samper Spree, a sew along with Moda. It's part of their Blockheads group, but unlike Blockheads, no free pattern. It uses Susan Ache's book, "Sampler Spree". Six inch blocks, I think the most pieces in one was 54.
Some of my fabrics were starched, but not many. It's really a matter of slowing down, both in cutting and sewing. Pressing is important, and I will press and trim more than once as I'm putting the blocks together. Everything really has to be accurate, with such small sizes, it shows up real quick if it isn't. I reduce stitch size by a couple of clicks; with such small pieces, it only takes a couple of stitches popping apart to have a seam fail.
Here are a few of the blocks done so far. There are 106 blocks in the book and I am adding another 14 so make another row. Just finding 6" blocks I like, either free ones on the internet or from Lori Holt's books. We are 8 weeks in, with 2 more to go. The Goblet block, the dark blue and white one, has 1" stitch and flip corners, so only a tiny little bit shows when sewn in.
These patterns are nice, as they are easier, I think, than some of the ones in Lori's books. The problem is that there are cutting directions for the blocks, but no assembly or pressing instructions. You kind of figure that out from the sketch of the blocks. Still, doable if you take your time.
Some of my fabrics were starched, but not many. It's really a matter of slowing down, both in cutting and sewing. Pressing is important, and I will press and trim more than once as I'm putting the blocks together. Everything really has to be accurate, with such small sizes, it shows up real quick if it isn't. I reduce stitch size by a couple of clicks; with such small pieces, it only takes a couple of stitches popping apart to have a seam fail.
Here are a few of the blocks done so far. There are 106 blocks in the book and I am adding another 14 so make another row. Just finding 6" blocks I like, either free ones on the internet or from Lori Holt's books. We are 8 weeks in, with 2 more to go. The Goblet block, the dark blue and white one, has 1" stitch and flip corners, so only a tiny little bit shows when sewn in.
These patterns are nice, as they are easier, I think, than some of the ones in Lori's books. The problem is that there are cutting directions for the blocks, but no assembly or pressing instructions. You kind of figure that out from the sketch of the blocks. Still, doable if you take your time.
08-08-2021, 06:11 AM
#35
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Idaho
Posts: 1,270
I think you can get that fusible grid paper that small from TenSisters. She has many sizes and great patterns / videos. I took a class from Carmen at a quilt show a while back and it was fun and easy. Check it out here: TenSisters.com
08-08-2021, 08:35 AM
#37
Power Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 25,984
When having problems lining up 1 1/2" squares, try using 1 1/2" strips instead. You have a little more control sewing strips together, and then can cross cut them into 1 1/2" units. Your seam allowance is critical. I use a magnetic seam gauge to line my fabric up against, like this one:
https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/ma...ide-gauge.aspx
https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/ma...ide-gauge.aspx
