LadyAg77

Hello All,

I have always disliked piecing, mainly because I could not figure out how to keep my multiple seams and points matched. For me, effort does not necessarily equal results!

I have just discovered what sounds like a wonderful product- fusible interfacing on a grid!! I read all I could find on the subject, and was eager to try it for myself. Imagine my surprise when I discovered it costs around $7.50 - $10.00 per yard online!

JoAnn advertised less expensive grid interfacing, but they are sold out in my local stores and online. Is there a grid product that doesn’t cost such a ridiculous amount? Or possibly a way to put a grid on your own non-grid interfacing?

Is fusible grid interfacing really the secret behind great piecing? Thanks for your thoughts!

Iceblossom

I am sure there are techniques that use fusible grid interfacing, but I don't think I'd go that route. I think great piecing is largely a practice, practice, practice sort of thing. Even though they are fine motor skills, we need to keep in shape/practice and just can't expect to do perfect work if we've just taken months off of sewing, do some warm ups first!

I use a combination of techniques for piecing accuracy. For my first 20 or so years of quilting I worked at doing everything very precisely, and then for the last 20 or so years I've been doing a lot of "cut large/trim down" techniques and I find even with extra steps, I am faster, more precise and overall happier.

I also pin a lot, like typically 2-3 pins per piece, and/or every 2-3 inches... I know people who can get great results without pinning, but it turns out I'm not one of them.

I press my seams open, I find that combined with pinning lets me match things exactly by looking down from the top edge of the seam.

toverly

I think it has its place. I tried it and found that the line was on the fold. Accuracy in the seam was still required. There may be another type that shows the stitching line.

cashs_mom

I agree with this. I used to have so much trouble matching seams and points. I used to always use glue stick to keep things in place til I sewed them which helped a lot. I've noticed since I've done a lot of piecing with 2 1/2" squares and other "matchy" things that I don't have to use the glue stick as much and get good results. I think, like IceBlossom says, it's mostly practice, practice practice. I also use cut large and trim down wherever I can. Its just makes life easier and gives an excellent result.

Onebyone

I use 1/4" double sided washaway fabric tape when I am having trouble getting a seam match. Annie's make a good tape that holds the fabric in place. I only use about an inch or so to match the seams together.

thimblebug6000

I only made one quilt with the gridded interfacing years ago when the “Colourwash” style was popular. If I remember correctly after stitching I had to clip seams, I wonder if there is an explanation on line for it.
does this link help? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtLugTXU0BY

sewbizgirl

I saw this demonstrated at a quilt show and thought it was the bee's knees... until I learned the price. It wasn't worth it for me.

dpendleton

I am completely infatuated with these grid interfacings since I made the Quiltsmart Mondo bag.

There is absolutely no way that I could have lined up 192 individual 2.5" squares with that kind of accuracy regardless of how much I practice.

Have you seen Quiltsmart's kit for making a Jacob's Ladder quilt?
https://quiltsmart.com/jacobs-ladder/

You fuse squares and triangles to the interfacing, then the way she stitches and folds and stitches is very clever.

For $52 you get the interfacing for a twin sized quilt along with instructions.

I am seriously considering making this my next project.

Dawn
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QuiltingPandaBear

I’m sorry I don’t have a lead on a cheaper source, but FPP is another option for those who struggle with traditional piecing methods/accuracy. I have seen some people use FPP even for large pieces/simpler blocks. Kristen at ScrapFabricLove on YouTube does this sometimes.

eg 1: https://youtu.be/yaZA_RAh30E?si=WtodamXE7puhGqSy

eg 2: https://youtu.be/XBp__lqCohQ?si=maEwAT4i62xDigie

you can also buy little pads/books of specific FPP blocks (brand Sew Emma)

aashley333

I have found that batik fabric leads to better piecing. I have not had to trim the blocks for the pixel quilts!