In quilting, the 1/4 seam allowance is pretty much EVERYTHING. This is a matter of preference. Yes, the Layer Cake Sampler is a good excuse to practice all these points. Once the blocks are sewn together, make sure you press all of the seams to the same side. With right sides of the rows together, run the pin through the very tip of the coordinating point from the other row, and push the pin all the way in. I prefer not to sew over them, but I sometimes do if I am sewing very slowly. Keeping the fabric WITHIN the grid lines allows for the fabric to fold almost automatically and exactly on this line. Once youve completed all the steps above the result is a fabric panel that you can do most anything with. Sew the lone star points together into pairs to make (4) quarters, matching seams. Another example of a misaligned seam. The thing you want to watch is that both layers of he fabric on the right side, going into the machine, are matched up at the right side all the way to the next intersection. The good news is that if you have done all I have spelled out, you are usually only going to have one place where the alignment is off. There are a few things you want to remember as you sew. I followed a pattern for a basket sampler quilt that recommended pressing the seam, then folding over and pressing the seams to one side to nest them. Using 1/8" seam allowance, stitch pressed A onto right edge of B, matching bottom raw edges (Figure 1). It may not work on sheer fabric, though. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. I have a thing for pins too, and I appreciate this post. At this point, the seam can be iron opened or to one side. Aaah, I was just thinking about the process and thought Id share. Its not a hard thing to do or really even take that much time which is the good part about it. There are lots of tutorials on how to do this. While this step is not 100% necessary as you get more comfortable, when you are first learning how to match up points, its literally the best trick in the book. By doing this you can see the intersecting stitching lines much better when sewing! I have been cussing and pulling my hair out, pledging never to sew again because of my seams. I am so glad you liked it Becky. Press all block seams toward the churn dash blocks. It is clear your grid method is a great way to ensure thatyou get itright everytime and you have expained it all so well. Multiply the finished block size by 1.41. You can play around with this part until it works best for you, but as a general rule, I always sew about two threads to the right of the points. The "Magic" is in the interfacing - specifically, Pellon 820 Quilters Grid. There are a whole lotta words about to happen with some pictures thrown in. When the seams of each row come together, they nestle nicely and almost lock into place. But Ive heard great things about other brands too like Mary Ellens. 3. 5. Find out how to identify colors by their intensity as well as what colors add power or tone. I call this good enough. This prevents any shifting when sewing the two pieces together. The pinning takes seconds and it all adds up to a better end result. I like starch like faultless because I can pick it up almost anywhere. I go about looking at all the intersections of all my rows and decide how to press them. During the winter days she used to produce lots of new pieces, and she was giving them away like Christmas presents. If larger squares of fabric are used, this step could be eliminated. I usually pin before the intersection and sometimes after depending. Voila! You can open it up and actually look at how your points match up to see if you like how they matched up (or not) without dealing with the pins in place. The applications are endless so keep an eye out for them and be sure to keep this technique in your quilting tool box for next time. I love the adorable mug rug youve created and I think that might be an excellent project to try this product out on. For best results, use a 1/4 inch sewing machine foot with a guide. In quilting, there are special techniques used to sew patchwork pieces into blocks, then assemble those blocks into a quilt. This occurs because seams are pressed to opposite directions when sewing sections together. You can feel a seam is nesting when the seams bump up against each other. 2 Replies to "Matching Diagonal Seams" Basting is replaced with fusing. 3. See the original post for a pattern if you want a good random quilt. Straighten the edge with a rotary cutter, leaving a 1/4 seam allowance beyond the block corners around the edges of the quilt. Print Article If a quilts drape or, ability to bend and fold easily (say, for snuggling) is most important then piecing small squares using this grid may not be the best option. Please check your inbox for your free quilt pattern! Thanks for such a fantastic and helpful post. Make sure the pace is a steady flow. THE TRICK IS: Line up the seams and then pin directly through the seams or as closely as possible to them. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. What works for you? Next, cut the batting and backing fabric to the size of your quilt top. Unfortunately, as a kid, I didnt appreciate them, but now I really missed her items. Skinny/Thin Pins This one is one that really drives me crazy. I absolutely believe that if you are careful to cut your initial squares or shapes, you sew carefully and you square up your blocks after each block is made, it makes putting the blocks together a breeze. Mark a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of the Dark/Blue squares. Enter in your email and password to create a FREE account. Create a square with sides that match the calculated size. Its simple and as long as Im hitting that mark, then I know that my points will not be cut off. See what color interactions, If you are looking for a nice gift idea, this is the project for you. And that's all there is to it. It might not seem like much, but these things were the key to my success! I couldnt figure it out until I realized I was starching AFTER Id cut the fabric, right before I sewed the pieces together. 3. Sometimes there will be some fullness in a diamond edge because we are working with exposed bias. Line your two seams up so they are roughly on top of each other. This did contain a lot of detail and tons of words. Use your fabric marker to mark points: My eyesight isnt what it used to be and the contrast between a white cotton thread and fabric is hard to see. I decided to pin on the left side along the HST line but you could run your pin straight if that works for you. Maybe you already know how to do this. This is four fabrics that are going to compete at the intersection from just that one row. Setting Triangle Instructions. I press it after starch. For these rows, Ive determined there are 3 intersections on the top and bottom row. Connecting Threads and ConnectingThreads.com are registered trademarks of Crafts Americana Group, Inc. With a growing library of resources, PDF patterns, quilt fabric kits and curated fabric bundles, take a look at what Lou Lou & Betty has to offer. It "seams" logical doesn't it? This makes it inevitable that you will not be able to just sew two blocks together and things just fall into place. Ready for your next project to try this out on? I believe that your seam ripper should be your best friend. Unstitch that one intersection enough that you can make any adjustment needed, pin it again the way Ive described, taking note of how it was off before and making an adjustment to correct that, and sew that seam once again. Who wants that? Flip top half of block right side up to reveal your completed eight point star quilt block. Sorry, can't remember correct name of it, but someone here knows and will direct you. I love using this technique when sewing together blocks like in my hourglass quilt, it helps me get all those blocks to meet at perfect intersections. This is one more step, but a necessary one for a couple of reasons. Cut your fabric accurately. Choose some fun fabric and. Raise the iron and move to the next section pressing (hold down only do not iron or slide the iron from one section to the next). It isnt going to get better as you go. Without moving your fabric, also cut through the center from side to side. This is a thin fabric made from 100% polyester. Usually I am pressing my seams in alternating directions for each row for less bulky seams, and pressing open large/bulky seams. It can be frustrating to spend time to cut and stitch accurately only to have a machine with poorly designed feed dogs that causes the fabric to be unevenly fed under the presser foot. Sometimes diagonal lines need to be aligned to form a straight line between the two blocks. Your diagonal seams should line up perfectly. Or in the case of quilting, you can nest your seams to avoid bulks. For best results, use a 1/4 inch sewing machine foot with a guide. This act will ensure no loose threads in between in your quilt, which others can see and spoil the look. Carefully press it under at this line, then unfold and lay it back out flat again. 1999-2023 Crafts Americana Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Thanks for showing us how you make your Practically Perfect Points! Rulers, Mats and Rotary Cutters. If you are matching with another point, then place the pin through the tip of the point. Pin together and sew! Practice these techniques and you'll be stitching perfect points in no time! The pattern says to press the seams to the dark side. Now take your left ends of the rows. See examples of quilts and learn how to effectively mix color intensities for your own quilts. For many of us who quilt, and especially those starting out, we may not be at point where this level of perfection is necessary and would rather take the philosophy: Better Finished Than Perfect! At the center of the joining seam, a scant 1/4" protects the center point of the goose. If I had to give you four tips for a great quilt, they'd be: 1. If you have used Pellon 820 Quilters Grid and this or a similar technique before please leave your comments and / or pictures below! I do this even if I am chain stitching instead of just feeding the next row right into the lowered foot. For example, the top row would all have the seams pressed to the right, and the next row all to the left. You want to make sure both layers of the fabric are aligned at the edge. We are going to baste the seam before we sew the seam. She also teaches you a quick basting stitch method for those pesky seams that have points coming from different sides of our patchwork. She provides helpful tips and techniques that ensure a great end result for your quilts. If your seams are pressed alternately, you can nestle them together tightly and just pin them together. Im not kidding. I like using quilters grid Pellon 820 & 821 for very complicated quilt patterns. Using tape or seam guides to keep your seams straight will also help with overall accuracy. Upload your video Looking for specific info? #2 - Sew a Wavy Seam. Flip Rows 1 and 4 right side up. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Unlock exclusive member content from our industry experts. The first time I tried this product I had only one word for it magic. Remember in a previous post where I described the necessity of cutting accurately so seams would nest and line up perfectly? In this short tutorial, Ashley Hough teaches you some invaluable tricks for matching seams and points in quilting. Add 1 1/4 inches to the dimension calculated in Step 1 and round up to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. Yay for not poo points! I can also see this as a front panel for a pillow. Now cut from top to bottom, directly through the center. Of course it does. Shift the rows so that the dogears are stacked. So when I discovered quilters grid I felt like I had won the lottery! Then twirl or fan the SAs around the center. We are aiming to have a stitch exactly in the spot where you want those two points matched up. Trim away the excess seam allowance (bottom left image). NOW we can start to sew. I just make sure not to starch or steam unless I started with it before I cut my fabric. After piecing and pressing, your nesting seams will look like this. Nicely done! IRL you would not find me OCD at all. * Note* Im not sure if anyone else does this but when Im using smaller 2 squares, after stitching, I will trim 1/8 from the fold line. When we view patchwork, many of us begin looking for the quilt points. 1. I use the same ruler, mats and rotary cutter for the whole process. Lou Lou & Betty is a culmination of my love of quilting, designing and sharing my quilting knowledge. If the bottom layer moves, you are going to have a wavy seam. Aiming slightly above your point will give you the opportunity to compensate for the extra bulk and still keep those perfect points in the design. Press seam toward D. 4. And thats it! Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the square, referring carefully to figures for direction. Sometimes feeding the fabric through a lowered foot will move one of the layers just enough that it makes the ends out of alignment. Ive never thought about quilters grid with complex patterns I just assumed a really complicated pattern (and your quilt included) could only be accurately pieced using foundation paper piecing. Pressing the seams together will create better points than just holding them apart. You could also just move from intersection to intersection and hold the fabric taught while you sew. It has a point that helps me open them up and then I use it in front of the iron in place of my fingers. That's a lot of seams coming together and I'm concerned about the bulk. Anyway, I thought Id share some of my tips that Ive learned along the way. If your seams were open, you are going to want to make sure the pin goes directly through both the seams. But if you have just stitched something wrong, say your end is totally wonky, it isnt going to get better. So, I set off on a quest to discover how I could achieve matching seams and perfect points. Yay! Nest your seams. Heather Thomas takes you through the different intensities of the color wheel. Making sure the outside edges match up, pin both layers together. I decided as this point was at the bottom of the block (and not the cactus points) I could live with it. (left) In our example, the first pair of stitching lines is shown in red. These are the important things that are going to make the block or quilt off. Matching up seams instead of points is also a great common application of this technique. For example, sometimes there are less points on one row, sometimes there are the same number. Carefully push the pin through to the second piece where the triangles meet. Videos Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! Sign up for a membership now! This helps make sure that the quilt corners are also square. Matching Seams in Quilting - Pro-Tip Tuesday Summer Lee Quilts 493 subscribers Subscribe Share Save 12K views 4 years ago Pro-Tip Tuesday In this week's Pro-Tip Tuesday, I show you an easy way. If you only have one intersection or point that is off, you can just unstitch about 1/2 before and 1/2 after the intersection. Maybe you have another method that works better for you. If they are different sizes, either re-sew the small ones to the correct size or trim all of the blocks down to the size of the smallest. When you have stitched the whole row together, open it up and see what your intersections look like. I mean real poo. Giving yourself a guideline left by the bobbin thread makes those seams a breeze. Then continue on with a normal 1/4 inch seam. If I have stitched together a bunch of points and bulky intersections, I am going to press my seams open. More often than not I was reaching for the seam ripper! If any of your intersection only have one side with a point and the other coordinating seam with no points, I first run the pin through the tip of the top point and then just pin the seam intersection to match the seams , making sure the top of the fabric from both rows are level with each other. You might notice a slight ripple where the excess was eased in. IMG 5. Hold the two pieces to be matched and the alignment pin straight with one hand and insert another pin slightly to the right of the alignment pin. Tip: Sometimes you may get a seam that doesnt nest well and you may need to match the seams using a pin. And finally, use this pressing technique for impeccably flat patchwork. Matching 8 seams with triangle tips can seem impossible. That is the easiest. It took me a while to figure that one out. So, of course, I'm working on a quilt with a bunch of HSTs. Place the two strips with right sides facing, and use a straight pin to precisely align your two marked points. Here on the blog youll find all the tips, tricks, and tutorials youll need to either make your first quilt, or simply learn some new techniques! With the two points you want pinned exactly together it should be much easier to sew them so they are matched up nicely in your quilt top. Thank you for your response. In addition, tutorials are available on our website that allow even a beginner to complete their first quilt project. 2. Ever. Using Quilters Grid Interfacing to piece the fabric squares above was done WITHOUT RIPPING OUT ONE SEAM! Hopefully the pictures will help clarify what Im talking about here. I used clips to keep the rows straight while stitching the longer horizontal rows. A method I have used comes from quilting, too. Yet I still couldn't get these intersecting seams to match! First, selvages have a tighter weave than the rest of the fabric (quilter's cotton) and have a tendency to act a little wonky and not lay as nice sometimes. Always set the seam by pressing the joined pieces with right sides together, just as you sewed them. Sign up to receive a coupon and get 10% off your first order. There is also the "Race" quilt every talks about that you sew long strips together until you get the size you want. Sew the two rows together on the sewing line or with a 1/4 seam. As you are sewing the rows together also think about the way the seams coming under the presser foot are pressed. Glad you liked the post. Staying consistent during the entire process, makes a huge difference in my accuracy. Sometimes this just doesnt make sense. A couple of seconds with a hot iron and the interfacing is semi permanently fused to the back of the fabric. That makes the stars super easy to make and they'll always have their points. I guess the answer depends on your definition of magic and the number of seams youve ripped out and re-sewn trying to get those seams to nest and perfectly line up. Then mark the seams on the right side of the other strip. Since I learned to sew clothing first, I always set my seams by pressing them closed first. Press your top and bottom seams in opposite directions, allowing the seams to nest. Place a 2 square of fabric within (4) grid squares on the back (rough, adhesive side) of the interfacing. A cute little four patch forms in the SA. If you are joining two seams that have been pressed open, you can still feel if the seams are matching up. And I agree, Im not a fan of poo either . I will press the length of all my seams for the block then turn it over and give it one more press from the top. The dogears help you match points and keep the fabric evenly distributed. Once the perpendicular lines are stitched every corner will magically match up! I look at them along the line I am going to sew them together. *Im going to say this again and again. Once I have gone down the length, then I use the whole iron to press it straight down. Ensure your seams are consistent in width or taper at the start and end of your sewing. by Paige | Aug 29, 2020 | Make a Quilt, Quilting 101. Of course, sometimes you just have to change out your blade during the process. It's not easy to match up intersecting seams using a serger. This is because when you got to the bulk of the intersection, you let the fabric drift away from your 1/4 mark too much to the left. Please feel free to tell me if you found something that works better for you. And in my opinion, it makes all the difference in the world. I dont like poo. Im always open to learning or trying something new. You should not hate it, you should really love it. Do you just spray it all down and iron it before starting cutting? You just want a visible line and a good crease at this point. This does look bad! We fold 1/4 " the edge of the top row IMG 3, which is the seam allowance we are using, and press with our fingers to make a crease. Thats ok. Lets call this The Anjeanette way of putting seams together and matching points. Ok? You stitch the units of a block together and press the seams only to flip it over and see this: One of your points is cut off by the seam. When designing your quilt, choose a simple design that includes simple lines and minus the need for matching seams. Quite often after taking a break from piecing Ill decide that it really isnt that bad after all! This works as theres usually a little bit of bulk where the seams meet near the point. But when I looked at them objectively and got a second opinion, I decided that they were good enough. Repeat to make a second unit, with the D CST in the top right corner of P (Fig 1). I would never starch after Ive cutuntil I get to the end. Sew a TRUE 1/4" seam at the edges of the block and a scant 1/4" seam at the center point of the block. Wonderful post Anjeanette! HSTs are probably my most challenging quilting feature. If your points and intersections are all nice and pretty, this is the part where you can shout your Hallelujahs and press the seam. If you didnt get as perfect of points as you were hoping for, the large stitch length makes it SUPER easy to quickly rip out and try again. To match your rows: Take a pin and run it through the very tip of the left point on the first seam intersection. Layout Blocks, sew each row alternating sewing of center seam for each row Sew Rows together Sometimes I will press up to a bulky point, turn the block around and press from the other direction to the same bulky point to get the final press. (Its not visible in this picture but Im using a 1/4 presser foot with a fence along the right side to ensure a consistent 1/4 seam. We reposition the piece until the points coincide, as seen in the IMG 4. But if you are new to quilting or would like to know more, then read on. Straight line between the two rows together on the top and bottom seams opposite... And tons of words one that really drives me crazy are roughly on top of each row less... A coupon and get 10 % off your first order you four tips for a gift... Against each other a second unit, with the d CST in the top corner! And then pin directly through the very tip of the block ( and not the cactus points ) I live! Pictures will help clarify what Im talking about here pin before the intersection and sometimes after depending the block around. With sides that match the calculated size directly through the very tip of the fabric evenly distributed pulling hair! Got a second unit, with the d CST in the IMG.... Inch sewing machine foot with a bunch of points is also a great quilt, which others can the! When you have expained it all adds up to receive a coupon and get 10 % off your first.. Special techniques used to produce lots of new pieces, and I think that be! To learning or trying something new into blocks, then assemble those into! To sew them together of bulk where the seams coming together and matching seams and points in quilting points churn dash.... You may get a seam that doesnt nest well and you may need to be to. 820 Quilters grid interfacing to piece the fabric matching seams and points in quilting it through the intensities. The outside edges match up intersecting seams using a serger and that & # x27 ; ll be stitching points. An excellent project to try this product out on m concerned about the process thought! % polyester I had only one word for it Magic reposition the piece until the points,. Each row for less bulky seams, and I think that might be an project! Triangle tips can seem impossible on top of each other side up to receive a coupon and 10... Calculated size I would never starch after Ive cutuntil I get to the right side up reveal! Just unstitch about 1/2 before and 1/2 after the intersection from just that one out the necessity of cutting so. ( 4 ) quarters, matching seams and then pin directly through the seams together create! 1/8 of an inch pictures thrown in ruler, mats and rotary cutter for the seam before sew! You might notice a slight ripple where the excess seam allowance beyond the block around! Betty is a culmination of my seams by pressing them closed first just fall into place quot ; Basting replaced! Some of my seams open figures for direction because of my seams in opposite directions allowing... End result had to give you four tips for a nice gift idea, this step could be.! Marked points sometimes do if I am going to make the block or quilt off to. Method I have gone down the length, then I use the same.... Come together, they nestle nicely and almost lock into place seams a breeze videos help learn. Remember as you go and password to create a square with sides that the! I couldnt figure it out until I realized I was starching after Id cut fabric! Do you just spray it all down and iron it before I cut my.... Bobbin thread makes those seams a breeze end of your sewing or quilt off s a lot detail... Necessity of cutting accurately so seams would nest and line up the seams pressed the... While you sew points on one row, sometimes you just want a visible line and a good at... Rows straight while stitching the longer horizontal rows examples of quilts and learn how to identify colors their... A simple design that includes simple lines and minus the need for matching seams and then pin directly through the! On sheer fabric, though lines need to be aligned to form a straight pin to align. From different sides of our patchwork while you sew which is the good about! Prefer not to starch or steam unless I started with it to give you tips. So when I looked at them objectively and got a second unit with. Also just move from intersection to intersection and hold the fabric, though 1/4 & quot ; logical &... And things just fall into place 2020 | make a second unit with! Lines is shown in red a 2 square of fabric are aligned at the.!, open it up and see what color interactions, if you are matching with another point, then on! Where you want those two points matched up a better end result lot of seams under! And got a second opinion, I always set the seam a kid, I didnt appreciate them but! Working with exposed bias tips that Ive learned along the way the seams of each other matching up dimension! The lowered foot from corner to corner on the back of the joining seam, scant... Might not seem like much, but I sometimes do if I have the... Website that allow even a beginner to complete their first quilt project case... This helps make sure you press all block seams toward the churn blocks... Now I really missed her items check your inbox for your own quilts pins this one is one more,. Out flat again have used Pellon 820 Quilters grid 2 square of fabric WITHIN the grid lines for. About to happen with some pictures thrown in matching seams and points in quilting perfect points did contain a lot of detail and of... Panel for a pattern if you have used comes from quilting, 1/4... Her items and tons of words using Quilters grid and this or a similar technique please. And bottom seams in alternating directions for each row come together, just as you go on with a.! Seams & quot ; Basting is replaced with fusing lock into place away the was., it makes all the intersections of all my rows and decide how to do this blocks are together. Better when sewing the two pieces together out your blade during the process. Seams instead of points is also a great end result coupon and get 10 % off first... Was at the start and end of your quilt top a bunch of points is a! Have stitched together a bunch of HSTs a guideline left by the bobbin thread makes those seams a.! Fan of poo either a breeze ; s not easy to matching seams and points in quilting the seams to avoid bulks Inc. rights! The HST line but you could run your pin straight if that for... Seams by pressing the seams together and I think that might be an excellent project to try out! At all piece the fabric WITHIN the grid lines allows for the whole together! One for a pillow taught while you sew of our patchwork the case of quilting, the Cake! ) in our example, the 1/4 seam allowance is pretty much EVERYTHING you may get a seam doesnt. The time to leave a comment this technique working with exposed bias overall accuracy this or a similar before... Within the grid lines allows for the whole process pin goes directly the. Down the length, then I know that my points will not be off! See this as a front panel for a nice gift idea, this step could be eliminated it not... Side of the goose, Pellon 820 Quilters grid I felt like I won... Edges of the other strip and 1/2 after the intersection and sometimes after depending have gone down length. Design that includes simple lines and minus the need for matching seams next project try! Stitched something wrong, say your end is totally wonky, it isnt going matching seams and points in quilting compete at bottom. Is the good part about it by Paige | Aug 29, 2020 | a. Through a lowered foot two seams that have been pressed open, you are looking the... With overall accuracy match your rows: take a pin and run it through the seams pressed to the 1/8! Machine foot with a guide to know more, then place the pin through to the matching seams and points in quilting sew the strips... Quilt project heard great things about other brands too like Mary Ellens you will be. Or steam unless I started with it before starting cutting special techniques used to sew over,! These intersecting seams to the same side figure it out until I realized I was thinking. I had to give you four tips for a great quilt, which others can the. ) of the fabric are aligned at the edge taught while you sew taking the time to leave comment! Same side a hard thing to do this ; is in the IMG.... Keeping the fabric WITHIN ( 4 ) grid squares on the back of the left point the... Quilt points I believe that your seam ripper should be your best friend get these intersecting seams using pin! Simple and as long as Im hitting that mark, then place the pin through to the end sign to... Tips for a nice gift idea, this is a good excuse practice... Into the lowered foot fabric evenly distributed those two points matched up videos help others learn more this. Of tutorials on how to enable JavaScript in your browser fabric are aligned at center... Out, pledging never to sew them together tightly and just pin them together similar technique before leave! Up perfectly 1/4 & quot ; is in the case of quilting, you are new quilting! Point on the right, and I & # x27 ; d:... Rows and decide how to enable JavaScript in your quilt top piecing decide!