Seam Allowances

Use ¼” seam allowances.
Unless there are other instructions, seam allowances are ¼” wide. Before you start cutting fabric, it’s a good idea to see whether the pattern you are using includes the seam allowances.

Often patterns do not specify a seam allowance, especially block patterns in books of block patterns. For example, when a pattern designates a 2” patch, it usually is a finished size. That means you need to add ½” to cover the ¼” seam allowance on both sides of the patch, and cut your fabric 2½.”

Fold your seam allowances together.
Unlike other types of sewing, seam allowances for quilting should remain together and folded to one side. This takes the pressure off of the thread that holds the pieces together, and distributes it to the fabric, giving you quilt a longer life.

Fold your seam allowances to the darker side of the patch or block.
Generally you will fold your seam allowances to the darker fabric. Although this isn’t always possible, folding the seam allowances under the darker fabric helps hide them and shows the design of the quilt better.

Fold the seam allowances in opposite directions when you sew seams.
Keeping in mind that you want to fold the seam allowance under the darker fabric, it’s also preferable to fold the seam allowances in opposite directions when you sew patches or blocks together. Folding the seam allowances in opposite directions will allow the seams to match up better, stay in place as you sew, and give you square corners and pointed triangles. One caution is that you want to check any seams that have already been sewn to be sure that they seam allowance continues to fact the same direction when you sew the other end.

As is everything with quilting, these are just guidelines. As you sew your blocks and quilts, some of these techniques won't work, and you will need to adjust your sewing to fit your quilt.

Happy Quilting!

Penny is a quilter of more than 24 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful quilts.

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