How to Quilt>Sewing Accurate Patches

Tips for Sewing Accurate Patches

Getting blocks square and the same size is an ongoing challenge of quilters.

If you are anything like I am, it seems that no two blocks are exactly the same size. As careful as I try to be about sewing accurate 1/4 inch seams, sometimes by the time my blocks are sewn together, there is a 1/4 to 1/2 inch difference between them - and that's on a good day!

I've had blocks that were up to 1 inch different sizes from each other.

To reduce the frustration, here are a few things you can do to check and improve the accuracy of your stitching:

• Make sure that you have marked your sewing machine so it will sew an accurate 1/4 inch seam allowance.
• Watch the cut edges of your patches as you are sewing on the machine – instead of watching the needle.
  By focusing on the edge of the fabric, and making sure that it lines up with your mark of a 1/4 inch seam allowance (whether that is tape on your throat plate or a presser foot), you will be more likely to see when your sewing is accurate.
• If a seam is longer than 2 to 3 inches, pin along the seam before you sew – not just at the beginning or the end. 
  That will stabilize the fabrics, and you will be more likely to sew both fabrics an even 1/4 inch away from the edge.
• When sewing angled, pointed pieces (such as diamonds or triangles), start with the wide end first.  
  That way, the skinny tip is less likely to get eaten by the feed dogs (after all, they are pretty hungry).
• When beginning chain sewing, start with a scrap of fabric, and then add your first pair of patches after you sew through the scrap.  Continue sewing the patches in the chain, and then add the scrap as the last piece in your chain. 
• When you are matching seams of patches already sewn together, fold your seam allowances in opposite directions.
  By nestling the seams together, you can make nice sharp corners.

Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren

www.How-to-Quilt.com
www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
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©2009, Penny Halgren
Penny is a quilter of more than 27 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful quilts.

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