Check your tools. Do your rulers all measure the same? Different brands are not always the same measurements. If you start making a quilt with one ruler, you need to stick with it all the way through. Does your ¼" foot of your sewing machine measure the same as the ¼" on your ruler? If they are not identical ¼" you’re going to have problems. They need only be a thread width different and your points won’t be accurate.
#2 How do I get my seams to match?
To get your seams to match pressing is the key. When you finish a row of stitching lay the iron on top of the stitching line and press. On the wrong side turn fabric over and gently press seam towards the darker fabric. If you don’t press the stitching line first you run the risk of the thread stretching which will cause seams to not line up.
#3 How should I pin my seams?When you line your seams up you get a better result if you have the two connecting seams going in opposite direction. Use the fine fork pins that go in either side of the stitching line. As you put the pin in squeeze it close to the stitching line.
#4 How do I make an accurate template?
Trace the template shape onto template plastic on the stitching line. Cut template out right on the line. Use short blade scissors so you cut right on the line. If you have trouble with template slipping on the fabric fold, place a piece of sticky tape over to form a circle and stick it to the wrong side of your template. Add as many pieces as you need to hold the template. Use the brilliant little Add a ¼" Ruler. It has a ¼" ledge that locks in against your template and you run your rotary cutter along the edge of your ruler to get a perfect ¼" seam. No cutting the edge of your template.
#5 What sort of thread should I use when I sew my patchwork blocks?
For best results we recommend you use Rasant thread. It has a polyester core wrapped with layers of cotton. It provides you with a little bit of give but won’t melt under a hot iron or cut through your cotton fabric.
#6 My blocks don’t measure the same on all sides. How do I square them up?
When you finish piecing your block press it well. Crisp spray starch is a great help to get blocks sitting flat. Use a large square ruler that is the same brand as the ruler you used when cutting your pieces for the block.
The main thing you need to keep an eye on when squaring up is that you have a ¼" overhang at each point. Trim anything back that lays outside the ¼" . Lay the ruler on the ¼" from the point to check the corner is square. Repeat on all four sides.
#7 Why don’t my quilts lay flat when I fit the borders on?
To get a flat quilt you need to cut your borders on the straight grain of the fabric. In other words, down the selvage. Across the width of the fabric has too much stretch. You need to cut your border to the exact length of your quilt. Pin well before sewing.
#8 How often should I change my cutting blade on my rotary cutter?
How often you change your blade depends on how you treat it. If you hit the side of your ruler or run over a pin, you will create a dead spot in the blade. It will need to be replaced.
Cleaning and oiling your blade on a regular basis will give you a lot longer life. After every project you finish, pull your rotary cutter apart and wipe the build up of lint away. Put a few dabs of machine oil on a soft cloth and wipe blade. Reassemble your cutter.
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