estrogen

when I look at the point where the seams meet on a block I know there is away to "pinwheel them" so the seams lay fat...it almost looks like a four patch.....everything I've seen says to remove stitches up to the point where the seams meet. Doesn't that ustabilize the block?

mike'sgirl

No. You're just taking out the 2-3 stitches that prevent the seams from going in opposite directions. Hope I am clear. Check out Eleanor Burns. She explains it better.

Jan in VA

You only need to "rip" the 2-3 stitches that are within the seam allowance where the "corners" of the sections of the block abut.
When you rip out these couple of stitches, you can then lightly twist the sections so the joint on the back of the section can separate and lessen the bulk of seams in the seam allowance.

The graphic below is of a 4 patch, but, the process works the same for a pinwheel.
Keep the pinwheel folded as it would be when just removed from under the needle.
Before pressing, remove those couple of stitches, open the block, and press.

Jan in VA

Ladibug

Thanks for your visual on this Jan. I have always wondered about the same thing. It helps so much to have the visual aid to see.

katier825

Here is another visual:

http://www.greenfairyquiltsblog.com/...lat-seams.html

ManiacQuilter2

You have to press your four seam in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction for it to work.

Onebyone

Bonnie Hunter has a tutorial which way to sew the seams so they will always pinwheel in the direction for the seams to butt. http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/...tch-seams.html