How to manage seams in Hunters Star
#1
How to manage seams in Hunters Star
I would like to make a Hunters Star quilt (I am following this method: http://www.cascadequilts.com/2011/02...orial.html?m=1).
I tried one block, it came out reasonably well. But the seams get bulky. Is there a good way to manage the seams to reduce bulk? I have seen references to spinning the seams on a 4 patch, but I'm not understanding how those few threads just pop open. I don't want to tug, this block has a bit of stretch.
I tried one block, it came out reasonably well. But the seams get bulky. Is there a good way to manage the seams to reduce bulk? I have seen references to spinning the seams on a 4 patch, but I'm not understanding how those few threads just pop open. I don't want to tug, this block has a bit of stretch.
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
I pop the seams open all the time. Make yourself a 4 patch. when you stitch the final seam, you need to have your seams going in opposite direction. This is so the seams will all lay in either clockwise or counter-clock direction or it won't work.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,572
I'm an open-seam presser as well. Makes the blocks lay much flatter and I've never had an issue with a seam coming open in my quilts even after years of use/washing.
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,355
I usually do what ManiacQuilter2 does. I learned it by watching Eleanor burns. The other thing I heard about is to use my clapper on intersecting seams that are stubborn. It works fine for me but would still pop the seams open first
#7
Maniac Quilter 2 and Stitchnripper - by seams running opposing directions, I understand that to be nesting seams? Which I try my darndest to always have. How do you "pop" those seams open? Do you just use your seam ripper and pull at the first one? I'll have to look up Eleanor Burns. I am very visual.
#8
You don't actually "pop" them. Where the seam of the two pieces intersect, there's a vertical seam - generally 3-4 stitches from the intersecting seam to the raw edge of the seam allowance. I just very gently use my seam ripper to pick those 3-4 stitches out on both vertical stitches to the seam that crosses it. Do that on both sides then "smush" (technical Eleanor Burns term) them open.
#9
I watched Eleanor Burns and also clicked on the link for spinning the seams onthe 9 patch. And - I got it!!! I see what is meant by those extra seams. I was able to do this on my block (only had 1 seam flipped wrong)- and it sure makes a big difference!!!! Thanks for the links - I'm very visual, and I hadn't seen those yet - those made sense to me.
I have contemplated pressing my seams open as was suggested. I know Leah Day is also an advocate and says the same – she’s never had an issue. I think I would miss the nesting seams when putting together rows. But I am thinking this might be good to try on a smaller quilt. It might be something that I really like as well. My sewing machine doesn’t really like any bulk. L
I have contemplated pressing my seams open as was suggested. I know Leah Day is also an advocate and says the same – she’s never had an issue. I think I would miss the nesting seams when putting together rows. But I am thinking this might be good to try on a smaller quilt. It might be something that I really like as well. My sewing machine doesn’t really like any bulk. L
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Vancouver Island, Beautiful BC
Posts: 2,090
At my guild meeting on Wednesday a wonderful LAQ, mentioned that when she gets a quilt with a big star or medallion with lots of bulk, she uses a syringe with Best Press and just applies the Best Press to the seam then presses. She said it works wonders.
I am working on a 60 degree quilt and one of the many great tips I got here was to press the seams open. It works wonders for me.
I am working on a 60 degree quilt and one of the many great tips I got here was to press the seams open. It works wonders for me.
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