making 4 patch blocks
02-16-2020, 02:29 PM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Iowa
Posts: 1,308
making 4 patch blocks
I am going nuts. I have quilted for many years. Trying to make 4 patch blocks today and I thinK i have seams nested and when I open them... grrrrr not matching. What am I doing wrong. Please suggestions needed
02-16-2020, 02:34 PM
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Waterford Michigan
Posts: 7,241
are your seams press open or closed? That could make a difference when you go to nest them against each other. I alway have my seam pressed in the same direction closed together instead of opened. I think the seam could slide much easier on an open seam.
02-16-2020, 02:47 PM
#5
Super Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Sunny Florida
Posts: 4,429
It has something to do with the way that you put them through your machine. It matters if the seam is going "up" or "down" on the back side.
Watch carefully, it happens quick here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymq9Td-z5ew
One more for you which is easier than me explaining the process.
https://www.quiltingroomwithmel.com/...ock-seams.html
Watch carefully, it happens quick here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymq9Td-z5ew
One more for you which is easier than me explaining the process.
https://www.quiltingroomwithmel.com/...ock-seams.html
02-16-2020, 03:31 PM
#6
Super Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Sunny Florida
Posts: 4,429
Yikes! I mis-read your post. It was about "nesting" and not "twirling".
For important seams, I pin before and after the seam intersection. It holds the fabric in place as it goes through the feed dogs.
What foot are you using on the machine? I learned that some machine feet are just a little wider and help hold the fabric too.
You can also use a dot of school glue and press an iron over the seam. It will hold the intersections in place for stitching. Yes, it takes time but helps in times when you need those perfect seams or points.
For important seams, I pin before and after the seam intersection. It holds the fabric in place as it goes through the feed dogs.
What foot are you using on the machine? I learned that some machine feet are just a little wider and help hold the fabric too.
You can also use a dot of school glue and press an iron over the seam. It will hold the intersections in place for stitching. Yes, it takes time but helps in times when you need those perfect seams or points.
02-16-2020, 04:21 PM
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Asheville, previously Lake Vermilion, Tarpon Springs, Duluth, St Paul, Soudan
Posts: 1,651
If you put the patch through with the top seam allowance up, it should help keep the nested seams together. I also hold on to the two seam allowances until they get to the needle. It helps, but. . .
02-16-2020, 04:53 PM
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Outside St. Louis
Posts: 38,216
Make sure the seam allowance is the same size. This makes the nesting easier. Yes, also pin before and after the intersection, then look to see that the intersection is where it needs to be before you sew.
02-16-2020, 05:50 PM
#10
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,521
When you sew the pairs together to form the 4 patch, the top seam allowance should point towards the needle and the bottom seam allowance down. You may need to hold the top allowance with a pin so the foot doesn’t catch on it as you sew over it. This makes the intersections lock together when you sew for a nice match in the center.
