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  • Piecing frustration - how can I avoid it?

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    Old 11-09-2011, 07:35 PM
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    Default Piecing frustration - how can I avoid it?

    Hi everyone,
    I wondered if anyone else experiences this -

    I have been working on a new quilt top that has a lot of seams and I tried to double- up on some of the process.

    I cut long strips, sewed them together, then cut the length that I needed of the pairs.

    The problem is that once I cut the two-piece sections, the seam is open at the cut - so there's no backstitching on the pieces.

    Then, when I go to sew them to the next piece, the open seam then is really open and I have to re-sew it.
    frustrating!

    I'm sorry if that is confusing -


    I can't figure out how to post a photo yet....
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    Old 11-09-2011, 07:44 PM
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    Perhaps your stitch is too long and loose. I do stripping like this a lot, but I use a smaller stitch length to avoid this problem. Good luck.
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    Old 11-09-2011, 07:46 PM
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    Yes, you need to shorten your stitch length. I keep mine at 1.6 to avoid this. I don't know what everyone else keeps theirs at
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    Old 11-09-2011, 07:54 PM
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    Shorten the stitch lenght but you may also have a tension issue( too loose) . Use 2.0 or shorter ... but do check your tension.
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    Old 11-09-2011, 08:04 PM
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    Oh yeh, been there, done that!! Is is very frustrating!!
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    Old 11-09-2011, 08:07 PM
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    I'm glad you asked this question as I have had similar problems! Thanks for the good answers, which I'll remember!
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    Old 11-09-2011, 08:23 PM
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    I agree with everyone else about shortening your stitch and I wanted to ask you about the dog in your avatar. Is that a chocolate lab? My wonderful chocolate lab, Hershey, passed away a few years back at the age of 14 yrs. Whenever I see a picture of a chocolate lab it makes me smile.
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    Old 11-09-2011, 08:28 PM
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    I also use the smaller stitch length. So far I haven't had any problem with my quilt tops falling apart.
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    Old 11-10-2011, 05:19 AM
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    Thanks, everyone, for your tips/comments/suggestions.
    I've been going over every open seam and, well, I think I'm learning a lesson!

    I will most definitely shorten my stitch length!

    Yes! I do have a chocolate lab in my avatar.
    Her name is Stella (and loves when we scream it like A Streetcar Named Desire - we're hoping to never lose her in the rain!)
    She hates sewing days - she'll stand at the doorway of the studio and whine. Poor thing! She'd rather go hiking!

    Thanks again, everyone, for the support and commiseration!
    Lesson learned!
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    Old 11-10-2011, 06:06 AM
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    i agree with shorten stitch length
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