Nammie to 7

I'm working on a quilt for my grandson and want the last border to be mitered. I'm sewing strips together, 1 1/2 inch, 2 1/2 inch, 1 1/2 inch, 2 1/2 inch, 1 1/2 inch, 3 1/2 inch. I want the corners to be mitered.

I did fine sewing the 3 1/2 inch, 1 1/2 inch, 2 1/2 inch. The strips stayed straight when pressed. When I sewed the next 1 1/2 inch strip on the whole piece bowed. I used my walking foot so the bottom moved at the same time. I did sew them all the same direction. When I take the last two pieces off and sew one of them back on I can keep the strip straight.

Did the piece curve because of the difference in width of the strips? Do I need to cut the strips the same length before piecing? Any suggestions how to solve this problem?

bearisgray

I would consider putting small marks at about 12inch intervals on the edges of both stips and match the marks. (I may have a touch of ocd.)

Nammie to 7

That is a good idea!

katier825

That is a good idea! Also, keep in mind that each fabric may "give" different amounts, which could also affect how they go together.

PaperPrincess

I always sew multiple long strips in alternating directions, and I always pin them first, way closer than every 12 inches. I don't think this is OCD, just good sewing practice. There's a lot of drag on long strips which can make them ripple. if you can cut the long strips the length of the fabric, parallel to the selvedge, there's less stretch.

Doggramma

I try to do the same as PaperPrincess - cut borders using the length of fabric when possible. It's really helped get my borders straight.

Feather3

I'd try starching the long pieces & pinning every 6-8 inches. I've been working on a Lone Star & starching really helps to keep all those bias or stretchy fabrics from curving.

Onebyone

Sewing strips together and getting the bow is normal and so frustrating. I sew two strips together then sew those to two strips and so on. It works for me.

Snooze2978

I was told to sew from different ends each time you add a strip. Think I heard on Fons & Porter not too long ago. This will keep it from bowing. I was working on a bargello putting all those strips together before slicing them and this is what I did. They didn't seem to bow plus I had starched them heavily beforehand too to help with any stretching during the process.

ManiacQuilter2

I usually sew them in sets of two and then together and pressing ONLY when the sewing is completed. It works very well when I piece Bargello strips. It may seem odd to others but it works for me.