Krystyna

Sometimes they match, sometimes they don't. Making bigger ones seems to help, but if I've really gone off track, I'll just add sashing or exaggerate the whole mess and call it "arty".

izzybelle

Thanks for the info-I am making some, and need additional advice please. When chain piecing these, my needle "catches" at the beginning of the tip and bunches and jams my machine. Then I have to take out, use my seam ripper, and start over--slows the process greatly--any advice on how to avoid this? Thanks for the question, and all the answers. This came at a great time for me!

janny40

I bought the Marti Mitchell perfect patchwork templates, they work pretty good.

chefjojo

Try the magic triangle method from this month's Craftsy's BOM. It is a method Amy Gibson is showing on that sites video for the February blocks. I tried it, loved it and I made 4 half square riangles in 90seconds. Site is Craftsy.com

craftymatt2

Thank you Jan, I printed and will put in a frame and hang on my wall, nice tips.

the old one

I agree with shnnn from Nevada all the way, and my points are perfect--when you sew the two triangles to each other to make the square, are you nesting the seams, and having the open edge facing into the presser foot?

MargeD

When directions call for HST's and cutting 7/8" bigger, I make it an even inch, put two squares together, draw a line down the center, sew a scant 1/4" on either side of the line, but apart and then square up to make the correct size block. I tend to cut larger squares, since you can cut off excess, but you can't put it back on. I think there was a tutorial by the Missouri Quilt Company, but I dont' have their link.

LoriMcc

Great advice! Thanks!

milikaa1

I made mine bigger then trimmed them down and they came out perfect, also make sure you have them stacked correctly before you sew them together...

cabbagepatchkid

A couple of things will help this problem.
~~First, make sure your needle isn't old and dull.
~~Next, have you tried the "leader/ender" method of beginning and ending your sewing....chain piecing also helps with this.
~~Next....switch your needle plate to the one with the little hole rather than using a zig zag plate. The tiny hole really helps keep your machine from eating your fabric.