still a little off (seams)
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 31
still a little off (seams)
I have watched Missouri Star quilter Jeannie make a quilt that looks so nice and easy. When I follow her instructions on a "bear paw quilt" it's always a little off. My seams or my cutting must be off a bit. She just makes it look so easy and it looks so perfect. Do you all have a good way to insure the 1/4 inch seam and the cutting is exact. I am not a new quilter either but my quilts are always off a bit. Thanks Do you all think "I'm a little off too, giggle".
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: The Deep South near Cajun Country, USA
Posts: 5,435
It's not as much about your perfect 1/4" seam allowance as it is about the ending result. If you cut correctly and sew a full 1/4", your are going to be too small for your end result. I was told to cut 2 strips, 2" x 4". Sew them together on the 4 inch side and iron the seam to the side. Do you have a strip that is 3 1/2" x 4"? If you don't have 3 1/2 inches then you need to sew a scant quarter, which is one or two threads less than your original seam. Hope this helps.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: North east
Posts: 360
She uses pre cuts. Any precuts should be measured for accuracy. When the pieces are sewed together should measure again to make sure the finished block is correct. We don’t know what adjustments may be necessary because the video is not long enough to see the rest of the piecing into the full top. Accurate cutting and piecing is important. Don’t assume the precuts are accurate.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: kansas
Posts: 6,407
I was told that Jenny, when she is being filmed, works faster and perhaps less accurate than in actuality--cause no one wants to watch while someone tediously aligns their ruler, etc.
That 1/4" seam sometimes eludes me too--I don't always do the best test of using a couple of accurately cute squares and once sewn together minus 1/2" (for the two seams) that it measures what it should (i.e. 2.5" sq, sewn together should be exactly 4.5" once sewn). when I do I find that even the wt. of the thread can make a difference on that seam. Also, I'm trying to break the steam habit since as a long arm quilter I know that some spray starch and a lot of steam can shrink down wavey borders--so stands to reason that steam would shrink a block too, right?
That 1/4" seam sometimes eludes me too--I don't always do the best test of using a couple of accurately cute squares and once sewn together minus 1/2" (for the two seams) that it measures what it should (i.e. 2.5" sq, sewn together should be exactly 4.5" once sewn). when I do I find that even the wt. of the thread can make a difference on that seam. Also, I'm trying to break the steam habit since as a long arm quilter I know that some spray starch and a lot of steam can shrink down wavey borders--so stands to reason that steam would shrink a block too, right?
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,572
A tip I use sometimes when cutting - put a sticky note or piece of tape on the top side of the ruler so you are using the same cut line each time. Otherwise I tend to cut over/under/on the line when doing the same repeated width - particularly if I get distracted or have to stop cutting for a period.
Sewing those seams...a whole different issue, lol!
Sewing those seams...a whole different issue, lol!
#7
she has done it 1,000 times.
they don't usually show really close-up views of anything.
and
videos can be edited before posting.
they don't usually show really close-up views of anything.
and
videos can be edited before posting.
__________________
- necessity is the mother of invention. lazy is the crazy aunt.
- for issues regarding the reminder emails, please contact [email protected]
#9
Nesting the seams helps a lot. So does putting the piece that is slightly longer on the bottom when sewing two pieces together. There are so many variables and in all honesty if the small discrepancy does not affect the finished product, then finished is better than perfect.
#10
I have tried to make a perfect quilt. I haven't made one yet. I have been trying for eight years. I think I try too hard. I have only made about 450 -500 quilts, crib to the king I am working on now. I feel everything should be perfect, it isn't.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
craftybear
Links and Resources
1
05-03-2011 08:49 AM
craftybear
Links and Resources
9
01-05-2011 01:10 PM
ArtquilterNEWWAYtoQUILT
Main
16
12-11-2007 04:00 PM