I feel so awful. I've been really working on my garment sewing skills this summer and the quilt I have been making for myself is languishing in a drawer. I'm so happy that these quilt blocks will always be available as I am really wanting to make this friendship quilt along quilt for myself. Maybe that's why I have no urgency to finish it. That's kind of sad right? I deserve a nice quilt since every member of my family has a nice quilt that I made for them. That being said I'm really enjoying this quilt along. The blocks are so fun and interesting and my goal is to end up with a cozy quilt for myself that does NOT have to be perfect.
Nancy - you owe it to yourself to make what you love and to love what you make. Aren't you the best friend you will ever have? Make it your only priority to make a beautiful quilt just for YOU!
Thank you for the great information on piecing. I am going to try my supreme slider like that- it looks like it makes it so much smoother going through the machine.
It really helps! Anytime I take it off, I instantly miss it because it feels harder to slide the pieces up to the foot. It's a small thing, but can definitely make a difference.
Sue Donner Occasionally when I have a small amount hanging off the end, I will put that piece on the bottom. The feed dogs help to take up that little bit. The big thing is to make sure any interior seams match up. And yes, I will now always start and finish a project on the same machine. Lesson learned after I had multiple seams to rip out on a previous project.
This block is so cute. I have such trouble piecing, they never come out quite right. I don't know if it's my cutting or sewing, but your videos encourage me to keep practicing these skills. Thanks for sharing.
It's probably a combination of the two. Fabric preparation and cutting is a major part of piecing. You can learn a lot about this in this book if you're interested: leahday.com/products/how-to-piece-perfect-quilts-print-edition
At minute 3:10 you said you put the side with less seam allowance down. I just wondered why. I always keep mine up so that I don't accidentally lose the tip on the block (I can see where to sew through the intersection of stitches). Just curious. Thanks!
Leah, my machine does not show numbers, just a stack of bars to show the stitch length is longer or shorter. How does your 1.5 correspond to 10, 11 or 12 etc. stitches per inch? I have always wondered. Great videos. I appreciate how you show to sew slowly and carefully. So much help. Thank you.
I did a block of the month with scant quarter inch seams. I had such a hard time, I went with a regular quarter inch and then trimmed or fudged to make it work. Won't do that again. Do glad to know I am not the only one.
Oh yes! I've made this mistake more than once forgetting that my machines give slightly different seam allowances, even with the same foot. It's so annoying when it becomes a fight through the entire block!
That's a Queen Supreme Slider. Yes, it's originally intended for free motion quilting, but I use mine in different positions for walking foot quilting and piecing as well - leahday.com/products/queen-sized-supreme-slider
When blocks are not lining up, putting the longer pieces on the bottom usually get taken up by the feed dogs. 1/4 inch won't really correct itself with out getting ruffles. Or at least it works for me. Why has the Sparrow become so popular?
Yep, that can work, but you're right - there is no easing in 1/4-inch of fabric. As for the Sparrow, I like it because it's inexpensive and quite a sturdy little machine. Unlike some of the machines I've spent thousands of dollars on, the 20 can piece, walking foot, and free motion quilt quite well. And it's easy for dealers to carry and sell online. That helps too! leahday.com/products/eversewn-sparrow-20-sewing-machine
There are different reasons for the two different techniques. Neither is right or wrong, and it's really down to preference. You can hear my lengthy explanation here: freemotionproject.com/2017/10/the-great-pressing-seams-debate-podcast.html
One for question...I see that your pressing your seams open. I’ve only seen one other instructor do the same. I like the idea of it, but there are a lot of people who disagree with doing it that way. I know you shorten your stitch length and it will be fine, but it does kind of freak me out
I'm sure there are a lot more quilters that press seams open than make videos for RUclips. I guess the best thing is to consider the source. A lot of us making videos have tight deadlines. A lot of videos gloss over little details in favor of a faster video. Pressing to one side is faster because you don't have to finger press and you can just hit it with an iron. Many professional quilters don't bother with any fabric prep, prewashing, starching, or pressing at ALL because of this time factor. Understand that once a quilt is taught in a video or pattern, it's done and over for us and we're already off to the next thing. You may not be seeing the best practices and habits being taught due to time, money, cost, and profitability. Ultimately you have to do what works for you. Understand this is an opinion based thing, not a right / wrong thing.
Thank you for the truth in piecing and how to prevent and adjust for it. It's ok with me. The universe will not implode if my seams don't align perfectly.😉🤗🤗🤗 note to self: get a supreme slider.
LOL! You're exactly right. No explosions. Just a bit of trimming and you'll be fine. And I can hook you up on the slider here - leahday.com/products/queen-sized-supreme-slider
Thank you for hating scant quarter inches as much as I do. a quarter inch is an absolute measurement. If you want me to make smaller seams, tell me what that actual measurement is....My mind rebels against scant. I may be OCD.....oh well that makes great quilts.
Laurie Ann Leisure I refuse to do scant quarter inches because they are never accurate and none of your seams will be the same. I see this more as a snobbish thing.
I think it all depends on how you press your seams. If you press to one side, the scant works really well. If you press open, then a full quarter inch allowance works. I always use a scant seam allowance. I don't consider myself snobby it just works for me.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
I feel so awful. I've been really working on my garment sewing skills this summer and the quilt I have been making for myself is languishing in a drawer. I'm so happy that these quilt blocks will always be available as I am really wanting to make this friendship quilt along quilt for myself. Maybe that's why I have no urgency to finish it. That's kind of sad right? I deserve a nice quilt since every member of my family has a nice quilt that I made for them. That being said I'm really enjoying this quilt along. The blocks are so fun and interesting and my goal is to end up with a cozy quilt for myself that does NOT have to be perfect.
Nancy - you owe it to yourself to make what you love and to love what you make. Aren't you the best friend you will ever have? Make it your only priority to make a beautiful quilt just for YOU!
Thank you for the great information on piecing. I am going to try my supreme slider like that- it looks like it makes it so much smoother going through the machine.
It really helps! Anytime I take it off, I instantly miss it because it feels harder to slide the pieces up to the foot. It's a small thing, but can definitely make a difference.
I enjoyed all the tips in this video. It helps me to understand why I have to trim sometimes when I piece.
Sue Donner Occasionally when I have a small amount hanging off the end, I will put that piece on the bottom. The feed dogs help to take up that little bit. The big thing is to make sure any interior seams match up. And yes, I will now always start and finish a project on the same machine. Lesson learned after I had multiple seams to rip out on a previous project.
Yep! Sometimes I do too, particularly when I forget and change machines like this!
This block is so cute. I have such trouble piecing, they never come out quite right. I don't know if it's my cutting or sewing, but your videos encourage me to keep practicing these skills. Thanks for sharing.
It's probably a combination of the two. Fabric preparation and cutting is a major part of piecing. You can learn a lot about this in this book if you're interested: leahday.com/products/how-to-piece-perfect-quilts-print-edition
Love the Supreme Slider suggestion!
Thank you Kathy!
Great block. Great practice getting accurate seams. Thank you Leah!!
Awesome Belynda! I'm so glad you enjoyed this!
I am definitely going to try ironing my seams open. It seems to make so much more sense!
Awesome! It does take a bit more time, but the results are terrific!
At minute 3:10 you said you put the side with less seam allowance down. I just wondered why. I always keep mine up so that I don't accidentally lose the tip on the block (I can see where to sew through the intersection of stitches). Just curious. Thanks!
It honestly doesn't matter, but I like to make sure my seams don't flip over as I piece across the seam. I hate the flippy floppy twisted seams!
Leah, my machine does not show numbers, just a stack of bars to show the stitch length is longer or shorter. How does your 1.5 correspond to 10, 11 or 12 etc. stitches per inch? I have always wondered. Great videos. I appreciate how you show to sew slowly and carefully. So much help. Thank you.
My older Bernina machines are similar. A 1.5mm stitch length is roughly a 1/16 inch stitch. So 14 - 16 stitches per inch would be ideal.
I notice you're still using the Supreme Slider, did the other one with the measurements not work out? Would love to hear your thoughts.
I like the grid glider, but ultimately I decided to switch back to the Supreme Slider. It's more slippery for free motion quilting.
Great lesson thankyou 🤩👍🇦🇺
Thank you Lynda!
I did a block of the month with scant quarter inch seams. I had such a hard time, I went with a regular quarter inch and then trimmed or fudged to make it work. Won't do that again. Do glad to know I am not the only one.
Oh yes! I've made this mistake more than once forgetting that my machines give slightly different seam allowances, even with the same foot. It's so annoying when it becomes a fight through the entire block!
What is the mat you have covering you machine table ?
she called it a supreme slider
Generally used when free motion quilting on a domestic machine
That's a Queen Supreme Slider. Yes, it's originally intended for free motion quilting, but I use mine in different positions for walking foot quilting and piecing as well - leahday.com/products/queen-sized-supreme-slider
I’ve seen you do this before, but could you please refresh my memory and tell me why you always end with a piece of fabric under your needle?
You can find a detailed video on why I do this here: leahday.com/blogs/machinequilting/five-quilt-piecing-tips-for-beginners
When blocks are not lining up, putting the longer pieces on the bottom usually get taken up by the feed dogs. 1/4 inch won't really correct itself with out getting ruffles. Or at least it works for me. Why has the Sparrow become so popular?
Yep, that can work, but you're right - there is no easing in 1/4-inch of fabric. As for the Sparrow, I like it because it's inexpensive and quite a sturdy little machine. Unlike some of the machines I've spent thousands of dollars on, the 20 can piece, walking foot, and free motion quilt quite well. And it's easy for dealers to carry and sell online. That helps too! leahday.com/products/eversewn-sparrow-20-sewing-machine
Why do quilters usually press both seams to one side rather than pressing them open?
There are different reasons for the two different techniques. Neither is right or wrong, and it's really down to preference. You can hear my lengthy explanation here: freemotionproject.com/2017/10/the-great-pressing-seams-debate-podcast.html
One for question...I see that your pressing your seams open. I’ve only seen one other instructor do the same. I like the idea of it, but there are a lot of people who disagree with doing it that way. I know you shorten your stitch length and it will be fine, but it does kind of freak me out
I'm sure there are a lot more quilters that press seams open than make videos for RUclips. I guess the best thing is to consider the source. A lot of us making videos have tight deadlines. A lot of videos gloss over little details in favor of a faster video. Pressing to one side is faster because you don't have to finger press and you can just hit it with an iron.
Many professional quilters don't bother with any fabric prep, prewashing, starching, or pressing at ALL because of this time factor. Understand that once a quilt is taught in a video or pattern, it's done and over for us and we're already off to the next thing. You may not be seeing the best practices and habits being taught due to time, money, cost, and profitability.
Ultimately you have to do what works for you. Understand this is an opinion based thing, not a right / wrong thing.
Thank you for the truth in piecing and how to prevent and adjust for it. It's ok with me. The universe will not implode if my seams don't align perfectly.😉🤗🤗🤗 note to self: get a supreme slider.
LOL! You're exactly right. No explosions. Just a bit of trimming and you'll be fine. And I can hook you up on the slider here - leahday.com/products/queen-sized-supreme-slider
Thank you for hating scant quarter inches as much as I do. a quarter inch is an absolute measurement. If you want me to make smaller seams, tell me what that actual measurement is....My mind rebels against scant. I may be OCD.....oh well that makes great quilts.
Laurie Ann Leisure I refuse to do scant quarter inches because they are never accurate and none of your seams will be the same. I see this more as a snobbish thing.
LOL! Exactly! What IS scant anyway!
I think it all depends on how you press your seams. If you press to one side, the scant works really well. If you press open, then a full quarter inch allowance works. I always use a scant seam allowance. I don't consider myself snobby it just works for me.