Quilters Tips and Tricks
Learn the techniques and the tips and tricks that make your quilts look great! We have put together some easy lessons for you to follow to make finishing your quilt faster and easier.
Accuracy, Accuracy, Accuracy!
The most important tip in making your quilt go together smoothly is accuracy. Measure carefully and cut to the exact measurement called for in your pattern. Remember, measure twice, cut once! When you cut a strip that is too small, you can't add that 1/4 inch back on.
Sewing with a consistent 1/4 inch seam allowance will insure that your pieces fit together perfectly. Use a piece of tape to mark a 1/4 inch guide on your sewing machine. Be sure that the last few stitches stay straight as you come to the end of the piece. Once you have stitched your strips or pieces together, press and measure again. It is easier to fix a potential problem now than to wait and hope it works out.
Match those corners everytime!
If you have cut accurately and stitched carefully, your seam lines will match up. To be sure that the squares go together and stay lined up, press the seams in opposite directions. You can then butt the seam allowances up to each other and they will stay lined up as you sew the seam. If you are having trouble getting the seams to line up, recheck your seam allowances and fix any that need attention. As you approach the intersection of seams, be sure that both seams are lying flat and are still lined up correctly. When stitching over a "V" point, stay about one stitch to the outside of the V and you will have a perfect point.
Applying the Borders
Borders that are cut from the straight grain (parallel with but not including the selvages) are more stable and less likely to flare than boarders that are cut from the cross grain and pieced.
To determine how long to cut your side borders, measure two or three places across the length of your quilt and take an average of these measurements. Cut the boarders and apply to the sides of your quilt.
Measure again two or three places across the width of the quilt with the side borders attached and take an average of these measurements. Cut the top and bottom borders and apply to the quilt.
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