I know a few people who are wading deeper into quilting waters, so I thought I'd put together a couple tips for them. Not so much a life preserver as just a pair of water wings.
Other folks like Ashley and Oh, Fransson! have put together some great starter points for the new quilter, so I'm not going to dive into that. I just wanted to share one or two of my faves for piecing. Like always, it all comes back to pressing. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the difference between homemade and handmade is pressing properly. You're going to have to love your iron.
Once you've chain pieced together your squares (or whatever,) head over to the ironing board. Snip apart the chains and lay everything out flat just the way you sewed it.
Here's the most important part. Press those seams flat. Don't open them up or press them to one side yet, just press them flat. This will set the stitches, removing any wonkiness left in the thread from the sewing process. If you want a clean line afterward, do this first. Do not wiggle the iron back and forth. Just set it down, let the heat and the weight of the iron do the work. Wiggling the iron can distort the stitches and the fabric which leads to off-kilter blocks.
There's plenty of debate about pressing seams open or to one side and using steam vs no steam. I'm not fussed about how you decide to do it, but once you make a decision, stay with it for the entire quilt. Here I'm pressing them open, finger pressing first. (Which is exactly what is sounds like. Just use your fingers as the iron.)
Then once the seam is open bring the iron in and press the backside and then the frontside. Again, no wiggling! Just press.
Quilting can be all about precision since you're building a block to be joined to other blocks. You want your seam allowances the same so that everything is the same size. This means you'll also want your points to line up. Take time to do it right the first time or the mistake will get exponentially bigger down the road.
See how the points line up? Nice!
From the back:
And in the finished block:
thank you!!
you might finally give me the kick the pants i need to start my own quilt.
Posted by: sheepishone | June 13, 2009 at 14:52
I love you more every day. This tip about pressing them flat makes me so happy! I didn't know this, and can't wait to try it...
Posted by: Danielle | June 13, 2009 at 14:59
The first time somebody told me about the pressing-flat thing it BLEW MY MIND. It really does make such a huge, huge difference.
Posted by: Ashley | June 13, 2009 at 15:02
I'm going to say it here in the comments before someone else notices. DUDE! I sewed that edge piece on UPSIDE DOWN! Gah!
Posted by: Caro | June 13, 2009 at 15:03
I can't see your upside down piece at all. Man, you are way more thorough than I am! Which probably explains our different outcomes.
Posted by: Whistlepea | June 13, 2009 at 15:37
you are so awesome
Posted by: Christy / Not Hip | June 13, 2009 at 16:17
Thanks for the tips. I'm getting ready to begin quilting and just ordered a bunch of books from the library. Will check out the other links you posted too.
Posted by: Clestial | June 13, 2009 at 17:11
I have to admit that I'm a fly by the seat of my pants sort of sewer, but this tutorial might lead me to change my ways. Ironing seams flat first? I love that idea.
I also love the use of the term water wings, and will do my damnedest to work it into conversation today.
Posted by: Kristen | June 13, 2009 at 17:57
Oh, Caro, thank you!
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 13, 2009 at 18:09
That does look very precise and perfect! (just the way I like it :))
Posted by: grumperina | June 13, 2009 at 21:17
Great tips, Caro! I started machine quilting my first "big girl" quilt (not a tied quilt) yesterday. I can't wait to start my next one and press those seams flat. I had no idea.
Posted by: Kristin | June 13, 2009 at 21:27
Your points are so perfectly matched! I always press my seams to the side rather than open.
Posted by: Carole | June 14, 2009 at 06:51
This is totally awesome, Caro, thanks!
Posted by: Amy | June 14, 2009 at 09:14
Thanks so much Caro! I can't wait to see more of your excellent advice.
Posted by: diana | June 14, 2009 at 10:11
Just popped in to say Hi - so glad to have found your blog...will be back for a looksy again...
Tam xo
Posted by: Tam @ 1/4 of an inch | June 15, 2009 at 03:24
I am reading your blog on a regular basis - sorry being a lousy commenter - but now I HAVE to say your perfection level is incredible!!!!
really nice work and great skills, congrats!
kind regards from europe,
dolores
Posted by: dolores | June 15, 2009 at 03:40
Beautifully explained and illustrated. After years of pressing to one side, I've been experimenting with pressing seams open and I may just be converted.
Posted by: Jane Weston | June 15, 2009 at 05:12
>I sewed that edge piece on UPSIDE DOWN! Gah!
I was wondering :)
Posted by: Melanie | June 15, 2009 at 09:29
I love the fabric in this block! Lovely.
Posted by: Jamie | June 15, 2009 at 16:12
The no wiggling of the iron tip is just what I needed, I think I move my iron too much. Thanks :)
Posted by: katherine | June 15, 2009 at 22:04
Great tips! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Luciana P | June 17, 2009 at 11:45
Darn it, I wish I had found this earlier! Thank you for the great tips, they will definitely come in handy.
Posted by: jessie | June 17, 2009 at 21:38
Well, I think I've figured out why I far prefer knitting to quilting (and sewing in general). I hate using an iron for anything!!! Thanks for the tips. I'll try pressing my seams flat next time.
Posted by: Jodi | June 19, 2009 at 11:33
thanks for the great tips and photos. it is so true - to take your time. I need to practice this....
Posted by: carri | June 21, 2009 at 22:37
well, you know what they say.... Life is in the details. And never more so than in crafting!
Posted by: Christine M east of toronto | June 23, 2009 at 16:38