Piecing question for the quilters

[eleny]

So often I have problems sewing fabric with the narrow 1/4" seam allowance. My edges can get jammed down or slip into an even narrower seam allowance than required. I don't mind basting first. But I'd like to learn how to start my seams without that extra step.

Can quilters please share some tips?

[KarenS]

1. I use a foot that is 1/4" wide

and my machine has a little groove cut at the 1/4" mark.

I've read to put a piece of masking tape from the edge of the pressure plate across to the front edge of your machine to mark it,,,,

Honestly, it's just a matter of practice and experience, after awhile anything larger just 'feels' wrong.

Good Luck!! :hi:

[eleny]

3. Thanks Karen

I'll just have to develop more patience and keep practicing!

[Tansy_Gold]

2. It really is a matter of practice, practice, practice

I have a 1/4" foot, too, and that makes it a lot easier.

However, I have to confess that on some quilts I have deliberately cut my pieces to allow for a wider seam, usually 1/2". This gives *me* added security that on a quilt that's going to get a lot of use, those seams won't give way.

I also come from many, many years of regular sewing with that ingrained 5/8" seam allowance, so I can understand why the 1/4" seems so skimpy. You just have to stick with it.


Tansy Gold

[eleny]

4. I'm seeing a theme here!

I need to keep at it. But I like the idea of going t a 1/2" seam allowance. Maybe for now it will help me ease into smaller seams. I think I can control a 1/2" seam and learn in increments how to control the fabric.

My problem is always at the start where the fabric can slip on me or get bunched up when I go in reverse to tack down the seam. Maybe I shouldn't go in reverse at all but just sew the seam and not be concerned about tacking at the ends like that.

[KarenS]

5. something else,,,,

1) my ironing board is always up & the iron is always on when I sew. Just ironing the fabric (I always use steam) helps take away some of the flimsiness. It adds to the precision of my cutting as well.

2) If you are, for example, sewing squares of fabric together, prepare lots of them. Then begin to sew them together (I do not backtack), sew the first two squares together ~ do not pull it off the machine, do not cut the thread ~ instead put the second set down and sew them, then the third set, etc. When you're done you have a chain of squares, snip the thread in between them and begin putting the sets of two together =) This is called chain piecing and it will prevent the bunched up thread and the feeddogs gobbling up your fabric
:) Try it!! I think you will be impressed :)

[eleny]

6. That sounds like a great method

I could picture it as you were describing it. Backtacking has always been my nemesis and I've sewn off and on since I was little. I think if I use your method and start with 1/2" seams for now, I can ease into this.

I used to love making blouses. Gathering the top & bottom of a sleeve and getting the gathers to look nice set into cuff etc. was such a delight. But little quilt squares with the tiny seam allowances give me instant sweaty palms.

Thanks for your help!

[undergroundpanther]

7. I put my needle

in the far side position. Sewing a narrow seam with the needle lined up dead center confuses me to where the seam is going. If I have the needle set to sew on the closest side to the fabric line.. I can keep track of where I was going easier.Also if you make pre lines with wash out quilt magic marker you have a clear line guide to follow.I also turn off the forced feeder foot mechanism thing to the fabric move freely in the presser foot guided by my hands that way I'm not fighting the machine itself when I got to do turns or curves(applies to electric ones here)

[eleny]

8. by the "forced feeder" do you mean the feed dogs?

i can see how lowering the feed dogs and just nudging the fabric at the start might be easier for me. and penciling in a guideline would be a big help, too. even if i just put a small dash line at the start of the seam. i never thought of doing that. doh!

thanks!

[undergroundpanther]

9. Yeah I meant feed dogs

I couldn't remember the name of it.

[Mrs Robeson]

10. 1/4 inch seam allowance

One thing I always use when I sew on the machine is to keep a square of scrap fabric and start sewing on that first and then put the "real" piece up next and go as slow as I need to be able to keep staight and then sew off onto another scrap. Does that make sense?
You can mark the actual seam lines with a fine mechanical pencil, too. That is how I mark all of the pieces for hand sewing.
Hope this helps!

[eleny]

11. Thanks, I can picture that!

[Grey]

12. 1/4 inch seams

I have a foot with a 1/4 inch fence on one side, you can buy them at most quilt shops. I also have a black line down the middle of my ironing board so I can make sure I iron each strip or peice straight. I drew it with a meter stick and a felt marker. I find it's harder to sew straight if things ane not ironed straight. I also use the tab at the begining of each set of chain peicing, (google, chain peicing or strip peicing) It saves so much thead and time. If you lay out your peices and iron them together, (one on top of the other) there is less slippage and they go through the maching more easily. The iron is my best quilting tip, I can't quilt without it. Happy quilting.....