Simple tricks for stitching accurate patches
Getting patches square and the same size seems to be an ongoing
challenge of quilters. Here are a few things you can do to check and improve the
accuracy of your stitching: • Watch the cut edges of your patches as you are sewing on
the machine -- instead of watching the needle. By focusing on the
edge of the fabric, and making sure that it lines up with your
mark of a 1/4 inch seam allowance (whether that is tape on your
throat plate or a presser foot), you will be more likely to see
when your sewing is accurate. • If a seam is longer than 2 to 3 inches, pin along the
seam before you sew -- not just at the beginning or the end. That
will stabilize the fabrics, and you will be more likely to sew
both fabrics an even 1/4 inch away from the edge. • When sewing angled, pointed pieces (such as diamonds or
triangles), start with the wide end first. That way, the skinny
tip is less likely to get eaten by the feed dogs (after all, they
are pretty hungry). • When beginning chain sewing, start with a scrap of fabric,
and then add your first pair of patches after you sew through the
scrap. Continue sewing the patches in the chain, and then add the
scrap as the last piece in your chain. That way, you always have
a scrap ready to begin a new chain. Happy Quilting!
Penny Halgren
TheQuiltingCoach
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