Getting blocks square and the same size is an ongoing challenge for quilters.
If you are anything like I am, it seems that no two blocks are ever exactly the same size.
As careful as I try to be about sewing accurate 1/4 inch seams, sometimes by the time my blocks are sewn together, there is a 1/4 to 1/2 inch difference between them – and that’s on a good day!
On a really bad day, I had blocks that were up to 1 inch difference in size.
To reduce the frustration, here are a few things you can do to check and improve the accuracy of your stitching:
* Make sure that you have marked your sewing machine so it will sew an accurate 1/4 inch seam allowance.
* Watch the cut edges of your patches as you are sewing on the machine – instead of watching the needle.
* 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.
* When sewing angled, pointed pieces (such as diamonds or triangles), start with the wide end first.
You’ll find more tips and details when you visit:
http://www.how-to-quilt.com/articles/2207-sew-accurate-patches.php
Happy Quilting!
Penny
