Why I Hate Piecing
07-26-2011, 12:14 PM
#12
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,134
Originally Posted by PaperPrincess
I'm HST challenged, so I always cut the squares way larger than needed, sew my seam(s), cut, press, then cut down to the finished size. Once you get the hang of paper piecing, though, the accuracy can't be beat!
So it you didn't starch the fabric squares into oblivion before sewing and cutting, and weren't gentle in the way you handled them, they are going to stretch. And end up being different sizes. And/or not square.
I know it's all the rage to use that method (and others have no problem with it) but I wouldn't bother. Not worth it. You save some time sewing but pay for it when trying to use them.
Like Paper Princess, I always use the cut bigger and trim down to size method. Results in perfect HST's each time.
Paper piecing (Thangles or On-a-roll or freezer paper) are other options but you have the additional step of the foundation preparation and/or removal to deal with. But it's worth it if you're having a problem with any of the other methods.
07-26-2011, 12:18 PM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Southeast Wisconsin
Posts: 1,070
Spent all of last Saturday trying to get small little squares sewn together to match a big square. What a nightmare. I found that my cutting skills and sewing skills need to be worked on before sewing little squares casue a bitsy error multiplies fast! I also should have heeded prior warnings about different rulers. Not only that I found out that my 1/4" foot is different from machine to machine so don't change machines mid stream.
I redesigned the quilt to get rid of my problem!
I feel your pain.
I redesigned the quilt to get rid of my problem!
I feel your pain.
07-26-2011, 04:51 PM
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: La Grande, OR
Posts: 2,457
Originally Posted by PaperPrincess
I'm HST challenged, so I always cut the squares way larger than needed, sew my seam(s), cut, press, then cut down to the finished size. Once you get the hang of paper piecing, though, the accuracy can't be beat!
http://www.blockcentral.com/a-halfsq...glepaper.shtml
07-26-2011, 05:35 PM
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 934
Originally Posted by MTS
That Missouri Quilt method results in four HST's with exposed bias on all four edges. :roll:
So it you didn't starch the fabric squares into oblivion before sewing and cutting, and weren't gentle in the way you handled them, they are going to stretch. And end up being different sizes. And/or not square.
So it you didn't starch the fabric squares into oblivion before sewing and cutting, and weren't gentle in the way you handled them, they are going to stretch. And end up being different sizes. And/or not square.
07-26-2011, 06:11 PM
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 2,860
All right. I have a confession. 3-4 quilts done before I realized that my 1/4 inch foot was a 1/4 inch and 3/8ths inch foot. I was using the 3/8ths inch part for making my seams. OOPS. Could that be the problem? Using the wrong foot?
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