Mastering the Art of Quilting: 9 Essential Piecing Tips

Ever find yourself wondering why your piecing isn’t turning out as perfect as you'd like? Don't worry, I’ve been there too. Piecing is a sneaky little skill that can make or break your quilt. Today, I’m here to share some great tips so grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s get into the nitty-gritty of upping your piecing game.

Starch Your Fabric

First off, let’s talk about starch. This might sound like an extra step, but trust me, it’s worth it, especially when cutting on the bias. Starching your fabric before cutting helps keep everything crisp and reduces fraying. Imagine trying to piece together soggy spaghetti – that’s what it’s like working with limp fabric. Starch gives your pieces some structure, and they’ll thank you for it.

Precision is Key

Next up, precision is key. Use a rotary cutter and a good ruler to ensure your pieces are cut accurately. I know, I know, it sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how a tiny deviation can throw off your whole project. Think of it like baking – a pinch too much salt and your cake’s a disaster. The same goes for quilting. Measure twice, cut once, and you’re golden.

The Scant Quarter-Inch Seam

Here’s a game-changer: the scant quarter-inch seam. What’s that, you ask? It’s a seam that’s just a hair less than a quarter-inch, and it’s a game-changer. This little adjustment compensates for the fabric taken up by the thread and the fold of the fabric, making your blocks come out the perfect size. It’s like magic – try it and see!

Pressing Matters

Pressing matters. Literally. Press your seams open or to one side. Often this is personal preference and there are arguments for both, but most importantly - press them!!

Chain Piecing

Ever heard of chain piecing? Chain piecing is when you sew pieces together in one continuous line without cutting the thread between them. This not only saves time but also keeps everything organized. Think of it like making a garland – you don’t cut each piece individually, right? The same goes for piecing.

Pinning Wisely

Let’s talk about pins. Some people are pin-happy, others avoid them like the plague. I say, use them wisely. Pinning your pieces before sewing can help keep everything in place, especially if you’re dealing with tricky angles or small pieces. Just don’t go overboard – too many pins can distort your fabric.

Sewing with a Leader and an Ender

One of the best tips I ever received was to sew with a leader and an ender. These are small scraps of fabric that you sew at the beginning and end of your chain piecing. They help prevent your machine from eating your fabric and keep your stitches neat. Plus, they’re a great way to use up those tiny scraps we all have lying around.

Choosing Your Thread Wisely

Let’s not forget about thread. Good quality thread can make a world of difference. Cheap thread breaks easily and can cause all sorts of headaches. Invest in good thread – your sanity and your sewing machine will thank you.

Take Your Time

Lastly, take your time. I know it’s tempting to rush through piecing so you can get to the fun part – quilting. Or is that only me 🤔🤔😂 But trust me, taking your time to piece accurately will save you loads of frustration later on. It’s like building a house – you need a strong foundation to achieve the best results in the end.

Bringing It All Together

There you have it – nine tips to take your piecing from meh to marvelous. Implement these and watch your quilts transform. And hey, if you try any of these tips, I’d love to hear about your experience. Send me a photo or share your story. Let’s make those seams sharp and those quilts stunning.

Happy quilting,

Lyndelle xo