Machine Piecing

Before I attempt a complex block or new technique, I like to sew a test block.  After doing this for a few months, I ended up with a bunch of mis-matched blocks that I didn't know what to do with.  My solution was to set aside an assortment of coordinating fabrics that are used specifically for test blocks.  Now, when I've tested a dozen or so different blocks, I have a set of coordinating blocks.  I add borders as necessary to make them all the same size, and have the beginnings of a beautiful new project.

When stitching  two paperpieced sections that have been joined with paperclips, serger tweezers work great to remove the paperclips ahead of the machine stitches.

To make triangles without doing a lot of pre-cutting,  simply cut your square and draw a diagonal line across.  Then sew 1/4" on either side of the line, cut on the line when finished sewing and press open.

I have found it useful to use repositionable dots of double sided 'sticky stuff' (often used for scrapbooking), when I have to make points come together.  It's temporary and keeps the fabric from 'walking' while you are sewing the pieces together.  Place temporary sticky stuff on right side of work to be pieced together, a little more then 1/4 inch from the edge (do not sew through it), matching up your seam lines.  Give a light finger press so that pieces stick to the repositionable sticky stuff and sew your seam.  Open sewn piece and remove sticky stuff!

Diann Becker

When I am piecing a block that needs to be pressed and/or trimmed after each piece is added, I set up one of those wooden TV trays right next to my chair at my machine. I put a press pad on top and set up my little travel iron, so I can sew, turn and press, and start sewing again.  If I have a piece that needs to be trimmed, sometimes I'll set up a second TV tray next to the first one and I'll put my small cutting mat on that.  Then you can move like an assembly line, sew, press, cut, and sew again.  I even take some of those TV trays to workshops and classes with me and if I only need one, I loan the other to my neighbor, and she really appreciates it!

As a beginner quilter, I had trouble matching seams putting a quilt block together. A very good friend gave me this tip.

Press each seam in opposite directions. When matching seams, pin right in seam through both sides. Make a consistent 1/4 inch seam. It really works.

I got this idea from a good friend of mine.  She made a quilt out of old Jeans.  She used every bit of the jeans.  A good idea for children, leave the pockets in tact and they can hide their treasures in the pockets.  Make a big pocket out of the front of the jeans with the zipper in tact.  Use it to store pajamas or a favorite book in.  You don't have to back the quilt if you don't want to because it is very heavy when you are finished.  Just hem it.

When making quilt blocks, I get everything organized and do assembly line piecing.  This way, I don't have to stop and cut thread and start all over again.  Much quicker.  I do the same when I add the next piece to the block.

When machine piecing and lining up the fabrics as I sew, I found I needed more grip to slide the fabric edges in line and I do not like to use pins.  I have found that the fingertip moistener that is used for sorting papers helps me to have a better hold on the fabric to guide it through the machine or butt seams together.  It comes under many names like Tacky Fingers, Quick Sort, or Take Hold.  This has really helped me to use my sewing time more efficiently.

Rose Juenemann

I mix a a solution of half water and half vinegar into a squirt/spritz bottle.  It removes the fold line and other wrinkles on fabric.  It may be used on fabric that has been pre-washed or not.  It is amazing how the wrinkles or foldlines disappear.  You can also set a press, crease or fold with this same solution.  This works especially well with natural fibers..i.e.. cottons, wools, linens.