Machine Piecing

I found out when I first began quilting that I was always stopping and filling my bobbin all the time.  Then afterwards I would always have to rethread my machine.  We all know how much of a pain that is!!  So everytime I decide to start a quilt I always fill about eight bobbins ( you can adjust the amount to the size of the project).  So then I can have a quick bobbin change and be off  and sewing again.

When making a signature quilt, be sure to baste on the 1/4 " seam allowance before having anyone sign the individual blocks.  This should prevent anyone writing into the seam allowance, thus cutting off their message when the quilt is assembled.  I also pressed wax paper to the back of each block to make a firmer surface on which to write.  A simply stated sheet of instructions helps.   Be sure purchase the appropriate pen - one that won't wash out and lose all those precious thoughts!!   I purchased several - to see which would look best when writing on fabric.  Submitted by Rosemary Klein

When a project is completed, cut all leftover fabric into strips from 1" to 3" wide and roll and put in a box or basket. When you have enough, this will make a lovely scrappy quilt using random size pieces. Cut calico into 10"squares, stitch a 3" strip of 1 particular fabric diagonally on each square, then use strips to cover calico. This uses up all your scraps and makes a very interesting quilt. The centre strip on each square should be a fairly plain fabric which gives a continuity of design. When complete, stitch squares together in rows, you decide the size you want. Add borders and backing of your choice and quilt.

When I sew two pieces of fabric together and one is cut on the bias, I always put the bias (stretchy) piece down against the machine so that the feed dog will help to ease in the fullness.

When I make a quilt I usually make some extra blocks or have some extra pieces left over.  I use the extra pieces and blocks to make little quilts to be used for dolls or stuffed animals.  My children love them and they make great gifts for small children.  It also prevents me from having to many scraps to store.

when making quilt blocks, always make 1 or 2 extra, put them aside and when you have enough, use them to make a charity quilt for a raffle or similar. Uses up the leftovers and makes room for more fabric to add to your stash!

Put some SortKwik on your fingertips to make handling of your pieces easier when sewing together.  You can find it in the office supplies department.  It will not stain or damage the fabrics.

In addition to the typical tools needed for machine piecing, namely your sewing machine, add a new handy tool to your collection. Use a simple wooden shish-kebob skewer, commonly found in the grocery store and available at a minimal cost, when you need a thin, pointed item to hold down edges. You could also purchase a quilting stiletto for this same purpose, but a skewer will be more budget-friendly and can be quickly replaced if lost.

To save time and thread while piecing blocks using your sewing machine, use a method known as "chain stitching." When you finish piecing a block, instead of cutting the thread and starting over, feed the next pieces immediately through the machine. After all piecing has been done, the blocks can be cut apart and any errant threads can be trimmed. This method will save you both time and resources, and ensure your needle does not constantly become unthreaded. 

To properly sew angled pieces using your sewing machine, carefully sew along the angled edge. Only sew the exact length of the piece, making sure to backstitch at the end of each seam. If you sew for longer than the length of the seam, this extra bulk will change the angle and throw the entire block. When you begin to sew more than one angled piece together, use this same method, making sure you check angle alignment so the correct angle is achieved.