BLOG 394

Blog 394

A lot is going on in my sewing world as usual but much is repeated processes as I continue to prepare exhibits for the Gresford show in June. As we are just still in April, it seems a long way off but in two days’ time, I will be able to say that the show is next month. EEK! Panic on! So I have started to join together some of the quilted squares of my scrap quilt. I am using a bright strip on the top and a patterned black on the back. I just have to be vigilant not to have colours repeated too close together and make sure that I create a chequer board effect on the back as I am using 2 backing fabrics. What could possibly go wrong! And I make no apologies for going over this method (again!) of joining ready quilted squares; everyone needs to know about it!

              The Block

 

 

The block is trimmed to 13 ½”. The front joining strip is cut at 13 ½” x 1” and the back joining strip at 13 ½” x 1 ½”.

                Joining strips

 

 

To join two blocks together you will need one front and one back strip and these will be sewn onto the lower edge of the first block. Place the front strip (1”) RS together onto the RS edge of the block with edges aligned and, AT THE SAME TIME, place the back strip (1 ½”) RS together onto the back of the same edge. Secure the strips with the pins placed at right angles to the edge for easy removal. Sew through all the layers with an exact ¼” seam allowance (the first) to attach both strips.

                  2 blocks and 2 strips

 

 

 

 

             Placing the strips

 

               Pinning the strips RS

 

 

 

 

Pinning the strips

 

 

                 First ¼” seam allowance

 

Leave the back strip lying where it is but press the top strip over to cover the seam. Place this block onto the second block with RS together, aligning the edge of the strip with the raw edges of the block and secure with vertical pins. Sew a second accurate ¼” seam to attach the strip to the second block. (In the picture my sewing foot is ¼” on both sides and it fits perfectly into the space. Accuracy is essential with this method!)

                Front joining strip

 

 

 

                Blocks RS together

 

 

 

               Aligned and pinned

 

 

 

 

                Second ¼” seam allowance

 

 

The 1” strip brings both of the raw edges together and they should fit perfectly (too large a seam allowance would make the edges overlap and too small would leave a space between the edges). On the back, fold the edge of the strip to the stitches and then fold it again to cover the joining seams. Hand-sew along the folded edge to hold it in place. I hope to make good progress on this over the next few days when I can’t get out into the garden.

                  WS raw edges level

 

 

                First fold

 

 

 

                 Second fold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 RS joining strip