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
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