Which is better? I don't know how to finish this quilt.

I'm a beginning quilter and I'm amazed at how much fabric MOVES :icon_rolleyes:

I'm making a quilt using the 3 Dudes technique Jenny showed on a tutorial. I've been super perfectionistic about every step and no matter what I do something is always off just a tiny bit.

I have used the entire jelly roll and I'm starting now putting the 4 blocks together into one finished block.

The first one I did, I just laide the squares together nice and neat, sewed without pinning and it came out square and perfectly flat but the matching isn't perfect especially in the middle.

The second one I did, I got crazy anal about nesting the seams perfectly and I pinned each seam. The match is perfect but the block is slightly off square and it's "puffy" does that make sense.

So my question is, which way would you finish the rest of the blocks. So they lay flat and square but the seams aren't perfectly matched....or would you match perfect and let a little puffiness in each square?

I'm thinking that when it comes to the actual sandwich and quilting part it would be better if the squares were flat.

I would love your opinion based on experience.

Here is a pic of the flat and square one with bad match
Attachment 65004

Here is the puffy one with good match
Attachment 65005

Here they are side by side
Attachment 65006

How should I proceed???
Thanks in advance for your help!

IMO I would make sure that the seams align and lay flat because when you come to sandwiching your quilt it is going to be very puffy and not lay flat. I am a bit of a perfectionist myself and I wouldn't be able to let them go like that. But wait and see what the other ladies say in this matter. Mahalo

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Originally Posted by CarrieA

I'm thinking that when it comes to the actual sandwich and quilting part it would be better if the squares were flat.

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You are correct. The flatter your blocks are the better the quilting will look. Making out of plane blocks with perfect seams is just kicking the can down the road as it will save a headache now but create a new one later.

Almost all of us have occasional seam that don't line up perfectly. It isn't a big deal in the finished quilt and no one but you is likely to notice it. The blocks look beautiful by the way.

I would match the seams, especially since your colors are so contrasting. Then steam press the heck out of it and then press it again with Best Press!

All I see is a pretty great quilt for a beginner.... IMHO quilting began as a way to use up scraps.... all the "perfection" and detailing is window dressing... this is a creative outlet and a way to play with color and design... and a great outlet for those of us that love fabric and all things related!!!! As well I cannot imagine have time on my hands without a hobby... Have fun and do what feels OK for YOU!!hugs, Barbara

Carrie, you've done an amazing job with matching seams on your first quilt. I would go for flatter. The quilting will be much easier for for yourself or a long armer.

A tip: Your mismatched seam on the pink center will probably not be noticeable after the quilt is washed and dried, especially since the color is all the same. Seams that aren't aligned in the center show up more when the triangles are different colors. There's an easy fix to that block if it bothers you. Find where your seam joins and pick out just the middle stitches (about an inch or two). Leave all the other seams alone. Move the seam over to where it belongs and pin on each side of where it should join. Then use a long stitch just inside the seam allowance to rejoin and check it. The fabric will usually ease in nicely if pinned. If it lines up nicely, then go back and use the regular stitch length to secure.

I agree with Ryan. I had to really look for what you were talking about and once quilted no one will see that but you!
Amazing for a beginner might I add.

I did not notice anything wrong with either one.

They both look good to me.

I thought they both looked great as well. But I would surely godor the flat block. I having been working on not worrying if they dont match exactly because you really cant tell in a completed and washed quilt

Thank you everyone for your advice!

I think my inner perfectionist went into overdrive for a little bit.

I walked away from it and now I've decided to go for flat and matched as best as I can :)

I'm learning as I go just how gentle I need to be with the fabric. Easy does it huh!

Thanks again for looking and trying to help me out. I'll post pics when it's done.

I would go for flat over perfect seams. Once it is washed and dried, those little things won't be noticable to anyone but you. I think you did great for this being your first quilt. From everything I have read, this block is not as easy to match up as Jenny makes it appear. Plenty of people on here have had trouble with this one.

If you go back and look at the one Jenny did, it doesn't match either. It drove me crazy when she did the tutorial because I'm anal about seams matching. But, it's the way the pattern is cut - it's going to be off a little if the block is square. So, flat and square is the answer. That's the way it's supposed to be.

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Originally Posted by GrammaBabs

All I see is a pretty great quilt for a beginner.... IMHO quilting began as a way to use up scraps.... all the "perfection" and detailing is window dressing... this is a creative outlet and a way to play with color and design... and a great outlet for those of us that love fabric and all things related!!!! As well I cannot imagine have time on my hands without a hobby... Have fun and do what feels OK for YOU!!hugs, Barbara

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Once again Gramma Babs and I are on the same page. Have fun with this quilt, dear girl. It looks wonderful to me.
PS, there is a saying among FMQ'ers - "I can quilt that out." That means any bumps, lumps, whatever can be quilted out with enough thread. Me? I wouldn't worry. It will still look great and do the job at keeping you warm.
BTW - love the fabrics you have chosen. It is quite charming

I never could find the problem areas.... I think your work looks great!