Splitting Seams

Okay, you know how you sew strips together and then cut them apart into squares? So many times when I get to the point of using them to make larger squares, she seams where I have cut them apart are splitting. Is this something I should stress over and worry about too much? I try not to worry about the twisted seams very much because that is going to happen if I want my block to be smooth where the seams meet. I just have a terrible fear of my quilt coming apart down the road if I don't fix these at this point. Is there a way to keep this from happening?

Hi Illine ... I wish I had an answer..... but I don't. I've had the same issues and usually there is just a stitch or two that seems to separate, but sometimes I've had to go back and re-stitch when there is too much of an opening. I'd love to hear what others think on this subject, so thanks very much for asking...

When I do strip/cut sewing I use a smaller stitch setting "2.0" if the material is thin, then "1.8" - that way when it gets handled alot with cutting and shuffling/nesting I don't have to worry about a stitch coming undone.

Hope this helps you in your stitching. Ruby

If I know i'll be cutting over the seam i use a smaller stitch. downside is, when i find i have to "unsew", the small stitches are a real pain.

If they are less than 1/4 inch from end, I don't worry about it because they are going to be reinforced when you put the pieces together. If you are concerned, just take a couple of back stitches when you get to the end of each sew line. That will keep anything from coming apart.

As long as the slipped stitch doesn't go beyond the seam allowance you will be fine.
When reading the instructions for those dastardly Y seams, they tell you that to be a stitch short is better than a stitch long, because you will catch the fabric in the next seam. So I'd say if it's just a little bit, no problem. If it is more than your 1/4" seam allowance you might want to tighten up your stitch length and repair it before you go farther.
Good luck & happy stitching!

I agree you should always use a smaller stitch length. I see alot of folks whose stitch length is about 8 stitches per inch. You should increase that to about 12 to 15 stitches per inch. Your seam won't come apart as easily once you do this.

Great information here for us newbies -
Thank you!

Hugs,

Excellent information! I never even thought about making my stitch size smaller. But, in the meantime... guess I'll just have to go back and re-stitch if necessary. Thank you all so much for the input. I think you have solved a problem for my future!

Illine

I have to admit though, using smaller stitches makes it awfully hard to rip out if you have to. lol

This happens to me, a lot. I must not be using the correct stitch length. Sometimes, I resew the part that is coming apart. The last thing I want is to have a hole in my quilt.

Here is another little trick.. use that iron to SET the stitiches before cutting. Also if your fabric is THIN or loosely wooven, don't be afraid to spray starch, iron then cut. It won't stop a couple of stitches from opening up, but that is NORMAL in strip piecing. The next stitch over (seam) will take care of that opening .... then the end quilting will help reinforce the "weak" areas. Just relax and see if MY GRANNY's advice works for you...

Thank you so much Granny Judy. I do set the seams but I've never tried the spray starch. Excellent hint!