A 9 puckered 9 patch.....What do you do?

[Janet J]

Read article the other day at this website about making smooth seams with your nine patch http://lavieenrosie.typepad.com/lavi...-a-poppin.html. Maybe this would help with the bulk at the seams.

[Jean Sewing Machine]

I can see that would work. That is the kind of batting I used to use until I started learning new techniques and the general consensus was to get that thinner batting. I also have the problem of the quilt being to stiff when i meander FMQ....this coudl solve that problem too, altho I wonder if it is to thick to meander. I have done STID on this kind of batting before. Maybe I should go back to where I was!

I use low loft polyester batting on these, it makes things softer. I had my latest quilt machine quilted by MSQC, and I love the pattern they used to quilt it. However, the quilt is not as cuddly as the ones I've done with SITD and poly batting. It does make a difference. However, it depends on if you want the quilt piecing to be featured, or the quilt pattern to be featured, then you decide which needs to stand out more. Piecing--SITD. Quilting--FMQ or hand quilting. Throw it together, meander! That's my take on it, at least.

[beadywoman]

I get those bumps too in some of the things that I make. But I think that if the seams are pressed to one side, it's the nature of the beast. One thing that I constantly re-learn in the sewing room is that my stitching will never be perfect. Not all of my seams are going to line up, no matter what I do, my geese tend to be directionally challenged and lose wings whenever they take flight, and some of my squares become rectangles. The Rip-It Frog has taken up residence and refuses to leave, even if I threaten to kiss him! I have decided to call all of these little menaces "spirit holes" because nothing is supposed to be perfect! At least that's what I tell myself every time I take a square from under the presser foot and see just how badly it's off! A challenge, to be sure, but still fun! And in the overall scheme of things, as my husband keeps telling me, Nobody will see those blocks that don't line up perfectly. If they do, then they are looking too durned close and need to go back home! LOL

[bkthomas]

I need to say this.....I'm thinking you need to do strip sets, not try to sew individual little pieces together - make the strip sets cut to 3 1/2 or whatever the size you want, then press one row to one side the next row the opposite and so on.... that should work much better. Hope that helps - Happy Quilting

[rebeccas-sewing]

I'm with Kathy on the strip piecing to make 9-patch blocks. It certainly makes construction a lot easier. If you're making them by cutting out squares that makes the process more difficult. I mentioned steam pressing your block after it's complete. That might take out the puckering. I use steam all the time and have no problem with it. I even use steam when I'm pressing during the construction of a block. Just make sure you press down on the fabric and don't iron back and forth. However, I don't iron at all when I'm piecing using anything cut on the bias. I iron the block after it's been completely sewn together.

[rebeccas-sewing]

This certainly helps the 9-patch lay flatter but make SURE you don't clip those little threads. She should've really stressed that. If you clip them it may weaken the seams.

Read article the other day at this website about making smooth seams with your nine patch http://lavieenrosie.typepad.com/lavi...-a-poppin.html. Maybe this would help with the bulk at the seams.

[Blondie]

I agree with Janet and Rebecca. When I take the time to do the little swirl (as Eleanor Burns does as well). it does help those hard bumps. And using sizing spray when pressing doesn't shrink the fabric, it actually helps to strengthen it I think.

[duster802]

WOW that is pretty. Love the colors.

[duster802]

I visited your blog and as a quilter of 4 years I want to do all I see. Well getting there I think. My reason for writing I so loved the coin type quilt you made for the Patient, And you phrases. I got up lifted. Your furbabies are beautiful and your Basset Hound reminded me of ours Preacher. . Love the kitty she is adorable. Cat lover way back. WEll thank you for a lovely visit to your blog HUGS((())) PSS I am going to make a coin quilt now

[atoz1mom]

If your talking specifically of where all four seams come together Eleanor Burns has a technique to fix that. Here are the links to a couple of videos I found. I use this anytime I can't get my seams to lay flat. Good luck!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5eCQklknOk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tCAtWBOyDU