Advice on Pinwheels..... please

[Mia]

I was so inspired by Wendy's beautiful pinwheel quilt, I decided to make a couple of blocks.... sort of as a test for myself.

They were fairly simple, except for one thing. Is it normal to have a 'bump' in the middle, where all of the seams intersect? Is there a secret that I missed, lol?

Thanks all.... you're very much appreciated

[quiltingtrish]

Re: Advice on Pinwheels..... please

I haven't made a pinwheel in awhile, but did you 'nest' the seams when you sewed the sections together Mia? One seam goes one direction and the other seam goes the opposite. If not, perhaps you could clip a few threads that will allow you to open the seams without making a hole in the center of the block.

Hugs,

[Granny Judy]

Re: Advice on Pinwheels..... please

I always get a little Hump in the center even when I stagger the seams.. here is where I starch and press . There is always a little "give" in the fabric, but it "quilts" out easily.

[toggpine]

Re: Advice on Pinwheels..... please

There is a way to "swirl" the center seams, but I haven't figured out how to do it yet. It is supposed to eliminate that bump where they all join.
Hmmm. Maybe that is a good suggestion for a Jenny tutorial!

[sassyquilter]

Re: Advice on Pinwheels..... please

I make sure my seam allowances all go around in the same direction(like a swirl) and pick out the last two stiches where they all intersect, and press them out flat with my finger, then press with iron. It makes a mini-pinwheel(swirl). Hope that made sense!

[Mia]

Re: Advice on Pinwheels..... please

Thank you all very much. I did my best to nest seams but I'll give a try to the swirly thing too. Huggggggs

[Loonwatcher]

Re: Advice on Pinwheels..... please

I make sure my seam allowances all go around in the same direction(like a swirl) and pick out the last two stiches where they all intersect, and press them out flat with my finger, then press with iron. It makes a mini-pinwheel(swirl). Hope that made sense!

Dumby here doesn't quite understand what you mean about picking out the last two stitches and pressing them flat. Do you have a picture?

[Bubby]

Re: Advice on Pinwheels..... please

The swirly thing really works but takes a little practive. Barb

[Mia]

Re: Advice on Pinwheels..... please

Barb, I am trying but so far not much luck with the swirly thing

[debinmalaga]

Re: Advice on Pinwheels..... please

Mia, you ask such good questions... sometimes I have more of a bump than others, but usually I've found that the seams were all going the same way.

[Susan M]

Re: Advice on Pinwheels..... please

Mia, great question! Most of mine still have a slight bump even with the seams going the same way. They seem to disappear with the quilting.

[SuzyQue]

Re: Advice on Pinwheels..... please

Mia----I made a king sized pinwheel quilt top......not quilted yet. I have bumps on some more than others. I nested. Couldn't figure out the swirly thing, either. Pressed and pressed. Sorry.....can't help you.....but if you figure it out, let me know!

[Mia]

Re: Advice on Pinwheels..... please

aww thanks Deb. I feel so fortunate to have you all to ask when I get confused (which is way too often). You make me feel blessed with your friendship.

[Mia]

Re: Advice on Pinwheels..... please

Thanks Suz..... I still haven't gotten it all figured out because I'm having the same issue. Some have bigger bumps..... but maybe I can "quilt them out" lol

[wendyw1]

Re: Advice on Pinwheels..... please

Hi Mia, I'm no expert but I have learnt to press as I go ... I pressed the seams open when joining the squares to eliminate the bulk. I still had little bumps, but it had no effect on the quilting. Keep at it, it will happen :-))