Category: Tutorials

Press for Success! The ULTIMATE guide to ironing quilt blocks

Quilters spend a lot of time with our irons! I get tons of questions about ironing and pressing, so here’s the lowdown on pressing your fabric, and a mini-tutorial on how to press your seam allowances.

For new quilters, it’s important to learn that pressing is NOT the same as ironing! When you iron a piece of clothing, you’re trying to smooth out wrinkles, usually with a light hand and lots of side-to-side motion.

When making a quilt, you want to press straight down and avoid any side to side pressure that might distort your fabric. Your objective is flat, undistorted fabric, a square block, and seams that lay FLAT.

Arctic Vortex Quilt Along Week 4

Have you seen all the amazing Vortex blocks popping up?? This week we’re making 3 more blocks. If you’re making the mini quilt, you’re still on pause until Week 5.
Step 1: Make 3 Vortex blocks.
You’re a pro at these after last week, but in case you want a refresher, here are the videos on sewing tricky angles and partial seams:

Arctic Vortex Quilt Along Week 3

I hope you’ve got an itch to STITCH! This week we’re starting to sew our Vortex blocks! If you’re making the mini, watch the YouTube video in Step 1 below. Eager beavers can work ahead, but really Team Mini is on pause until Week 5.

Step 1: Attach the first strip to your diamond.

Follow the pattern for details of which strip. If you’re new to sewing with with 60-degree and 120-degree angles, you’ll want to watch this tutorial first. I’ll show you how NOT to line up your pieces, and 2 ways to get them to match up just right.

Step 2: Attach the second strip with a partial seam

Don’t Panic!

You’ve probably sewn a partial seam before and you didn’t even know it. Partial seams are really No Big Deal. Here’s the scoop:

Quarter-Inch Game Changers!

When I was a beginner quilter, I struggled with sewing an accurate quarter-inch seam allowance. How did I finally get perfect, consistent, quarter-inch seam allowances for accurate piecing, perfect points, and beautiful quilt blocks? Game Changer #1: The Flanged Quarter-Inch Presser Foot
Behold, my secret weapon in the Quest for the Consistent Seam Allowance!

Retro Tetro Quilt Along Week 10

Can you believe we’re entering the final week of the quilt along?? Let’s bring it across the finish line! (This week’s post is a bit light on eye candy. My old reliable Janome needs a major tune up, and I just can’t get a consistent 1/4″ seam with my back-up machine. Good thing I have … Continue reading Retro Tetro Quilt Along Week 10

Retro Tetro Quilt Along Week 9

We’re in the home stretch!! Blocks are all done and looking BEAUTIFUL!! I’m so impressed with everyone’s progress! Now it’s time to join the background strips and put together the columns. Retro Tetro Quilt Along Dates: September 15 through November 23Duration: 10 weeksQuilt Sizes: Mini, Crib, Throw, or Twin How to Quilt Along Share your … Continue reading Retro Tetro Quilt Along Week 9

Retro Tetro Quilt Along Week 8

I saw some very impressive spun seams last week! They’re just so satisfying, once you get the trick of them, and you’ll be glad you took the time when you get to quilting! This week, we’re making our final set of blocks. Retro Tetro Quilt Along Dates: September 15 through November 23Duration: 10 weeksQuilt Sizes: … Continue reading Retro Tetro Quilt Along Week 8

Retro Tetro Quilt Along Week 7

I’m soooo glad my warning about last week’s block saved many of you from spending too much quality time with your seam rippers! Don’t put the ripper away just yet! Retro Tetro Quilt Along Dates: September 15 through November 23Duration: 10 weeksQuilt Sizes: Mini, Crib, Throw, or Twin How to Quilt Along Share your progress … Continue reading Retro Tetro Quilt Along Week 7