Quilters use a ¼ inch seam allowance unlike most dress maker patterns that require a 5/8” seam allowance. Sewing an accurate ¼ inch seam ensures the patchwork pieces will fit together and the quilt will lie flat. Using tape or seam guides will help with accuracy. If you would like to buy a… Continue reading Seam
Encyclopedia
Seam Allowance
Most quilters use a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Some miniature quilters use 1/8 inch. Whatever the size of your seam, it is most important that you remain consistent throughout your quilt. In this photo, the triangle (bottom left) has been sewn to another triangle using a ¼ inch seam. It is a good idea to… Continue reading Seam Allowance
Seam Ripper
A seam ripper is a handy tool that makes it easy to rip out a seam gone bad. Keep this tool handy! There are many sizes and styles available on the market. Look for one that feels good in your hand. Some rippers are dual purpose – one end is a seam ripper and… Continue reading Seam Ripper
Selvage
The two parallel finished edges of the fabric are called the selvage. This edge will not ravel and has a tighter weave. It runs in the same direction as the straight of grain. Often it is a different color from the rest of the fabric. Sometimes the name of the fabric line and… Continue reading Selvage
Seminole Patchwork
Beginning in the 19th century, members of the Seminole tribe sewed long strips of fabric together and then cut these into smaller pieces and then sewed these into a pattern. This became known as a Seminole patchwork.
Set on Point
When square blocks in a quilt are rotated 45 degrees (turned to a diamond shape) they are said to be set on point. The nine patch blocks below are quilt blocks set on point (rotated to a diamond-like shape) in this quilt. The next photos compare the difference between “set on point” (top block) and… Continue reading Set on Point
Setting
When you finish your blocks for your quilt, you will have to decide how to arrange them in your quilt. This arrangement is called the setting. Below is a video about sewing blocks together into a quilt. The blocks have been laid out in three rows of three blocks each. This is a simple setting.… Continue reading Setting
Setting Triangles
Setting triangles are used when blocks are set on point. They are “fillers” that are used to make the quilt rectangular. Without these, you would have a zigzag edge. Four 1/2 square triangles are used in the corners. Quarter square triangles are used on the sides. Setting Triangles: Notice the triangles below. There are 4… Continue reading Setting Triangles
Sew and Flip
“Sew and Flip” (or Flip and Sew) refers to a technique that uses a foundation for its construction. Fabric is sewn (right sides together) to the foundation and then flipped over. This method is often used to make crazy quilts. Sometimes this method is referred to as free form piecing but free form does not… Continue reading Sew and Flip
Sew Date
A sew date is a meeting you set up with one or more people to work on sewing projects. It can be organized around a theme like finishing dated projects or just sewing at will. Sew dates occur in-person or virtually. The participants converse during the meet and often give out stitching tips and other… Continue reading Sew Date
Sew Order
Sew order refers to the sewing order that needs to be followed to best put the block together. In these machine piecing directions, the B and D triangles must be sewn together first. Then these units are sewn into rows with other pieces. Finally the rows are sewn together to complete the quilt block. CAUTION:… Continue reading Sew Order
