🤔BETTER QUILT BLOCKS? 😃Yes Please! 10 Tips for Better Quilt Blocks - Fat Quarter Shop

Say yes to better quilt blocks with these 10 tips from Kimberly! For accurate, precise blocks that won't leave you upset when it's time to assemble them, try some of these tips and let us know what you like and don't like. Leave your top tips in the comments below for other quilters too!
#Top10Tips #Quilts #Quilting #FatQuarterShop #QuiltBlocks #ShowMeTheModa
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
00:28 - Tip #1 Quilting Supplies
01:29 - Tip #2 Starching
02:40 - Tip #3 Test Block
03:06 - Tip #4 Trimming Down
03:42 - Tip #5 Foundation Paper
04:19 - Tip # 6 Design Boards
04:49 - Tip #7 Pinning
05:11 - Tip #8 Accurate Seams
05:43 - Tip #9 Pressing
06:15 - Tip #10 Check Block Size
SUPPLIES
▸ Aurifil Thread, 50wt Light Sand 2000 - bit.ly/3OpKfPb
▸ Clover White Seam Ripper - bit.ly/3Elap0i
▸ Olfa Pacific Blue Splash 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter - bit.ly/3WMxVyp
▸ Little House Glass Head Pins with Tin - bit.ly/3yLHFN4
▸ Fat Quarter Shop Magnetic Pin Caddy - bit.ly/3ol0mGU
▸ Creative Grids 6.5" x 12.5" Quilting Ruler - bit.ly/435Wd8P
▸ Creative Grids 24" x 36" Cutting Mat - bit.ly/3GEKJ1o
▸ Faultless Starch: amzn.to/3RYY4WK
▸ Union Square Classic & Vintage Quilt Block (PDF) - bit.ly/3MpCedS
▸ Pressed Flowers fabric collection by Bunnyhill Designs - bit.ly/423WpUO
▸ Hourglass Unit Cheat Sheet - bit.ly/3Oy3p9f
▸ Kimberly Cuts 5.5” Square Rotating Cutting Mat - bit.ly/45lzSFE
▸ Flying Geese Cheat Sheet for Foundation Paper - bit.ly/3MzpQrN
▸ Triangles on a Roll Cheat Sheet: - bit.ly/43m2b55
▸ 2" x 4" Flying Geese Quilt Block Foundation Paper - bit.ly/43m261h
▸ 2" Half Square Triangle Paper - bit.ly/43m27ST
▸ 4" Square in a Square Quilt Block Foundation Paper - bit.ly/3ovB4Wu
▸ Primitive Gatherings ¼” foot - bit.ly/3ODeztt
▸ Sew Standard Seam Guide - bit.ly/3MBwfmq
▸ Design Boards - bit.ly/3pgEjyF
FAT QUARTER SHOP ONLINE
▸ Shop: www.fatquartershop.com/
▸ Blog: blog.fatquartershop.com/
▸ Facebook: / fatquartershop
▸ Instagram: / fatquartershop
▸ Pinterest: / fatquartershop
▸ KZbin Membership: Join this channel to get access to extra perks:
/ @fatquartershoptx
▸Kimberly's Quilting Favorites:
www.fatquartershop.com/kimber...
FAT QUARTER SHOP CROSS STITCH
▸ Facebook: / fqsxstitch
▸ Instagram: / fqsxstitch
▸ KZbin: / fatquartershopflosstube
▸Kimberly’s Cross Stitch Favorites: www.fatquartershop.com/kimber...
ON SET
▸ Quilts: Simply Jelly Rolls Quilt Book Reservation: bit.ly/43Weoye
▸ To read more about our use of affiliate links, click here: blog.fatquartershop.com/affil...

[@sandramichaud8033]

4/24. Never too late to catch up on FQS lessons. One of my goals is to be more precise. Started with a sewing machine tape.

[@klparker76401]

As a relatively new quilter, I watch and copy whatever you do Kimberly! I started quilting during pandemic and learned by watching youtube videos.

[@debbiebrugman4543]

Tip #4 has helped my blocks come out nearly perfect. #6 has kept me from ripping insanity. And I always make one test block as well. The funny thing is I have a ton of them in a box but didn’t know what to do with them. I decided this year I am going to make a “crazy test block picnic quilt”.

[@ericapeters1096]

Your tips are great, one main key for me is PATIENCE, don't rush it and take your time! I've had to learn this that all those little steps make a Huge difference!! ❤ 😊

[@renetanner4649]

Fabulous tips! I also use glue when working with smaller pieces to keep them from moving while sewing.

[@brendaalexander8516]

Measuring twice before cutting your fabric. Thank you Kimberly

[@letscleanhouse]

I think time and experience is really the best teacher. Until you get a few quilts under your belt you really don’t know what you are doing. Not quilting when you are tired and slowing down are also important things to remember ❤

[@bernadettekanas8288]

Love all of your tips. The one thing I do is always read my pattern completely so that if there is something different I know ahead of time. I also press my fabric before I start. I know some people don't follow this rule sometimes. I also cut and label my fabric to help keep me organized. Thanks again for all of your tips.

[@cindytracy9707]

I would add to reading the pattern but also check for any corrections from the designer as well.

[@helenpeddycord2241]

@@cindytracy9707- SO important💕🧵

[@julierein645]

My quilting has improved so much using your tips! Congratulations on 20 years! I can't thank you enough for sharing all you do with us. Your company is amazing!

[@cozettegladysbustamante3904]

Thank you for sharing! I’m. Fairly new quilter and have struggled with how blocks are supposed to look and accuracy. I’ve been looking for these tips! Thank you!! Cozette

[@lynnehill4608]

Your tips are all great. I had a quarter inch foot that was never a quarter inch. I didn't know I could move the needle over two spaces, but when I found out I could, it changed my life. Perfect quarter inch!!!!!

[@janlewis8270]

Always learning from you Kimberly. The most important thing I've learned is to Pin, Pin, Pin. I've always hated to pin, but using thin pins works for me. Thanks to you and your team for all you do.

[@lauraruthruff4741]

I can not thank you enough for these fabulous tips.. once I started utilizing them in my piecing... My blocks have looked so much better. The one thing I would add is to take your time and enjoy the process. It's not a race. 😂

[@kathleenbatykefer665]

Love your tips! You have a gift for teaching!

[@trudyward9113]

Happy 20th Anniversary Fat Quarter Shop!!

[@brianjanetsinclair8592]

I so enjoy all your videos. They are so informative and helpful. I'm a beginner quilter so I need all the help I can get. These are great tips. I've used Mary Ellen's Best Press but since watching your videos, I started spray starching and I can tell the difference! The fabric doesn't fray as much either. Thank you for your willingness to share.

[@tammycoyle8512]

I have recently begun using my walking foot for all piecing. My 1/4" seems are more accurate and I have no more problems sewing over bulky seams.!

[@elestehorn4290]

Thank you for the tips.

[@Annabanana985]

Thank You!! Saved Video for reference. This was FANTASTIC!!!! Kimberly you are the BEST!

[@linda5278]

Great ideas, especially making a "practice" square before starting the project!!! 😎

[@CasandraFinlay]

I like the “poke-a-pin” method to lineup points/intersections. Another is the “nesting seams”.

[@helenhershtjader5759]

Agree poke-a-pin came to the rescue on some diamond blocks just yesterday. ❤

[@lindasmalleysews]

Poke-a-pin?? What is that?

[@CasandraFinlay]

@@lindasmalleysews kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJjTZZxoabGcbq8

[@carmenbailey1560]

I’ve taken up everything except the triangle papers, the added expense keeps me away. Thanks for sharing your tips. 👍❤️😊

[@barbararice1196]

Great tips Kimberly. I press & pin, pin, pin. The starch approach is amazing, would do it if I wasn't old & had more time!!LOL

[@19betchai]

To make my blocks precise I watch your videos and follow your tips! Thank you Kimberly! Your channel is my favorite!

[@martibrown2993]

Thank you!

[@karasmall3164]

On my last two projects I washed my fabrics. I took them out of the washer and to my sink filled with starch water and then line dried, then cut. It was less stringy and seemed to piece together more easily.

[@rebeccamulkern1051]

I don't use pins as they make the fabric a bit bumpy,, I love wonder clips, I feel they work great for me. Also if using precuts mixed with your own stash that you cut strips from, always measure the precuts as they rarely are super accurate in size and when you try to mix them with fabric you've cut it will be off

[@ritaleek4588]

Yes. I found this out the hard way. Very frustrating when you try to combine both your cuts and the factory’s cuts.

[@BexfromTexas]

I steam iron my backings to preshrink the fabric. I starch fabric for top when i know i hv enough fabric. I put washi tape at 1/4 " on my machine all the down. I follow your tips for sure!!!

[@carmenmaldonado6486]

I love all your tips. I learned with you to starch, and now I try to starch all the fabric and iron it before I start. You have taught me accuracy and I’m so grateful. I have really fallen in love with quilting. We love you ❤️

[@jhwilliams6550]

Making the pieces bigger and then trimming down and squaring them to the proper size helps my accuracy. I’m still old school and prewash my fabric so pressing is a must but adding starch has been a game changer too. I love Lori’s boards to keep my blocks organized and need to make some more in various sizes.

[@brendasweeney2806]

The minute I walk in my house, fabric goes to the washing machine. Bee doing this since about 20 and 76 now. Here from Knoxville TN USA

[@loritaylor8177]

Congratulations on 20 years! I love watching other people's methods. I always learn something new.

[@quiltingtangent459]

Happy Birthday Fat Quarter Shop! Thank you for all the tips.

[@debkienow8012]

I do all the same tips as you except instead of starch, I use Ellen's Best Press on my fabric. Not sure how much different the two are, but, I don't always wash my finished quilts and I feel like it is safer for the long haul. On tip # 10 as long as my block is within a 1/8" of the needed size, I leave it. I pin the areas that are too short and trim like you do the fabric over the quarter inch of points. I like to trim all my thread on the quilt top after the quilt top is complete before quilting it. It keeps the stray threads from coming up in the seams and my LAQ loves me for it.

[@Marla.22]

I love these tips, except pinning. I got stuck too much so I use clips. I also press open my seams as much as I can

[@yolandahale1996]

Im with you on starching I may over starch I buy big jugs of stay -flo starch I use full strength , the I let it dry ,oh and I starch before I cut ,then when I piece I always use Faultless to press seams open , I know some people say that it leaves open seams but mine never had because I stitch at 1,8 . and Thank you for all your Tips .

[@pampeterson3092]

Thanks for putting all these tips in one video. I have learned so much from you and by implementing some of your techniques I have more accurate blocks and more enjoyment in my sewing because I am not struggling to make the piecing “fit”. Starching, pinning, and good pressing are key to good blocks.

[@stephanie_a_kieffer]

I keep Diagonal Seam Tape on my machine. It really helps my blocks come out accurate. Also Acorn Precision Glue for smaller pieces!

[@mimimitchell1119]

Agree to all your wonderful tips and congratulations to 20 years. I'll add measure twice cut once. Thank you!

[@janicelakowicz9212]

You two together are a delight to watch - I can’t wait to get to my machine and get sewing. My Lighthearted Jolly Bar and fabrics arrived today and they are even more beautiful in person! I recently finished a Swoon baby quilt and have started a wedding quilt for my cousin made with your patchwork swoon pattern and Sunnyside fabrics. I am saving my Nantucket stash for your sailboat pattern and can’t wait for your next line to come out. I’m a total fan - thanks so much for your beautiful designs and just love hearing the background of how you do them.

[@joydicksonquilts]

I love dazzling, hearts at home, and happy go lucky. Actually it’s hard to pick just three

[@kathyrackow880]

Kimberly's Tips Are Always So Helpful!

[@tammyingle233]

Since watching you with all of your tips, my blocks are looking better & better. Thank you so much!

[@ksharpe8137]

Yes to the starching and pinning! Because I do these two things my piecing is always so much better! If I don’t do these two things I will always have trouble matching my points.

[@lindabakuska4554]

One of the first things I do is check the pattern for corrections or updates before starting my project. Make sure I have a new needle in my machine, and then I follow all of your quick tips! Thank you so much.

[@calliemtb]

tailor's clapper to keep the pressed seams flat.

[@quilteatime]

Great tips! Your blocks are always so crisp and beautiful. A clothes drying rack for starching is a great idea. I have been having a lot of success with the Acorn Easy Precision Piecing products you sell. Not for every project, but I like it for blocks with smaller pieces and lots of points that need to line up. Thanks for such useful and educational content!

[@quiltsick]

I have used Acorn for years & would not ever want to be without it! I prefer it to pinning

[@gwynwellliver4489]

Accurate pressing! Sometimes open, sometimes to the side. Makes my LAQ very happy!!❤

[@caroltemperley2261]

I do what you do Kimberly. You taught me very well 😊

[@janined6586]

I do every one of those now that I have been watching kimberly! They have all been a game changer! The only thing I didn’t realize is the consistency of “keeping the ruler throughout the project”. Good tip!

[@faithjohnson]

Hello. Thanks so much for tips. I love everyone of them, and will be using them all.❤️😀🧵🪡✂️

[@tearose3763]

Thank you 🙏🏽 ❤

[@reginamundy7238]

Thanks for all your tips. They are so valuable to a new quilter!

[@catricala1952]

I watch everything you do and this one is just wonderful! Thank you!!!

[@shannonfischer8088]

Something I find helps me is cutting pieces a bit larger and trimming down. Especially when sewing corner square rectangles!

[@catherinecearns9002]

Love the “ruler” #1 tip hi from South Aussie

[@rmcrms5]

Thank you for sharing your tips. I've learned so much over the years from watching your videos.

[@srellimeus]

Great tips Kimberly. I recommend everyone test their 1/4 inch foot. After doing this I realized mine wasn't accurate! No wonder my blocks were always a bit too small. Now I know to move my needle 2 clicks right when using that foot.

[@maryellenstermer4302]

Thanks for the tips, FQS! Happy anniversary!

[@lisegagne3716]

Fabulous tips!! This is why I love this Chanel! I also press each unit as I go and trim before assembling the blocks

[@pbar8439]

My tip is to make sure you start and stop your unit at the 1/4". Line your unit up at the start touching the needle and aligned against your seam guide. When you reach the end of your unit, continue to guide the fabric so that the stitching doesn't trail off away from the guide.

[@nellsgirl]

Design boards, for sure, and the Little House pins!😊

[@person2463]

One hundred percent 💯 pin, pin, pin... start, end, and seam

[@geniapetty3082]

Even though it seems like more work, starching your fabric is a game changer. Kimberly has preached this for years...and it's true!

[@Ohiogirl454]

I've tried to make blocks without pinning, and they are ALWAYS less accurate. These are good reminders, thanks Kimberly!

[@bevneuenschwander1635]

I’ve learned and incorporated a lot of these tips watching you quilt over the years. Congratulations on 20 years.

[@edlynprice2761]

I try to follow all your tips and my blocks have improved significantly! Thank you!

[@maureenerb3849]

I love all the tips! I use a quarter inch foot or washi tape and pin, pin, pin for accuracy! 🎉

[@greerhelmsing1591]

Always love your tips! Thanks so much

[@myraludik4232]

Thank you for fantastic tips Kimberly!

[@pjstitcher8364]

Great tips! I always square up as I make my block and I press my seams as I make my block.

[@kathywalker-shelton5254]

Your tips are so helpful Kimberly, I'm always frustrated by my finished blocks as they're never consistent but I keep trying.

[@marykatecurtis9557]

Great tips thank you Kimberly 😊

[@gigilewis1079]

starching fabric - so important! Awesome tips!

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Great tips...I read all the instructions and make sure I understand them❤

[@sibetrackerAo4]

This was great! One of the things I learned from you, Kimberly, is using a quilter’s/tailor’s clapper. It makes the seams so nice and flat!

[@jeannemcmillintwinlakeses3767]

I have started pinning a lot more lately. Especially where I have seams coming together in the block that really matter. I like that I can push a pin thru and lift up the top fabric to see if it goes thru the seam on the other piece so I know they are going to line up once sewn.

[@tammraneese720]

I love your tips! I have gotten much more accurate because of your videos! Thank you! Something that helps me stay accurate that you didn’t mention is how you iron. Don’t rock your iron. Press with it. It can distort hst especially is you rock it. Thanks for your amazing company and products!

[@kirana51]

Thank you for great tips Kimberly! 😘Summer greetings from Norway ☀

[@ToniFairchild]

Great tips from a great teacher....teaching from experience is the best. Love your channel!

[@jenny154]

Starching and pinning is a must for me

[@com2375]

Found it!!!

[@starbrown1219]

Super great tips as always.

[@rachelrene81]

Pinning and taking my time. No project is the same but I always pin and take it slow to enjoy the process 😊

[@ingrid69]

I started quilting about a year ago and I so wish that I knew about the Fat Quarter Shop and all your videos back then!! I have learned so much and I really appreciate all you do! Congratulations on reaching this milestone and Best Wishes for the future 😊

[@elizabethcollins8817]

Very helpful!

[@gailyoung1428]

Still learning, so all of your tips have come in handy, but I love starching 😀

[@geralynlima9152]

I agree using a design board makes sewing blocks together much easier.

[@mariastallman2759]

For starching large pieces, I put up a shower curtain pole such that it hangs over the tub. The fabric fits perfectly. Then I use the Sta-Flo liquid starch at 1/3 starch to 2/3 water. I put the mixture into one of those insecticide sprayers (a small half gallon one) and spray my fabric. It’s not like aerosol so you don’t breath in all the fumes. Works great!

[@dianemotley]

the best HSTs I make are used with triangles on a roll...that is a great tip and I do want to try the flying geese as I often avoid making a particular block if it has too many geese! And Kimberly, I've been sewing a lot longer than you LOL ... your tips here are outstanding

[@JenniferGreene321]

I started to starch heavier, to get my fabric really stiff and it’s such a 💡 moment in my quilting journey. I have a practice block I am making and am excited to get my points to align.

[@barbaram6303]

Pinning correctly really helped me…always looking and learning! Love your patterns which are always the best! HB 2U…20m years yeah!!

[@alejandrarowe9078]

Love all your tips... Starching (depending on the pattern) and design boards what a game changer. It has helped me stay organized with my blocks and helps with my piecing.

[@ElizabethChronis]

It’s amazing to me how the churn-dash looks like a completely different block when on point.

[@patriciaallen3138]

My blocks come out precise now because I follow what you suggest. I'm not perfect at it but they are much better and I'm not stressed because they won't lay even next to each other. Patiences has never been one of my qualites. Thank you

[@shulamussnug7120]

Excellent tips! I think I use most of them but am adding the design boards. Thanks

[@karenbrunette6314]

Love and appreciate all your tips ty@kimberly jolly as a beginner you’ve helped me so much

[@auntiear126]

Going to start making my design boards now. Looking forward to more accurate pieces.

[@francesmiller8601]

Love all your tips. I agree with all of them. You are doing some great little videos lately enjoying them. Happy Sew good day to you.😅

[@nicolereed2913]

Great video!

[@PersiasDistractions]

Starching is awesome! I don't like that it shrinks the fabric but I do enjoy how much easier it is to use the fabric. So thank you for teaching me that tip when I started quilting in February.