Quilting Basics #4 ALL About Seams PLUS Quilting Tips and Tricks for Piecing Quilt Blocks!

[@susankuhlman6514]

Thank you for the positive attitude and the psychological system of self acceptance.

[@StitchObsessed]

Of course! That’s the goal! 👏🏻💖

[@carmensaid3909]

Dear Miriam, I'm just learning. All I can say is that I have made some quilts, gave them away as gifts and seeing the smile on the recipient's faces is enough for me. Bless you dear girl. Praying for total success for this venture.

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you so much, Carmen!!! And yes! That smile and look in their eyes when you give them the quilt is what it’s all about! 💖

[@jeannehoffman1060]

When I started in 1977, there were no rotary tools, a special foot, etc. I used scissors and pieces of cardboard. I used whatever my sewing machine foot was whatever it was. I had no idea how to quilt, so my first attempts were tied. I have come a long way, but I tell myself, do my best and be consistent. My quilts will never be good enough for a show, but I don’t care, and the people I give them to, have no idea.😊

[@StitchObsessed]

I love this SO much 💖🤗 thank you for sharing!!!

[@bonnievarcoe9606]

One of my favorite quilts was given to my mother in the 70s, she has since given it to me. It is a tied quilt just made with giant queen size fabric front and back. Not fancy, but still cozy and wonderful.

[@SewWhittle]

I love your attitude (referring to size or mistakes), because we are all imperfect people. Thanks again for the great tips!

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you so much for watching! 💖

[@annettejames593]

I really enjoy your tutorials. You make it very easy to follow AND learn. I am a new quilter

[@StitchObsessed]

I’m so glad! Thank you so much for watching! 💖

[@ebee69361]

I completely agree with you on consistency over absolute precision! Pretty much the *only* time I really focus on the scant 1/4” is for star points to not get lost in the seam….but even then sometimes I have star blunts and not star tips. And guess what, the block is still beautiful and wonderful at the end :) CONGRATS on 10,000!!!

[@StitchObsessed]

Exactly! 👏🏻 and thank you!!! 💖

[@sableeldon5242]

I am glad I found you - as a new quilter, I love to learn from others experiences. Great advice, tips and glad you also show how to deal with “oopsies “. I have not seen that on other quilting tutorials. Super helpful as oopies are still part of quilt making and knowing what do when they happen is super helpful.

[@StitchObsessed]

Yeah! That's how we learn! No one is making everything perfectly every time they make something. I definitely think it's important to share those "not so great" moments too. Thank you so much for watching!

[@karentoynton8948]

No worries re king intro . All worthwhile points , I think we all suffer from . So thank you for that brilliant vlogg thank you

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you for watching!💖

[@ccreel64]

Congratulations on reaching 10K! Good advice for everyone who quilts, not just new quilters. I say I “only” began quilting in 2015 for a reason and I continually learn and develop new skills. It’s like that for all of us. It takes years to develop “perfect” intermediate quilting skills, much less expert skills. All any of us can do is the best they can do at the time we sew a top. Show quilts are gorgeous but often are years in the making for an expert quilter. Learning how to compensate for small miscuts and off kilter seam allowances can also take years. We need to give ourselves some grace and give ourselves permission to be imperfect while working towards getting better. It will absolutely come, just not now.

[@StitchObsessed]

Beautifully worded 💖 I agree 100%!

[@lenacoleman1142]

Congrats on reaching 10k, just the beginning!! You are doing an awesome job!! Love your enthusiasm!!

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you so much, Lena!!! 🤗💖

[@victoriastewart2152]

Congrats on the subscribers. I just went to the MSQC they are having a sale on 10 yards for 70.00, but with your discount I saved 14.00! 10 yards for 56.00 What a great deal. Thanks to MSQC and you.

[@StitchObsessed]

Yay!!! That is a FANTASTIC deal!!! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@judyferland6814]

Congratulations!! I love that you are not a quilt snob.

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you! 😊 and yay! I'm glad! No quilt snobbery here!

[@susyk6839]

I wish I had known a scant quarter inch wasn’t closer to 1/8 of an inch than a hair off 1/4 inch. I still managed to make beautiful quilts. I have been quilting for 38 years (I work fulltime too). So the only thing now that is scant is the time I get to quilt--haha! Thank you for sharing!

[@StitchObsessed]

Haha! Love that!

[@pdfaulkner1517]

Thank you for giving us permission to be human! I've never had anyone give back my imperfect quilts because I didn't use a scant quarter inch!!! Or because my seams were not perfectly straight, etc. But I continue to beat myself up over these little issues. We are creating art with love! Thanks again!

[@StitchObsessed]

Yes! So true! Thank you so much for watching! 💖

[@margaretstephens6492]

Congrats on reaching your 10,000 Subscribers from Australia

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you, Margaret!!!💖💖🤗

[@Cherylsquiltycorner]

Congrats on 10K. I think consistency of seam allowance is the most important message for a beginner. Accuracy is only really important in intermediate-advanced pricing. There are mistakes in piecing alignments of all the quilts I have gifted and not once has anyone given anything less than gushing compliments on my work. Enjoy the journey of continual improvement!

[@StitchObsessed]

Yes! This is so true! 💖

[@quiltingtangent459]

Love all the tips. great seeing mistakes and how to fix them. Explaining why you are doing things a certain way is wonderful. Great job.

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you so much for watching!!!

[@lynnperschke3966]

I love your videos and congratulations on 10,000 subscribers

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you!!!

[@jacquiemcglothlen6572]

So helpful and beneficial to any new/old quilter ❤ keep sharing. Btw you are the sweetest, so kind and sweet 😊

[@StitchObsessed]

Awww Jacquie!!!!💖💖 thank you!!

[@LorraineGlossop]

Love you tutorials very informative thank you❤😊

[@StitchObsessed]

I’m so glad you’re enjoying them! 💖💖

[@lafranglaise3399]

Yay !!!!! Félicitations for the 10k subscribers !!!! Onwards & upwards !!!!!

[@StitchObsessed]

Merci!!! 💖💖💖🤗🤗🤗

[@gaylalane2758]

I began sewing "scant" 1/4" seams because my pieced blocks always finished small, which caused problems when sewing them together with sashings. I just move my needle one tick to the right and sew as usual. It really does make a difference.

[@StitchObsessed]

That's great! You live and your learn, right? It's fun to learn those little adjustments while you sew.

[@pamelalucero5938]

Congratulations on reaching 10k! Love your videos❤️

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you so much, Pamela!! 💖🤗

[@patsysweat8536]

Hey Sweetie. You give new ideas and just basic content. I am 83 years old and I clicked that subscribe button about 1/3 of the way through. I was mesmerized at how easy it was to quilt with a sewing machine. That’s the only train I haven’t tried so 😢I am thrilled to be able to get into that as soon as I get it glue basted. Not going to try the swirl though. 🥹too much math and measuring. 🤣😂

[@StitchObsessed]

Hi, Patsy 💖👋 thank you so much for subscribing! I hope you enjoy quilting with your sewing machine! I definitely think it’s alot of fun 🥰

[@dianehuntley2493]

I learn something with every project. I have made many😊

[@StitchObsessed]

That's great!

[@maryviti6799]

Hey Miriam, You speak clearly and to your camera, thank you! Yeah for 10k👏. Looking forward to your next video. M 🍀

[@StitchObsessed]

You are very welcome! Thank you so much for watching, Mary 💖🤗

[@TGBTGAlways]

Congratulations 🎊🎉🍾 you deserve it and more! 👏🏼💞💯

[@StitchObsessed]

Aww thank you, Deborah! You’re so sweet 💖🤗

[@sherrylentz3897]

I love using that tape!

[@StitchObsessed]

It's so handy!

[@ZeldaSews]

Congratulations Miriam! ❤❤❤

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you, Zelda!!! Your turn!!! 💖🤗

[@martiparsons3141]

I knew there was a reason what you are doing looks right to me.... I'm a lefty too!!! 😅

[@StitchObsessed]

lol!!! Yay another leftie!!! 💖💖

[@janedegroff1992]

Lefty’s are in their right minds

[@pansybeson1277]

I am so enjoying your teaching you are awesome. Keep on sewing and teaching .❤

[@StitchObsessed]

Yay! I’m so glad!!! 🤗💖 thank you!!

[@AvivaHadas]

That "strips the joy" comment hit home. I make "normal" patchwork, but I really enjoy string quilts where "at least a quarter inch" seams are used.

[@StitchObsessed]

Yes! Quilting is supposed to be fun! It's no fun when you feel like you have to stress that "perfect" 1/4" seam. Thank you for watching!

[@robertkirkpatrick4585]

When I was just learning to sew/quilt I wish, wish, wish someone had taught me about thread weight. Jane K.

[@lindaprice9242]

Great information also congratulations on the 10,000

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you so much, Linda!!! 💖

[@cathyhasfaith6991]

I agree on your position of 1/4 inch vs scant 1/4. I love learning with you and the voice of enjoying quilting vs. perfection.

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you, Cathy! 💖

[@beverlyakins2374]

Congratulations on 10K subscribers 🎊 🎉. Great tutorial with great tips also happy you left the mistakes in and showed us how you can correct them. Thanks for sharing Miriam

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you so much, Beverly!!! 💖 so glad you enjoyed this video!

[@SewIntrigued]

🎉 Congratulations 🎊 ❤😊

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you!!!! 🙌🏻💖

[@jeannehoffman1060]

Congratulations!!

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you so much!!! 💖

[@lilybee_]

Congrats on 10k!!! I'm a new subscriber and you've quickly become a fave. I love your casual, no pressure approach. I bought your pattern because it's so pretty and looks complicated, but it isn't.

[@StitchObsessed]

Yay! Thank you so much for subscribing and buying my pattern! 💖 I hope you enjoy making it. It’s such a quick pattern too, which is great for those of us with not alot of extra time 🤓

[@karin0963]

Thanks for letting us know we don't have to be perfect. When I press my seams, I set them first and then open and press again. That's what I learned by other channels. I have made all those oopsies! 😂

[@StitchObsessed]

The oopsies are how we learn! And ya gotta laugh at them sometimes 😂😂

[@melodyn2music]

Congrats!!! Love your videos.

[@StitchObsessed]

Thanks so much!!💖

[@myralewis1714]

Good for you!❤

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you, sweet Myra 💖🤗

[@patimcferran47]

Congratulations on reaching 10K!

[@StitchObsessed]

Thank you, Pati!!!💖🥰

[@lindamedley4502]

Completely understand. Thank you for responding.

[@StitchObsessed]

Any time!💖

[@BanburyGal]

one thing you didn't mention that I can have found helps whether I decide to press flat or to the side seams, is I heat press the seam to set the stitches flatter into the fabric and this also helps make it easier to get a nicely pressed seam either way.

[@StitchObsessed]

Great tip! 👏🏻💖

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

When i started learning, they had me sew unthreaded on note cards to practice sewing straight. Dont know if they have 1/4 inch spacing now, but they did then

[@StitchObsessed]

Oh that’s a great idea!

[@SewWhittle]

OMGosh, I remember that too! Thanks for the memory.

[@Jason-ji5yg]

Recently started following. Enjoying the videos. I also used your MS affiliate link the other day!

[@StitchObsessed]

Awesome! Thank you so much for watching and using my affiliate link! 🤗

[@tiffanyclark5745]

YAY!!!!!

[@sherrylentz3897]

It's probably a good thing I didn't start quilting until late in life - my kids would have been sooooo neglected.

[@StitchObsessed]

Lol!!!!

[@CatyW-zu9ip]

I found this video helpful. In my quilting class (taught be the quilting police) we were instructed never to slide the iron. First you had to "press" (with the weight of your hand) one side of the closed seam and then the other to "set" the seam. Then you "press" the back side of the seam to one side and lastly the front. It is very time consuming and the seams do not lay as flat as when I slid the iron. Please discuss clipping the seam, which was taught in my quilting class. I nest seams whenever possible but sometimes you have to clip the seam to get them to lie flat??? I used to do this but I am afraid now. I read online that some people clip and then add a drop of fray check/block. Please talk about this. It would be very helpful to me. I appreciate your teaching style.

[@StitchObsessed]

Hmm 🤔 I’ve actually never heard of this clipping technique for nesting seams. I’ll have to look into it. That being said, my seams lay flat without having do that extra step so maybe it’s not necessary 🫣

[@CatyW-zu9ip]

Some people "clip" seams at the to get them to lay flat. Some "spin" seams by removing a few stitches at the seam.

[@StitchObsessed]

@@CatyW-zu9ip okay! Yeah I’ve seen/tried the spinned seams before. That was oddly satisfying! Haha

[@karonwostenholme6533]

❤❤❤

[@lorenacavazos6585]

Hi there, I agree with what you are saying, I just wanted to let you know the standard Juli foot you are using is at a scant quarter inch, so you are actually sewing a scant quarter inch. I looked it up on the juki site, I just wanted to let you know. No judgment either way with me.

[@StitchObsessed]

Yep! But when I use my tape, I get a 1/4” seam 👍🏻🤓 thanks for letting me know!

[@sherrylentz3897]

I didn't leave enough space between the needle and my finger the other day. OUCH! Luckily it just caught the outer edge of the tip of my finger.

[@StitchObsessed]

Ooo ouch! That isn't very fun, huh?

[@sherrylentz3897]

@@StitchObsessed no, not so much. But I'll be able to tell my sister that her bag was literally stitched with blood, sweat (my air conditioner isn't working and I live in Georgia), and tears. Tears as in tearing out seams. 😜🤪

[@StitchObsessed]

@@sherrylentz3897 lol!!! 😂 love it! And oh no! No AC in Georgia heat?! Stay hydrated!!! 💖🥵

[@phyllissmith4646]

I have a question on doing strips, I have always heard you start your next strip at the end of the strips you just did. In other words you stitch down and then you turn your project around and add the next strip . Is this what we should do. I noticed you did not. Please explain thank you. Love your videos. Phyllis

[@StitchObsessed]

For some projects, yes, that would be beneficial since this can help to avoid what they “rainbowing” of the fabric. That just means the fabric strips get a slight curve in the them if you don’t rotate. I’ve personally never had this happen when just sewing strips together, though I did have it happen when I was making a large tote bag with batting strips. I honestly don’t think it’s necessary when sewing strips together unless you have some kind of tension issue with your machine. Thank you so much for watching my videos, Phyllis 💖💖 I appreciate you!

[@lindaricher5359]

The first ones I made fell apart too because I didn’t understand 1/4 inch seams at all.

[@StitchObsessed]

Hahaha!!! Same here! I thought as long as the thread was touching the fabric, it was secure! 🥴🤦🏻‍♀️

[@GrandmaD2024]

Hi Miriam! I really enjoy your videos 🙂. As a new content creator I would love to know more about your videoing equipment. I know this is not "quilty" but I am using my cell phone and laptop. I see you dont wear a mic quite often.. and would love to know what your using! Thanks for all you do!

[@StitchObsessed]

Hi Annette! Thank you! I actually made a list in my Amazon Storefront of all the equipment I use for making videos. I'll include the link so you can check that out. www.amazon.com/shop/stitchobsessed/list/1BJ8PWT7ZRCGY?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfstitchobsessed_BF9FATWSD4Q36CEW2HG5 When I started out though, I was just using my phone and my iPad (with a $30 editing software) to make and edit videos. I just recently was able to afford a camera which is a huge blessing. My camera actually has a pretty great microphone, so I haven't had to purchase a new one for it yet lol The mic I was using was a bluetooth mic that worked with my phone. That is also linked in the Amazon list. I hope that helps! I'm happy to answer any other questions you have! You can reply here or shoot me a "DM" on Instagram! *hugs!*

[@GrandmaD2024]

Thank you so much! I am excited to get a couple of new pieces of equipment! I appreciate you sharing your link with me. I just signed up for the affiliate program with Amazon too. @@StitchObsessed

[@StitchObsessed]

@@GrandmaD2024 awesome!!! 👏🏻

[@lenacoleman1142]

Did you replace your Throat Plate on your TL with the Juki Thick Throat Plate for thick fabrics (like when doing your quilting through multiple fabrics and batting? I have seen where people recommend changing to it and leaving it on for everything.

[@StitchObsessed]

Haha! Ya know what? I’ve never even heard of this! I had to look it up 😂 I’m just using the plate that came with my machine which I assume is the regular plate. I’ve seen through all kinds of fabrics with no problem, so I don’t really have an opinion on the special plate for thick fabrics 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@lenacoleman1142]

@@StitchObsessed thanks. I have not either. But several KZbinrs mention it and even JukiJunkies recommends it. Just another thing to stress about. LOL!! Thanks, I will not worry about it.

[@lindamedley4502]

I sew, but am not really a quilter. That being said, I don't see why this is such an issue. As long as you're consistent it shouldn't matter. It seams like you could use a half inch and as long as you're consistent it should be fine. It would only alter the finished size, right? I obviously don't know at all. Just a thought! lol

[@StitchObsessed]

Yes and no. haha! You can definitely choose to use a 1/2" seam, but when you start increasing the seam it will alter the look of the block. For example, if you are making any type of star quilt blocks that have star points, those points won't have a sharp "^" point, if that makes sense. Most quilt patterns are written to be used with a 1/4" seam allowance, so that's why that is sort of the "standard", but if you want to make quilt blocks using a larger seam, YOU CAN! Just know the blocks might not turn out the same way as the pattern intended. I hope that makes sense lol

[@user-fk3gd8zx5p]

I don't like scant quarter inch seams because I don't know where it is lol.

[@StitchObsessed]

😂😂😂 it’s a mystery to us all

[@judyferland6814]

Question? What size stitch are you using? I am working on a quilt 30 years in the making. Nothing is perfect. I have gotten very depressed about it. So it has been put away for years. I have just taken it back out. My goal is to finish it. I have noticed that the stitches are coming out where I have cut different blocks to piece. What am I doing wrong? My stitch length is a 2 to 3. Thank you for any help you can give me.

[@StitchObsessed]

First of all, I’m so glad you’re taking another go at this quilt! You can do it!!! 👏🏻👏🏻 for piecing I use a stitch length of 3. How is the tension on your stitches that are falling out? It could be that the tension is too loose and they aren’t holding.

[@judyferland6814]

Thank you. I will check that out.

[@suekelly840]

@@StitchObsessed The seam stitches are coming out because you're using a 3.0 stitch length. If you shorten the stitch length to 2.5 or, even better, 2.0 your seams should stay together better. Doing this can make seam ripping more challenging.

[@anitabarra810]

Hi. I am curious about your body posture when FMQ. It has been stressed how to sit at the machine correctly, elbows bent at right angles. Well, I get such a shoulder and upper back ache. I noticed how “low” you are at the machine. Is this for the sake of the camera or how you sit? I need to find a more comfortable seating posture!

[@StitchObsessed]

The best body posture for FMQ is what is comfortable for YOU! I have an adjustable height chair and I actually raise and lower it throughout the process of quilting. If an angle is starting to hurt, I get up, stretch, then adjust the height of my chair haha! I also have a tall table so sometimes I’ll stand and sew! It’s all about finding the position that works for your body 💖👏🏻

[@donnabowen7318]

What stitch length do you use?

[@StitchObsessed]

I use a stitch length of 3. For piecing it’s good to use anything between 2-3. I’ve just found 3 works best for my machine and thread. 🤓 I hope that helps!

[@sherrylentz3897]

I seriously doubt anyone would turn down a quilt because the seams weren't pressed to the dark side. And if they did,that's OK; I'd have another quilt for me. Or my dogs would gladly take it. They live under blankets.

[@StitchObsessed]

Exactly!

[@MarkCampbell553]

I wish the quilt police would just call it what it is--62/64th of an inch.

[@StitchObsessed]

😂😂 an easy measurement to achieve 😂😂

[@margan59]

I have never understood the whole "scant 1/4 seam." No one has ever been able to explain why it's important. I've asked the quilt mavens. They just pause and say....well, it's important. Umm, no, thank you.

[@StitchObsessed]

Haha! Exactly! The mystery of my scant 1/4” seam! 😂😂😂

[@CraftAddictedWendy]

The idea of a scant 1/4” seam is to accommodate for the “turn of cloth “ - suggest you Google it. When you press a seam open, the folded outer curved layer of cloth is a thread or two longer than the inner curved layer. It’s less noticeable piecing together large pieces, but if you’re stitching a bunch of 1” squares together, those “couple of threads” per piece add up. To test, cut 12 1” squares accurately measured. Sew 6 together using a full 1/4” seam. Stitch the other 6 a thread or 2 short of 1/4” seam. Press open. Then measure the total length of each pieced strip. If your pattern calls for that strip to be exactly 6” and are to be sewn to a single 6” finished square, you’ll probably find the “scant” 1” squares fit perfectly and the full 1” squares are a bit too small. Not the quilt police at all! Just trying to explain the reasoning.

[@margan59]

Great explanation. Thanks