How to Reduce Bulk in a Quilt Seam

[@newbeequilter]

I've used the tip of grading a seam in sewing garments, but hadn't considered it in sewing the seams in a quilt. On this video, at first I thought, "Oh my - how tedious for me to stop and do that for so many seams." For making fast utility quilts, no, I probably won't. But for special gifts to myself and others, or were I going to enter a quilt in a contest, yes, I can definitely see doing this. In a world where everyone wants to do and get everything done at a very fast pace, we're not used to fine tuning even handmade craft projects because "finished is better than perfect" (or so they say :-) None of my sewing or quilting projects will ever be "perfect", but I do like to do the best job I'm capable of and that means cutting fabric accurately, getting my points to match, squaring up blocks before joining them to others, and when necessary -- or even just desired -- to grade the seams on blocks so they come out more pleasing to look at (and quilt over on my domestic machine) and gain my own satisfaction of a job really well done. As always, Laura, thanks for showing us another tip that makes our sewing/quilting projects even better than we thought we could.

[@cindymcfarland4686]

I agree with you 100%. Well stated.

[@joaninkster-smith3307]

I remember grading from doing facings. Now to apply it to quilting! Thanks for the tip!!

[@PrairiePlantgirl]

I’ve been doing these things for years. Good to hear I’m not compromising the integrity of my quilts when I do this.

[@candacemeifert-polk7383]

Thank you Laura.. I just ran into this problem yesterday and now I know what to do. Ordinarily, on larger blocks, I can iron seams in opposite directions to reduce bulk, but on smaller pieces, ironing gets so complicated. This is a perfect solution.

[@claudiaforrest6669]

Wonderful tips!

[@judithmarsh188]

Hi Laura, i have just tried put this technique on a quilt I am making with a lot of flying geese and this is just great for reducing the bulk of the many seams. I am a fairly new quilter so really enjoy getting all the tips and learning new skills. Thanks for your helpful videos 🙂

[@janicehopper6115]

Great tips! I did not know about grading steps. Always look forward to your videos. Thank you!

[@joane8651]

Thanks, Laura, perfect timing, noticed yesterday that certain seams were so thick, now I know what to do.

[@jennielynnschlageter6586]

Great video as always. Even though I dont quilt. I still like watching them.

[@lindapucillo3493]

Wow! Great ideas. Thanks. Always look forward to your tutorials.

[@reneejohnson4058]

Thanks so much for another good tip. Your tips have been a great help in improving my personal skills. Thank you!!

[@donnaseguin391]

Very good tip thank you

[@linzjan4276]

Love your videos. My issue with bulk is with spider web quilts where 8 pieces meet at the centre. Really stuck to make this seam look good. Have recently purchased a clapper which I think may help.

[@bridgetdevereauxwhite5646]

Great tips Laura. Thank you so much.

[@patriciagabrielides3146]

Great tip, Laura. Will definitely try this on my next quilting project. 🐨🇦🇺

[@epoelker]

I've got a small project going on right now where dogears can be eliminated. Thanks, Laura, for another helpful tip!

[@juliemills6716]

Use the seam wacker, works great!

[@mgs783]

Julie Mills what is a seam whacker?

[@hollywaddell6727]

MGS : You probably looked this up for yourself already ... the Wacker Seams Perfect tool is a lightweight, hard rubber mallet. Before the seam allowance cools after pressing, use the tool to "whack" it with the mallet a couple of times to flatten out the bulk. I looked it up and realized I have one ... just forgot what it was called! I use it a lot in garment sewing to flatten seam allowances before topstitching. Also, especially when sewing denim, to make all those layers behave where the top of a zipper is sewn into a waistband, or where rivets, belt loops, or bartacks are to be placed. I don't know if I would have thought to use it in quilt construction (I'm just getting started in that venture) so thanks, Julie, for the suggestion.

[@shabbychiclady]

Great info...I needed that. Thanks

[@veevee111]

Thank you, Laura ♥️ I look forward to using these techniques when I make my first quilt top.

[@sissy55ful]

These are wonderful tips for my projects. I will try them.

[@reinadegrillos]

I did not know about the trimming, thank you very much.

[@LiseW3]

I am so sorry I missed you at Quilt Canada 2019 I couldn't make it until the weekend. Great tips as always. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@gwenbroward275]

I Will try grading on my net project

[@anitabray8280]

Great tip! Thanks

[@jeannesnodgrass8073]

Great ideas! Thanks Laura 💕

[@aktrapper6126]

Thank you Laura! Great video.

[@belyndamulloy33]

Wonderful tips! Thank you!!

[@eileenjones8552]

Thanks Laura, great tips! 😎

[@trudywolcott7419]

This is SO helpful. Thanks you

[@lafleurkim]

Wow! Thank you so much .. I’ll be putting these tips to use right away.

[@janetmichaud7797]

Thank you Laura..Is it recommended to press seams open to reduce bulk❓If so should stitch length be reduced❓Love your tutorials..very informative..jan

[@jerrymeadows5267]

When machine quilting what is best spray basting or pinning.I'm having trouble with it pucking up.

[@doreensherk8569]

Great ideas I will certainly use them. I watched your video for Quilt Canada you did a good job, that can’t be easy standing in front of an audience with all those eyes watching your every move.

[@SewVeryEasy]

thanks:)

[@Tanya99503]

I love the idea of cutting off dog ears and extra fabric; It's less work than trimming seams in the seam allowance and making those pieces fan flat. Thanks for the tip