Stitch & Flip Tips and Tricks | Episode 112

The Opinionated Quilter gives you tips and tricks for successful piecing of patterns using the stitch and flip technique. Both Lori Holt and Elizabeth Hartman use this method in their very fun to make patterns. In addition, another winner is named and a new giveaway is announce.

[@KnuklHed]

Oh my gosh, Maureen, I almost cried at work when I heard I won the Amaryllis quilt!!! I’m going to email you my info today! How wonderful and exiting to be able to get such a beautiful piece of art. I will finish it immediately and cherish it forever. ❤

[@theopinionatedquilter]

I put it in the mail this morning. Have fun with it.

[@KnuklHed]

@@theopinionatedquilter Thank you so much! I am so happy and excited to receive this lovely quilt top.

[@LauraSup]

That’s beautiful! The Geisha girl is wonderful! Thank you again for another wonderful video!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

You are so welcome!

[@sharonurwiller1166]

Thank you so much for the great stitch & flip tips, I use s&f often and will incorporate the tips into my sewing. Now as an OPINIONATED VIEWER...I would like to give you a tip. When showing a sewing technique, you could use a bigger size, and greater contrast in color of fabric, marking tool and thread to make the sample easier to see on camera. For example, you could have used an 8" square of dark fabric with a 3" square of light fabric for the stitch & flip corner, along with a red marked diagonal line and black thread. Then the example would really show up and be easy to see. Keep the tips coming!! su

[@marinaabad4995]

Good idea, but that would be WASTING FABRIC!!! Can't have that, wasting fabric on a s&p example, just can't do that.

[@pam1894]

You are the best! The Scarecrow is so cute. I love the Geisha Girl quilt top. I would love to finish it for you.

[@ellenbarry758]

Good tips today. I also think trimming the piece before cutting it is a very good idea

[@judyfargo8162]

That's a great tip on "kissing the line" and it solves a common problem. Thanks!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

I am glad you find it useful.

[@bethkoch11]

Most interesting information on changing patterns - lots to think about. I don't like to make big quilts - I like lap/throw quilts or wall hangings. Sometimes it's just a matter of reducing the number of blocks, but sometimes it requires a lot more planning. Both Elizabeth Hartman and Lori Holt patterns are great - I've made both. I'm not going to put my name in for one of your giveaway quilt tops, although they're great, because I have so many of my own; I need to start donating them.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

I totally understand having too many of your own tops. We are in the same boat.

[@donreidel1671]

Thank you so very much for showing your work and “issues” with down sizing a pattern. So many people are afraid of it. To be persistent, keep doing it until it looks “right “ to them. Thank you for taking time out of your day to give us your opinion!!!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thank you so much!

[@jenniferreinke9898]

Thank you for theses great tips! I love how you encourage us to think outside the box. The Geisha girl quilt top is beautiful

[@trudyward9113]

I love your Geisha girl quilt top! I'd cut the pumpkin in half and sew it next to the scarecrow's leg so it looks like he's standing in front of it.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

I love the way you think.

[@bettyechapman3053]

My niece was born in Okinawa. Geisha girl would be great to make for her. Love it

[@nancylyman5192]

The scarecrow arms look just right to me. I sometimes will make small changes, but have never had nerve enough to make big changes like that. I admire your courage! 😊

[@theopinionatedquilter]

It is fun to do. Give it a try.

[@annwaltenburg7740]

❤ The Geisha Girl quilt is lovely. Thank you for the helpful flip and stitch tips!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

You are welcome.

[@marleneshafer9460]

I am also working on the scarecrow quilt. I like how you did the arms. The geisha girl quilt is beautiful.

[@wandawalker4191]

I learned the tip of "kissing the line" from Brenda at Conquering Mt. Scrapmore. It made a huge difference!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Brenda is great. I didn't see that episode of hers but I am not surprised she does that.

[@txtrish]

I’m just starting an Elizabeth Hartman quilt so this was so helpful. Thank you for helping me before I start this project.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

perfect timing.

[@helenpeddycord2241]

Thanks Maureen. Like your change to the scarecrow quilt!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

I am still working on it. I will show it when it is finished.

[@blairseibert1778]

Maureen, thank you for showing us the specifics for "making the pattern our own". You've said it many times and I wasn't sure what you meant. I'm a newer quilter and love Lori Holts designs but thought both quilts (witch and scarecrow) were too big. Thanks for explaining how some research and testing should be done before cutting the real fabric too (before making that arm and hand).

[@theopinionatedquilter]

So glad you get some value from my videos. That is my goal.

[@sarahaldrich8708]

Geisha Girl, this would be perfect for the wall of my bathroom. It would go with the crane quilt I’m making.

[@CindyOgilvie]

Starting a sew-a-long with dozens of stitch and flips. Not looking forward to that section but I'll try all these suggestions to see if it makes it easier.

[@notesfromleisa-land]

There are several stitch and flip rulers. Some of your viewers might find them helpful. Antler designs (simple folded corners) and Creative grids Folded Corner Clipper) have the benefit of clipping the corner on the base and cutting the hst. With a scant qtr seam allowance so long as you sew straight you are never caught short and waste reduced. Not all of us are looking for bonus blocks. I have both rulers as they are marked differently and each has a special utility for me.

[@esther5333]

Thanks for all the tips and opinions. The Geisha Girl quilt top is beautiful! How fun it would be to quilt it up.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@michele6708]

For most standard sizes of sewing and flips, I cut HSTs using the Accuquilt or my folded corner clipper ruler (Creative Grids) instead of the square. No line, and it pieces perfectly every time. I do still have to trim the back (unless I cut that with the folded corner clipper too.) I love that ruler more every day!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

great idea

[@debbiecroal4534]

What a good video. Often mine aren't square or the right shape when I'm done with stich and flip. I need a lot more practice. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how your mind works and being able to explain about changing pattern sizes. That was great.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

I am so glad to hear you get something useful from my videos. That is why I make them.

[@pathubert1237]

I seem to avoid using patterns that call for the corner square as I thought it was too wasteful. So, after watching your Flip Tips, I will be more open minded. Thank you for your many tips. And, I can't believe you are giving away the Geisha Girl quilt. It is truly beautiful and I have always loved oriental theme fabric. I look forward to your next episode!

[@bhquilter]

Try Deb Tucker's "Corner Pop" tool instead of using squares for the corner triangles. There's minimal waste with that method.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Yes, I love the corner pop too. I usually use it rather than using squares. It is just a little more difficult to explain.

[@tjlacorti1126]

I love all of your episodes. The geisha girl quilt is totally awesome and I would be honored to own it. Thank you so very much.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thanks for watching.

[@katrinahough290]

Geisha Girl! It's beautiful! It wil l be a long while before I can put anything else on my to do list. My Daughter -in- laws little brother (6' 5", not so little) is getting married in October. Whoo hoo, I better get busy!

[@gwenfisher4135]

Geisha girl.. very pretty quilt.. love to try the quilted witch in the future.

[@user-qh5tf8yd2y]

Regarding what to do with the pumpkin. I think what *I would do is place it on the "ground" below your modified curved arm, but have it peeking in from the right side of the quilt. In other words, I'd cut it so that it was only partially in the quilt -- so it looked like *part of the picture. This way too, you wouldn't need to make another pumpkin. Yes, it may end up to be an even number of sections, but then again you could cut it down to 3 sections, or even 3 1/2 -- that would be unique. (Very nice Geisha quilt top. Don't worry about offending anyone; Geishas are artists ;)

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Great ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@user-ln6vb9tl6m]

the geisha girl quilt top is great and i like the changes to the scarecrow

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thank you so much for watching.

[@wendysilverthorn-duggan189]

Thank you so much for your time and effort that you put into all your videos. Fantastic information! I would love the opportunity to have the Geisha girls quilt, my daughter’s room is Japanese inspired and she would absolutely love this quilt. 💕

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thank you for watching.

[@suzannehorne4115]

Thank you for showing how to sew a scant quarter inch seam!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KumaSews]

Thank you! Love the scarecrow changes. I love making Elizabeth Hartman’s patterns; always so amazing! The geisha quilt top is lovely!

[@user-xq8qk4dl2r]

Great tips as always. Love them and use them.

[@carriehoman8476]

Thanks for the tips. I have always struggled with stitch and flip avoid it if I can. Your scarecrow is shaping up nicely. Remember: it's a SCARECROW, meant to be fanciful, and doesn't have to be anatomically correct. 😉

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Great point Carrie. Thanks for watching.

[@sallypoultney4331]

Loved your tips today. Geisha Girl is a beautiful quilt.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thanks for watching.

[@user-eo7kw5sb5t]

I just finished a Lori Holt quilt. Farm Girl. Geisha girl.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Her quilts are fun to make,

[@bettyechapman3053]

Loved this.

[@nancylyman5192]

I have not had great success with stitch and flip. I’m going to try again using your tip about trimming around the edge and testing your flip before cutting off the whole thing. That will probably solve my problems. I made a whole Milestones quilt and I don’t even want to do the math to see what percentage of my corners were out of whack!

[@dianesozio7035]

Buy a Creative Grids Folded Corner Clipper…BOOM! Perfection. My favorite tool. Can also be used for bindings and other things. I have the larger size also to cut border fabric. Best ruler ever!!

[@MsQuiltnut]

Geisha girl ! Thank you for all of your opinions! I have learned so much from you😊

[@theopinionatedquilter]

That makes me so happy to hear.

[@lynnlockardquilting]

Geisha Girl. I love Lori Holts patterns, and I like what you did with the scarecrow. Have a wonderful day 😊

[@ciaobella8151]

Love the Geisha Girl quilt. The fabric is stunning,

[@daleodberg6714]

Very interesting, thank you.

[@GeminiPeg]

Thank you for explaining resizing. The Geisha Girl quilt would be great to quilt.

[@kristywilliams9181]

I like the idea of putting the pumpkin behind his legs. What a pretty Geisha girl top.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

I did too. Seriously considering it.

[@user-kd3hp6sr5h]

loving these tips

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Glad you like them!

[@saraharrell1768]

Loved this stitch and flip and downsizing episode. Loved the geisha girl quilt. I have a piece of fabric that style is going to work on.

[@cindymcfarland4686]

I just love your videos!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thank you so much.

[@franpatzcraig6713]

So much fun hearing your process for redesigning the scarecrow! I'd love to win the geisha girl flimsy. 😁It's so beautiful.

[@cyn4rest]

Good tips. Thank you.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

You are welcome.

[@stineandscott]

Your Geisha girl quilt top is very pretty.

[@abeullah03]

I too like to get up and press. I find with getting old my knees hurt if I sit too long. I like the quilts in your giveaway, but I have too many UFOs that are on my to do list before I start anything new.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

I totally understand. I appreciate you watching.

[@cynthiairish-er1ip]

Geisha Girl is beautiful! Thank you for the tips!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

You are so welcome!

[@C123abc]

Love this! So funny about the hand angle. I do think the bent arm is a bit too long (just my opinion) If you measure from the center of the gingham from shoulder to wrist, it seems longer than the straight arm. You could have the pumpkin overlap his leg to slim things down. Just love your channel and wish I lived near you shop! Do you think about using Deb Tucker for stitch and flip? Can't remember but think you did in the past.

[@bhquilter]

I love her Corner Pop tool!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

After seeing the arm on film I thought it looked too long too. I am going to shorten it a bit.

[@megmurray8233]

G'morning! My brain always calls stitch and flip the "lesser hst". Geisha Girl is really pretty!

[@kathy2951]

Geisha girl . and thanks

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

Yes, please enter me in the Geisha Girl top. I have a friend who would love it.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thank you for watching.

[@saraharrell1768]

Do you have an episode where you did the geisha girl flimsy?

[@ellenbarry758]

The Geisha Girl is beautiful !

[@rosehixon2790]

Geisha girl. I already commented on how lovely you look on an earlier comment. But I can say it twice. You look lovely today.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thank you so much for your kind words.

[@barbarajefferysings]

Do you have a video about making a dog bed?

[@theopinionatedquilter]

No. I just give the scraps to a lady that makes the beds.

[@rosehixon2790]

Good tips. And you look great today I think you’re losing weight. If not, you still look great and that Topp is flattering.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Oh thank you!

[@SandraHickey-hc3qb]

geisha girl

[@notesfromleisa-land]

There are several stitch and flip rulers. Some of your viewers might find them helpful. Antler designs (simple folded corners) and Creative grids Folded Corner Clipper) have the benefit of clipping the corner on the base and cutting the hst. With a scant qtr seam allowance so long as you sew straight you are never caught short and waste reduced. Not all of us are looking for bonus blocks. I have both rulers as they are marked differently and each has a special utility for me.

[@marleneshafer9460]

I am also working on the scarecrow quilt. I like how you did the arms. The geisha girl quilt is beautiful.