The Joy Of Strip Piecing | Episode 40

In this video, The Opinionated quilter shares her tips and tricks related to strip piecing.
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[@nancysharon931]

I totally agree with you about the square in a square block. You are a 'breath of fresh air' to all the quilting channels. I love all your content. Thank you for acknowledging Eleanor Burns. She was my sewing inspiration and I still use her techniques.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thank you so much!

[@kittyhatfield5306]

I've used this alternate method many many, many many times without any problems. I've made pillows, I've made an entire quilt with this method and it was fun. No stress, no off center points, no math . There are no issues with bias edges and cut off points don't bother me, I've learned to let that go. I nearly got burned out on quilting because of the nit-picky stuff that used to drive me crazy...Gwen Marston's book "Liberated Quilting" was a revelation!, I can make beautiful quilts and have fun again without being "perfect". I like this square in a square and it has just as much valid application as the traditional way.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

It is our hobby after all and it is supposed to be fun, so you need to do things the way that is fun for you.

[@elissayost4657]

Nice to hear you proclaim the "scissors" method as a waste of brain cells. I could not agree more -- thank you!!

[@kathrynfountain894]

I want you to know how much I look forward to viewing your tutorials on Mondays. Thank you for that gift!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thank you so much.

[@privateinfo1711]

I prefer the traditional square in a square. However, quilters are a creative bunch. So, something different can be fun.

[@kattybob1749]

I have watched a few of those videos. I am sure it was being promoted as a variant of the pineapple block, not the square in a square. The proper square in a square is lovely and precise, however as something different to try, why not. Quilting is about the joy of the craft and if this inspires sewers to create, then thats brilliant. I still use scissors, pins etc, and have not yet got those wonder clips either. Nor have I sewn with a proper jelly roll or a layer cake. One day I might finally purchase them.

[@kerryl4031]

Agree - that silly snipping and missed seam allowance would drive me crazy! Deb Tucker tools all the way for me now. Eleanor Burns was the first quilter I came across on KZbin! Thank you - I do love the old barn raising and trip around the world quilts.

[@suesweeney5952]

I agree with you Maureen. That other method gives you the dreaded bias on every edge, not just blunted corners, both unappealing results. Another version of the "sew around the outside" is a way to make half-square triangles - also questionable results. Nothing like a Deb Tucker ruler to give you good results.

[@dianelouise3944]

I make my hsts this way but I starch my fabric until it’s like paper so stretching isn’t a problem for me.

[@janeahrens572]

I agree with you. I’ve see. SOOO many people create a new way of doing something just for the sake of doing it differently, regardless if it’s sensible.

[@jackietucker8942]

I agree with you on the Sq N Sq.. I like my points to show. And Strip sewing is fabulous.

[@AvivaHadas]

I think the faux square in a square is just a fun novelty. Not how I would do it, but... I do use scissors.

[@sharonlyman3029]

It's not a matter of preferring or better or sharp corners. Karen Hellaby came up with this years ago. It's just another way to do this. Check KZbin for Karen's video. I personally think it's easier, but would only use with a scrappy intent like the Sewing Channel lady who did a whole quilt using this method. If I wanted sharp points of course I'd do traditional, too. Just a fun variation.

[@KateShahan]

Hi Maureen! I believe the origin of this method is in a book by Martha Thompson called "Start with Squares." In her version, the end result isn't a Square-in-a-Square, it's one half of a Cat's Cradle unit. After two rounds of piecing she cuts on the diagonal each way. In her version it's intentional that the corners are cut off, because that area will be the seam allowance and this preserves the points in the other triangle.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

I am not familiar with that book. I will need to look it up.

[@yvonnephillips4680]

Thank you for the comparison of square in a square methods. I have seen the scissor method on KZbin and gone hmm, maybe I'll try that one day. Now I can let it go and not bother.😊

[@margaretkent5907]

I like the traditional way of doing square in a square.more accurate.

[@chrisgrain2204]

I'm fully with you.

[@debbiew.7630]

I like your way much better. Thank you for showing us. You’ve inspired me to make a quilt using this exact block and method. Thank you

[@theopinionatedquilter]

You are so welcome!

[@susanswanson8404]

I'm all for the traditional method for square in a square. I followed some channels that don't pin, don't iron as much as they should and I did it their way. After a few years I realized precision is so important. I wouldn't like to deal with the bias or to have the points cut off. imo points are an achievement. ❤️

[@blairseibert1778]

I don't understand it either. It was the "fun" the first time I saw it thinking it was a different way of making the S in a S. Once I made one it did not work out well. having to pull them apart and clipping right on the line. NOOOO. Thanks for the encouragement to do strips. I've been nervous about them and though that we must sew from one end to the other (back and forth). Perhaps your ironing between each sewn edge will help eliminate the warping problem. Thanks!

[@elizabethamis9376]

I agree with you, the traditional square in a square looks much better. The instructions for strip piecing are very useful. Thank you. Liz from Somerset, UK

[@damecupcake]

I much prefer the traditional method. Thank you, Maureen!

[@dianelouise3944]

I use the traditional method for square-in-a-square but I can see where some people would want to try the other way just for something different. Some people might enjoy snipping while watching tv. I would probably end up with holes from using the scissors

[@chrislittebrant5235]

Good Morning And Happy New Year 🥳 I agree with you, I have seen all three of those videos, too. My first thought was why don’t you just make a square in a square, it’s easier & faster, you have all your points and it looks much better. I don’t understand why they are showing that method. Are they new quilters, have they not searched how to make a square in a square block before? There are many more videos on how to do that than the way they are showing their method.. I don’t get it either. Well, have a good week, 🥰🥳 Chris

[@lucilegubbins4433]

Your way is my way!

[@marthacook]

Thank you for the illustration. The square within the square have more steps and slower and just wonky.

[@HuberHans]

Here my comment to your question: I'm new to quilting, but not to sewing. I watch tutorials on a regular basis, because I'm a bit OCD and hate to do things "wrong" 🤗🤷‍♀️. (It's the reason I subscribed, due to you having an opinion that mostly suits my view on how to go about a project) Perhaps the lady of the "cutting open" box in a box, had a problem with finding the correct middle in the traditional way and preferred cut of corners instead of incorrect centered triangles to the outside? I, personally, have raised eyebrows, when somebody centers the triangle by "eyeing" the center... Take care - Europe ⚘

[@cherylbrown4058]

I so agree with your opinion on that odd method. All those bias edges..no thank you

[@bethkoch11]

I ran across that alternate "square in a square" method a few years ago, and tried a few test blocks. I didn't like it at all! And you end up with bias all over the place - no thanks! In fact, right now, I'm in the middle of a "s in a s" quilt using scraps in a 4-patch as centers, using your method. Alternative methods aren't always the best - sometimes yes, but not in this case, in my opinion.

[@kathieheath8716]

I agree - those cut off corners would drive me bonkers. There are numerous ways to do square in a square blocks that are easier than this.

[@TheJAG1357]

Excellent video. Thank you. I definitely prefer your method of the square in a square. Your strip piecing instructions are very very helpful. Thank you. I’ll be checking out the book you mentioned. Have a great day and happy new year. ❤

[@nancylyman5192]

Adding the scissors step does make things more complicated, as I see it. AND the finished product doesn’t look exactly right to me. I’ll be sticking to my version of constructing the square in a square!

[@conniesnyder9463]

Never used the first method.. the second method you have to make sure they are centered or you can miss points

[@littlejoan7473]

I find that non-traditional square in a square method cringe worthy! 😬 Thanks for mentioning the book Traditions With a Twist, I'll be ordering a copy soon. Love your videos!

[@theopinionatedquilter]

glad you like them.

[@terryannglandon3853]

Also agree about cut-off points and bias edges. No thank you.

[@randylls5341]

IMHO 😂 Even new quilters should understand the wisdom and ease of the standard methods. Always piece to avoid dealing with unnecessary bias edges. Some designers are, what, not sewers, inexperienced, gluttons for punishment, short sighted. Same with interior designers, assuming hired help will maintain foolish designs.

[@patriciamoller3060]

A warm welcome back to us , l love the evening shadow quilt behind you , how do l find the pattern please ( thankyou ) Australia

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Both quilts behind me are from Tradition with a Twist. You can find it on Amazon.

[@ezrieb139]

I saw this method and also wondered, "why"? It also ads more bulk.

[@helenpeddycord2241]

@ezrieb- Yes! A LOT of bulk.🧵

[@karenfulkerson5961]

I agree with you, I don’t understand the point of doing like that.

[@lorraineadkins3743]

It’s the lazy man’s square in a square.

[@leticia-rl7yj]

🥰

[@originalstitches6125]

That new method just looks frustrating to me. I don’t use scissors much anymore either and losing the points would really be annoying

[@brookprinsen6746]

I prefer the traditional. I had never seen the first example…..wouldn’t use it.

[@elainekindred9266]

I’ll do it the “ old way “ please

[@susanswanson8404]

Where can I get the patter diamond likes by Derrek Lockwood? It's gorgeous 😍 tia

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Some quilt shops have it but you can go to his website and purchase it directly from him.

[@veraweeks8534]

I like your way better

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@ilamigut992]

Why? Just why? Bias edges, no seam allowance...ugh!

[@lcsd863]

I agree, you loose your points. I don’t like the method at all and will nit do it.

[@joydicksonquilts]

I like traditional. I’ve never done the other way, but I’m not liking to look of the block