Block I - Irish Chain

[Coni P.]

I apologize for being so behind. In looking at the instructions, Step 2, for joining the red dot/background rectangle units to the dark blue unit I am having a hard time understanding how to press the seam allowances as shown. It looks like the seam is pressed toward the red dot fabric, then the dark blue unit the seam is pressed open, and finally the seam is again pressed toward the red dot (going from left to right). How do you do that? Thanks for your help!

[Janet S.]

You have to break, or just let lose, of a few threads at the edge of the seam. If you put your finger in the center of the intersection of the seam, it kind of naturally loosens the threads and lays down in a kind of mini four patch. If you want to test it out, just sew a four patch together and give it a try. It's the kind of thing that is hard to explain but easy to demonstrate.

[Janet S.]

It sounds as if you are 'twirling your seams' The best demonstration I can find quickly is here learn/classrooms/ - ok so it is on half square triangles, but the principal is the same, go to the last minute or so, where Margo is showing the finished block. Hope this helps.