Sewing strips -- and keeping them straight

[Margo C.]

I just wanted to add that in Sally Collins book "Mastering Precision Piecing" she mentions that if you're sewing long strips together (or borders) you should place your pins running parallel to the edge - and remove them as you get to them - instead of perpendicular. She says it causes less distortion in the sewing and therefore maybe less distortion in the pressing? As someone who's always had trouble sewing a straight line :lol: , I have tried it to add long borders to my quilts and find it works pretty well. I never thought proper pinning could make that much difference, but there it is. Hope this helps a little.
-Tina

[Margo C.]

I just wanted to add that in Sally Collins book "Mastering Precision Piecing" she mentions that if you're sewing long strips together (or borders) you should place your pins running parallel to the edge - and remove them as you get to them - instead of perpendicular. She says it causes less distortion in the sewing and therefore maybe less distortion in the pressing? As someone who's always had trouble sewing a straight line :lol: , I have tried it to add long borders to my quilts and find it works pretty well. I never thought proper pinning could make that much difference, but there it is. Hope this helps a little.
-Tina

She's a good one to learn from! Take a look at the gallery on her web site:
http://www.sallycollins.org/index.html

And I LOVE this quote that she has on her web site!

The single largest influence on our ability to succeed is attitude. The basic truth is: if we think we can, we will; if we think we can’t, we won’t. Attitude is the first choice we make, and it is one we have exclusive control over. Choosing a positive attitude ensures eventual success of any goal. The goal of quality workmanship is attainable for everybody and anybody who chooses it and is willing to work for it.

[Margo C.]

One more thing...press, don't iron...and definitely reverse sewing direction with each strip. Another thing that helps is to cut the strips on the lengthwise grain of the fabric. Dorene

[Hannelore N.]

Buy a truck load of spray starch..... Once tried you'll keep using it if you want very accurate piecing. Your blocks will be stiff, and you will have to wash your finished piece, but it's well worth the extra effort.

And here comes my confession: I'm a very tactile person and I play with fabrics because of the way they feel. It relaxes me. If I starch the fabrics before piecing I loose that feeling. So, if I make a quilt for myself I give myself the sensuous treat of working with soft fabric, but if I give away the finished quilt, I'll starch, and starch, and starch........

Lorchen

[Hannelore N.]

I use a pile of post it notes on my machine to help guide my strips straight, even if I am using my quarter in foot. It helps by giving a longer guide before the strip even gets under the presser foot.