Corners (or points) can become a quilter’s nightmare. Perfect points and corners are the aim of all quilters. Here are a few tips for reducing corner stress when making patchwork blocks.
Ironing
Ironing correctly solves many patchwork problems so here are a few tips:
Before you press your join the way you want it you should set the seam by pressing it the way it comes off the sewing machine.
Then press seams closed not open and flat as in dressmaking.
Press seams towards the dark fabric as the default rule. However, this may change for different needs.
Do not stretch the fabric as you press.
There is no need to use steam.
Butting points
These two 4-patch blocks show a well butted point (green) and a poorly butted point (purple).
To make good well-butted corners it is important to align the rows of stitching on both sets of seams.
Press the seams in opposite directions.
Use your fingers to rub the two sides until the bulk of the seams ‘click’ together.
Pin through all four thicknesses of the seams vertically on both sides of the stitching to hold the join in place.
Sew the seam making sure to keep the seams in the correct direction
Flattening thick points
Sometimes the bulk at the points needs to be removed. The first photo shows what happens when the final seam is pressed to one side.
However, in the second photo the point has been flattened by pressing one half of the final seam in one direction and the other half in the opposite direction.
Kitty corners
When you are joining triangles in patchwork there may be little rabbits ears or ‘kitty corners’ extending beyond the patch.
There is no need to trim off these corners. In fact they can be an advantage and used to more accurately estimate the ¼ inch seam and hence the correct position for the join.
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