Some of my Favorite Tips

February 2013

A great tutorial by Heirloom Creations. How to join your binding ends together very easily and quickly....

 

 December 2012

Making Nine Patches two at a time. Great video by Billie Lauder.

February 18, 2012

A Quick and Simple Way to make Half-Square Triangles

I was always guessing about the size but with this info, no more guessing. Great tip!

A quick and simple way to make half-square triangles

1. Layer 2 squares of fabric right sides together and pin.

2. Sew ¼" seam around the entire square, stopping ¼" from each corner and pivoting with the needle down to sew the adjacent side.

3. Line up a ruler corner to opposite corner and cut the square diagonally. Being careful not to move the square, now cut diagonally in the opposite direction.

4. Open each of the four squares, press seam allowances toward the darker fabric, and trim the dog ears. Edges on these units are on the bias, so be careful not to stretch them as you press and sew.

How big should the squares be? Whatever size FINISHED half square triangle you want, add Three  inches to that measurement. For example, if you want a 2 ½” half square triangle (finished size 2”),you would cut your squares 5”.

2” finished – 2 ½” unfinished = 5” squares

3” finished – 3 ½” unfinished = 6” squares

4” finished –4 ½” unfinished = 7” squares

5” finished – 5 ½” unfinished = 8” squares

Make one set, cut them and measure to be sure your quarter inch seam is correct and they measure exactly what you want.

If you spray starch these or use Best Press by Mary Ellen, there should be no problem with bias edges or cut your squares to begin with on the diagonal. You will have bias edges one way or another, so just be careful and don't stretch

October 12, 2011

Quick and Easy Way to Hang Small Wallhangings 15" or less!

Here's my Noel Christmas card holder. This was alot of fun to make.

Here's a tip I wanted to share. This is the back of the little Noel Wallhanging above. Instead of making a full hanging sleeve, this is what I did...it works great. I learned this at retreat. (Every time I go on a retreat I learn something new...) You take two squares, fold them in half diagonally and press. I used 4 inch squares for this step. Put them at the top on each corner of the wallhanging. Be sure and place the raw edges against the outside of each corner, the fold will be toward the body of the quilt. When you sew your binding on, you sew these at the same time. Then hand stitch your binding down and your wallhanging has it's little hanging sleeve done at the same time. It's only good for small things and wouldn't hold a big quilt but I love this method for wallhangings. It's so simple to do.

July 2011        
                  
 Here's a link to some great info about machine needles:

http://exuberantcolor.blogspot.com/2008/07/sewing-machine-needles.html