Expert: Connie Hester - 6/9/2009

Question
I am having major prolems joining the rows at the intersections where eight points come together.  Any suggestions for 5mastering this technique would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Tip 1: Place 2 pieces of fabric together, right sides together, and insert straight pins perpendicularly along both seamlines to align exactly as they should be joined. Then, holding the 2 pieces of aligned fabric tightly so they do not slip out of place, re-position the straight pins through both layers at a diagonal so as not to create bulk as the pin is anchored into place and holds the pieces of fabric perfectly flat in alignment. (If the straight pin which has been inserted perpendicularly was to be anchored into place, the seamlines would end up being misaligned and there would be bunched-up fabric.) Before sewing, check the position of the seamlines by poking a straight pin through both layers of fabric along the seamline once more. It should poke through the seamline on the adjacent piece of fabric.

Tip 2: Press seam allowances open, rather than to one side. (Your seam allowances should be 1/4" wide.) This will reduce bulk, which is an issue with such narrow points to be matched.

Tip 3: Join Orange Peel blocks in straight-seamed strips. Then join the straight strips together with straight seams. Insert straight pins perpendicularly through seamlines and points where matching is important, as for seamlines above.


Let me know if I can help further,
Connie Hester