Expert: Darlene Sweetwood - 12/7/2005

Question
Hello Darlene.

I am a begining quilter and am working on a block with y seams. I am currently working on a "quilt of the month" type quilt. I am on the last block-which has y seams. I have never done this before, and my quilt block doesn't seem to be aligning properly. Do you have any advice? I think my problem is with the open seam allowance. Thank you, Victoria

Answer
Hi Victoria,
It is very important with a Y seam to mark a dot where the 1/4" intersection is on all pieces.   When You sew, start sewing in the middle where the dot is and then sew out to the end.  Sew the first time with a larger stitch length so if you have to rip it out it will be easier.  Then once you have it correct, you can resew with a regular stitch length over the previous stitching.  Repeat this with the other side of the Y.  Hope that helped!
Darlene
www.quiltersfabric.com