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question about sewing rows together wondering about the seams at the junctions of multipe blocks
Saya Advanced Beginner NETHERLANDS Member since 7/18/08 Posts: 247	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/19/12 3:59 AM I'm new to quilting and trying to make a 3D pinwheel quilt. I have assembled some of the pinwheel parts (square+folded triangle, or unit A) and even sew some of the together to form half a pinwheel (unit B in the tutoral). Now the next step would be to two of those together to form one pinwheel block. So I would be sewing two rows of two little blocks together. Now I have not tried it yet, but I can imagine that might be tricky at the junction (or pinwheel center in my case) as I can see that getting really bulky (especially with the added pinwheel triangles). Are there any tips or tricks to make this easier/better?
Franksdottir   Intermediate Member since 4/25/08 Posts: 2398	Login to reply to this post In reply to Saya << Like this post Date: 12/19/12 4:28 AM Oh, my, you are brave. I looked at the quilt and it is really cute, but that is a lot of fabric right in the middle. For a regular join it is helpful to iron one seam allowance in one direction, and the other in the other direction so that when they come together they sort of nestle. I don't know if that will work in this case. Just a thought, why not try with some scrap fabric before you make your real pinwheels so that you can get the feel of it? I do this with complicated blocks to see if I like making them, and where the pitfalls are. And one of these fine quilters will know more than I do, guaranteed. ------ Barb
Saya Advanced Beginner NETHERLANDS Member since 7/18/08 Posts: 247	Login to reply to this post In reply to Franksdottir << Like this post Date: 12/19/12 4:54 AM Thank you for your quick answer. I think for both pinwheel halfs the seam allowances should be pressed in the other direction (away from the triangles). So that should then help. I should make sure I remember that for when I make the rest of the actual rows. I also vagely remember reading something about 'skipping the seam allowances' when sewing rows together, but I have no clue where I read it and how (or if) that would work. Maybe someone else here knows more Trying it out on scrap fabric is a great idea. I don't have many scraps, but I have plenty of fabric for the quilt, so I can just try it out on the most terrible pinwheels and make new ones if I fail the first time. Quote: Oh, my, you are brave. Yeah, I have my moments of stupidity when picking out a project sometimes.... Already regretting it.
Julkane   Intermediate PA USA Member since 9/14/07 Posts: 442	Login to reply to this post In reply to Saya << 1 member likes this. Date: 12/19/12 7:00 AM A few years ago when I first started quilting, I chose a similar pattern. You can do this successfully, even as a beginner, and you will have learned so much. Yes, be sure the seam allowances are pressed in opposite directions, easier said than done. Line up your junctions first when pinning the blocks and don't get panicky if they are off a tinge but be somewhere in the ballpark. If a block is noticably off, take the time to rip it out and resew, it will be worth it. After a few pinwheels you will get good at it. Good luck and post a pic as you progress. ------ Elna Excellence 740, Pfaff Quilt expression 4.0, Janome 300E, Brother 8500D, Janome 900CPX CoverPro, Brother 5234 Project Runway Serger, Singer Treadle http://juliannasjourney.blogspot.com/
PortlandMaine   Advanced Beginner ME USA Member since 1/29/11 Posts: 1627	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 12/19/12 3:30 PM If you cant get them to be as flat as U want -- I hearby give you permission to sew them together and press them at flat as you want with a hot steamy iron. That will work. Sometimes we gotta live on the wild side. ------ Drag queen quilter!
HDWen   Advanced Beginner AZ USA Member since 12/26/11 Posts: 1201	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 12/19/12 4:05 PM Been there done that, and Glad you are giving it a try !!! I think my 2nd project was a PinWheel FARM! seriously like you, I pick stuff, then get lost in space LMAO Check this you-tube tutorial out -- FAST and Easy Pinwheels and yes they were :-) Quick Pinwheels ------ I have great enthusium for sewing, but lack talent to be great. 2013
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 4974	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 12/19/12 6:48 PM There is a trick to getting these to lay flat. You open the seams where the excess over laps in the center and then push it flat with a finger tip. Scroll down the page for photos showing how this is done. -- Edited on 12/19/12 6:53 PM --
goodworks1   Advanced IL USA Member since 7/19/03 Posts: 3298	Login to reply to this post In reply to PattiAnnJ << Like this post Date: 12/19/12 10:53 PM One trick is to sew only up to the center point where the seams meet. Do that on both sides of the seam. Then you can 'spin' the seam allowances to make them flatter. (Sorry, I'm suddenly having an allergic reaction to something and can't stop sneezing. I'll try to come back later and explain if this isn't making sense...) Here's one person's take on how to deal with the seams... 3D pinwheels -- Edited on 12/20/12 12:29 PM -- ------ blog: goodworks1.wordpress.com
CJ Tinkle Intermediate AR USA Member since 2/5/06 Posts: 963	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 12/20/12 2:48 AM Spinning the join is the correct way to deal with the bulk. Here's a great samplel of it. -- Edited on 12/20/12 3:00 AM -- ------ Bernina Artista 630 ✂ Bernina Aurora 430 ✂ Bernina 1300MDC ✂ Babylock BLCS ✂ APQS Millennium ✂ Juki TL2010Q ✂ Singer 201-2 ✂ Singer 301 ✂ Singer 401A ✂ Singer 15-91 ✂ Singer Featherweight 222K ✂ Singer Featherweight 221 www.tinkletimes.com
Franksdottir   Intermediate Member since 4/25/08 Posts: 2398	Login to reply to this post In reply to CJ Tinkle << 3 members like this. Date: 12/20/12 2:57 AM You know the thread we have on things we hate? I hate spinning at the join, I just despise it. There are things I won't make because I would have to do it. ------ Barb

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