I was having problems sewing strips together and getting an arrow straight seam, the sewing line seemed to bow in the middle of the strip, especially if it was 18″ or longer. Today I used starch to “glue” my two strips together so I didn’t have to worry about ensuring the strips were aligned evenly. The strip was only 18″ and sewed them with my 1/4″ guide foot with very little manual manipulation, this worked brilliantly. I starch-glued a third strip and repeated the process and pressed the seams open very gently so I wouldn’t distort the fabric then cut 2.5″ strips on a 60degree angle.

Matching seams accurately on an angle is tricky, I marked my 1/4″ sewing lines on both pieces then used a pin to match the seams but removed it prior to sewing. Remarkably my seams were absolutely perfect! However, my second attempt wasn’t as successful.

If you have any tips for matching 60 or 45 degree angle seams, please share them!! One  step I forgot to take was measuring my first strip after sewing to ensure it was 2.25″ wide and trimming if necessary, this is part of sewing accurately according to the Quilter’s Academy book. Volumes 2 & 3 should be arriving tomorrow, can’t wait!

TIP: If you have a little trouble separating your fabrics after sewing using starch to glue them together, mist with water and warm fabric with iron. Do not yank on your fabric, this will distort it.

Click image to enlarge.

I think the effect itself is really cool and even cooler that it can be done in fabric but I don’t find this block attractive and I don’t think I’d make an entire quilt out of it but my husband might like it as a mug rug for his office. ;D

Have you been having fun with a challenge? Another technique I’d like to tackle is curves, I’ve sewn many sleeves onto shirts but very few quilt blocks.