How to Sew a Quilt Together

Pieced quilts are constructed with blocks or strips of fabric arranged in a pleasing pattern. The completed quilt top is then added to a bottom layer and a quilt bat or center filling. All three layers are stitched together in an often elaborate, decorative pattern. Precision and accuracy are the keys to making a beautiful quilt.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Carefully cut the all blocks for the quilt in a uniform same size. Allow a 1/4 inch seam allowance all around by adding 1/2 inch to the length and wide of each block. Use a rotary cutter and a cutting mat to increase precision and production.

2. Pin one block of each of the two colors together. Sew a 1/4 inch seam and then sew the blocks together in pairs by using the "string" method. This assembly line technique speeds up the project.

3. Join one pair of blocks to another by pinning along one seam and sew along the 1/4 inch allowance. Use the "string" method to create several 4-block strips at one time.

4. Place two strips, with 4 blocks right sides together. Alternating the colors and line up the seams. Pin just to the right of each seam. Use the fingers to manipulate the fabric until the seams align.

5. Block the existing seams in the 4-block strips. Turn one seam to the right and turn its corresponding seam on the matching strip to the left. Alternate the direction of each seam as the 4-block strips are joined.

6. Stitch the 4-block strips together using the "string" method. Continue until all the 4-block strips are joined with another to create an 2-row strip of 8 blocks. Join the 8-block strips together using the blocking method described in Step 5.

7. Continue piecing the quilt together by creating larger strips. Align and block the seams when joining the strips. Backstitch the seams as the quilt top reaches full size.

Tips & Warnings

• To use the "string" method, pin all the like strips and stitch them together by running them one after another under the presser foot with out cutting the thread. When all the strips are sewn, cut them apart by snipping the threads between.