How to Join Blocks Together
using double face tape.
NO Pins
Trim all sides on your finished block to (exactly) ¼ inch seam allowance. Very important.
On the “good side” of your block. Take a piece of “double sided tape” ( I use Scotch, double sided tape, )and place it parallel to the edge you are going to sew, ½ inch from the parallel edge. (Trust me .folks, you do not want to sew through the tape)
Now with the second block, line it up with the first block, face to face, making sure the corners are matched exactly. Now press down with your hand to engage the double sided tape.
Lay your block on an ironing board or any soft surface. Take a straight pin and choose an important part of your block you want to line up perfectly. (could be the corners or a design element) Hold the pin perpendicular to your work and insert it straight down at that important intersection.
Carefully lift the 2 blocks up together making sure not to move the pin.
Carefully turn them over and see where the pin emerged. If it is exactly where you put it in on the top block, remove the pin and place your work on the sewing machine and sew.
The tape will stop the two blocks from sliding. Sew very slowly on the line of the sandwiched blocks.
Remove from the sewing machine and remove the tape. Save the tape as it can be reused 3-5 more times.
PS- if you are not satisfied because something moved, start over and make any adjustments you need.
Tip from Ginny she's a hand quilter
Ginny is a hand quilter. quarter inch measurement is very important. Before she starts quilting she will cut off a small piece of 1/4" masking tape and place it vertically on her quilting thumb nail. While quilting parallel lines 1/4" wide she will always have the measurement right at her finger tips.
Prevent running out of bobbin thread
Have you ever added long borders on to your quilt only to find out you had run out of bobbin thread half way through the process?
When preparing to sew a long line of stitches I first fill two bobbins to their maximum capacity. Put one of these fresh bobbins in the bobbin case and thread the needle with the other bobbin. While sewing if you see the bobbin on the top is running out you know the other bobbin in the bobbin case is starting to run out as well.
Here is a Thimble tip from Ginny
Have you ever noticed your finger is not perfectly round. Yet thimbles are round. Purchase an inexpensive metal thimble with a "Crown Top" (flat). Take it in your garage or outside on a cement surface. With your shoes on, lay it on its side and gently apply preasure so that it becomes a slight oval. It will be more comfotable and much easier to use as it fits correctly. Ginny just told me when you purchase your thimble be sure to get it one size larger.