THE 2 must-have sewing tools for smooth and accurate piecing

In yesterday’s post, I gave you the fabric requirements and cutting instructions to make the beautiful and easy quilt pattern, Deep Waters using the wonderful Banyan Batiks Color Blocking fabrics. Here are two sewing tools I couldn’t work without in my studio to accomplish it.

I like to starch my fabrics before cutting into strips to ensure that they stay nice and straight. I love to use Mary Ellen’s Best Press as there’s no flaking, clogging, or white residue. Which is really important especially on this project as I’m working with the beautiful Banyan Batiks Color Blocking collection in dark colors!

A special stain shield also protects fabrics which kind of helps to keep the quilt clean as long as possible. I got the small bottle but I also got a gallon to refill as I quilt along, be sure to ask your local quilt shop to order the gallon for you. I truly find that it makes a difference in keeping my cutting and stitching aligned.

I also couldn’t work without my Omnigrip rulers. Their patented non-slip backing literally “grips” your fabric while you cut, preventing frustrating cutting mistakes and fabric waste. There are many more features I like about them.

For one thing, they’re laser cut, which means they’re super consistent and you will have the same measurement even when going from one ruler to the other. I commonly use my 8½” x 24” with the 4” x 14” and 6½” square.  I also always use the 1” x 12” to check my seams and in this project, because the squares were so big, I also used my 20½” square ruler. I also like the little “windows” that allow me to check that my fabric is perfectly aligned under the ruler. As I always say, precision is key to quilting.

On with the Deep Waters quilt, there’s a special trick to help you keep that center strip in the block straight. When sewing the strips together, use the 1” x 12” ruler and slide it along the seam. If you’ve accidentally stitch incorrectly, you’ll see excess fabric along the ruler and you’ll be able to trim it before sewing the next strip. This will ensure that you’re straight! Using starch will also help in this step as your strip will remain crisp.

I also “cheated” when giving you the cutting instructions. I’ve made some strips ⅛” larger than what they need to be. I find that it’s better to do it this way and adjust as I go along. This is why you’ll see some * with a note to cut to adjust sizing. Sometimes you’ll be shaving off a bit of fabric and sometimes you won’t. It all depends on the precision in your piecing. So you don’t need to sweat it too much.

Step 1

• Stitch (2) L strips along a D strip.
• Strip should now measure 3¾”.
• Repeat to make three strips.
• Cut to make 24 rectangles size 3½” x 3¾”.

Step 2

• Stitch (2) Step 1 rectangles along a G square.

* The rectangles are slightly larger than your square, so you need to align the centers on all. Simply fold in half and press all units and align on the crease when stitching together. This will ensure proper alignment.

• Cut to resize to a 9½” x 3½” rectangle.
• Repeat to make 12.

Step 3

• Stitch (2) M strips along a D strip.
• Strip should measure 9¾”.
• Repeat to make 3 strips.
• Cut to make 3 strips.
• Cut to make 24 rectangles size 3½” x 9¾”.

Step 4

• Stitch (2) H strips along a K strip.
• Strip should measure 9¾”.
• Repeat to make 3 strips.
• Cut to make 3 strips.
• Cut to make 24 rectangles size 3½” x 9¾”.

Step 5

• Stitch a step 3 rectangle to a step 4 rectangle.
• Unit should measure 6½” x 9¾”.

* Ensure that center strip is aligned.

• Repeat to make 24.

Step 6

• Stitch (2) rectangles beside a step 2 rectangle.

* The step 5 rectangles are slightly larger than the Step 2 rectangle. Align with center strip again by finding the center of the step two units and align that center the center of the step 5 units.

• Cut to resize to a 15½” x 9½” rectangle.
• Repeat to make 12.

Step 7

• Stitch (2) I strips to a K strip.
• Strip should measure 15¾”.
• Repeat to make 3 strips.
• Cut to make 24 rectangles size 3½” x 15¾”.

Step 8

• Stitch 2 units of step 7 on each side of Step 6.

* The Step 7 rectangles are slightly larger than the Step 6 unit. Align the center strips.

• Resize to a 15½” square.
• Repeat to make 12 units.

If you’re unsure about aligning the center strips simply by aligning the creases you’ve made, simply “tack” you center strips together using a basting stitch. When you’re sure you have the correct alignment, then stitch the piece completely.

My two must-have sewing tools help me achieve the precision I need. Don’t resize your blocks just yet, wait till you read my next post as I’ll give you more tips to make the second block of the Deep Waters quilt pattern using Banyan Batiks Color Blocking fabrics.