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Use this 1 simple trick for perfect curved piecing every time

Use this 1 simple trick for perfect curved piecing every time

by Jackie White

Yesterday we cut out all our blocks for the Pebble Play quilted wall hanging. Today we’re going to sew the blocks together. When sewing the drunkard’s path block together, it can be very frustrating or very fun! I have experienced both and now prefer the fun method.

Grab a set to make a block that consists of an L shape and quarter circle as we’ve cut out several.

Ensure that your machine has the ¼” foot on and set for tiny stitches. There’s no need for pins.

Two pattern pieces right sides together with point matching on table.

Right sides together, match up the point of each piece of the block.

Laying the L shape on the bottom, match up the corners to start sewing. Go slow. This is vitally important when curve piecing, and relax – also important! Take your time and ease the fabric to match edges as you go.

Two pieces of fabric, right sides together under sewing machine Northcott Naturescapes fabrics

Lay the L shape piece on the bottom and stitch slowly bringing edges to match as you go.

The 1 simple trick

When you get half way or two thirds, stop. Cut the threads, take a deep breath and turn the block over.

Start at the other end now, repeating the same slow steady stitching. When you get to the middle, cross over your previous stitches by a couple of stitches, reverse for two and cut the thread.

Block with right sides together under sewing machine being stitched.

Flip the block over and start at other end, easing the fabric to meet as you go.

Remove the block and take it to the ironing board. Be gentle in your pressing so you don’t stretch the block.

Give yourself a big pat on the back and continue to sew the remaining blocks! Press and trim after.

Tomorrow we put our quilted wall hanging together using Northcott Fabrics Naturescapes collection!

This is part 2 of 5 in this series.
Go back to part 1:  Northcott’s Naturescapes fabric makes Pebble Play of a quilted wall hanging

Go to part 3: Drunkard’s path makes a puzzle out of the Pebble Play quilted wall hanging

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25 comments

Margaret Graczyk January 7, 2017 - 2:36 am

I JUST bought a circle die and your tutorial on sewing curves makes a whole lot of sense! I’m glad I read this BEFORE starting on my new quilt 🙂

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Carol Debbout January 6, 2017 - 9:05 pm

I’ve got to try this! Great tip.

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Pauline Perry January 6, 2017 - 7:36 pm

What a brilliant idea – I knew to take tiny stitches and go slow but the turning over to start at the other end and meet in the middle is brilliant – thank you.

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Holly Wotton January 6, 2017 - 7:27 pm

Great technique tip for curved piecing. Thanks.

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Janine A January 6, 2017 - 5:04 pm

Beautiful fabrics! Looking forward to trying curves.

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Wayne Couzens January 6, 2017 - 1:54 pm

Thanks for the informative article

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Lynn M January 6, 2017 - 1:30 pm

I never thought of doing it this way. I will have to try it. Thank you.

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Michelle January 5, 2017 - 9:16 pm

This is new way to sew curves for me. I’m anxious to try it. Thanks!

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Teresa Herron-Ojeda January 5, 2017 - 6:04 pm

Northcott Fabrics are the best, and the tips are even better. Now I have a new way of doing curved seams. Thank You Northcott and Jackie White.

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Susan Burney January 5, 2017 - 2:33 pm

Interesting!!! I have always hated curved piecing, but this method might just change my mind!

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Beth Bigler January 5, 2017 - 2:06 pm

This has been on my to do list for quite a while. Now I can use the templates that I have had a few years.

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TAMI tanguma January 5, 2017 - 12:03 pm

Interesting article on curved piecing. Thanks for posting it!

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Barbara woods January 5, 2017 - 11:06 am

Thanks for the tip!

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Katrine Dukic January 5, 2017 - 9:48 am

When I saw the title of this post I thought, well this will be the same tip that I have seen a dozen times. Thank you Jackie for a new approach. I am going to try your method the next time I need a curved seam. I like the idea of stopping and switching directions, this way the presser foot is not just pushing all the material out of line.

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Summer January 5, 2017 - 9:35 am

Curved piecing is what I want to conquer next. I have never seen this technique, but now I have a lot more confidence to try curved piecing. Thank you for a great tip!

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Kim S January 5, 2017 - 12:34 am

Thanks for the great tip!

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Cindy S. January 4, 2017 - 10:53 pm

Great info!

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Becky January 4, 2017 - 9:34 pm

Wow! Thanks for the tip! I’ve never seen curved piecing done that way. I’m going to try it. 🙂

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Debbie Burgess January 4, 2017 - 8:40 pm

Great tips!

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Constance January 4, 2017 - 7:50 pm

Perfect timing for this tip as I am planning a curved pieced project for this fall. I will definitely put this to use.

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Karen Rowland January 4, 2017 - 5:34 pm

Great tip. I’ll have to try this the next time I’m piecing curved blocks.

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Vicki H January 4, 2017 - 1:17 pm

This is a great tip. I will try it on a sample block.

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Laura January 4, 2017 - 12:02 pm

Thanks Jackie. I’ve never tried sewing a drunkard’s path block this way. Will make a sample and try it out today. Thanks for the fabulous photos.

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Jessica Braskey January 4, 2017 - 11:54 am

Excellent tip! I’ll have to try this — thank you!

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Chris January 4, 2017 - 3:13 am

I have never done this but it might be interesting to try just for the fun of it.

Reply

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