CHQ QAL - Assemble the quilt top

Hello! Ready to assemble your quilt top? While this isn't exactly challenging sewing, there are several issues to be taken into consideration. We will go through some issues you might encounter. FYI - I'm a pinner, I believe in pins, I use pins, I swear by pins - I don't use them for everything, but I believe that it makes a great deal of difference in the final product. That's how I work, and what I'm comfortable with; everyone is different, I respect that...that being said, I'm recommending you use pins for assembling the top.

• Issues you might encounter:

  •     Pieced column too long
  •     6 1/2" strip too long

If either of these conditions apply, sew with the longer strip on the bottom. Pinning becomes even more important in this circumstance. The feed dogs on the sewing machine will help ease in the extra length.

 
Note, in this photo the pieced column was too long, so I sewed with pieced column on the bottom, hence the pins stuck in the from the "wrong" side.

Sewing the column to the 6 1/2" strip

First you measure your pieced column, then cut the strips to match. What if your pieced columns lengths are all slightly different? Three of my columns were 38", and one was 38 1/2", I cut all the 6 1/2" strips to  38"

• Cut the 6 1/2" strips all the same lengths

There are ways to make your pieced columns cooperate-think mafia quilting :-)

If the pieced column and the 6 1/2" strip are the same length great! With right sides together (there generally isn't a right side to solids, but not everyone is using solids) pin in the following places, in the order shown:

• Beginning
• End
• Center
• and mid way between all of the above places


VERY VERY VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: Whether you are sewing with the pieced column on top, or the strip on top, whatever you do - make certain the direction of the pressed seam allowances are pointing away from the presser foot, and not towards it. There is no need to fight your sewing machine, work with it, and not against it.

   
 
 Repeat as above for all strip & pieced column pairs.

Carefully press the pieced column away from the strip, press the seam allowance towards the strip. Press with caution, as to not distort the pieced columns - they can easily become misshapen with a hot iron!

 
Using a design wall if available, determine the color order of your column

Sew the columns together (when pressing the joined sections, press away from the pieced columns), sew the remaining 6 1/2" strip to the pieced unit on the right

 
After the quilt top is assembled, prior to quilting, I recommend that you stitch across each exposed seam on the perimeter of the quilt top, sew 1/8" from the raw edge. This will revent any seams from popping in the quilting process

 
Ta da...your quilt top is done, and you are ready for quilting!!!

 
What do think? Sweet little quilt isn't it? 

Thank you again for joining me on this journey!

xoxo,

Cherri 

Comments

[Karen]

I am so glad you advocate pins! I am a beginning quilter so I use pins for everything.

[Florence]

It's gorgeous - the colours look like twinkly lights in an apartment block (missed the first bit to know what the real inspiration was. But guessing I MUST be close with that?). I haven't been quilting along, but I love this quilt top so I may come back and revisit it at some point. Thank you for all the wonderful tips. X

[Peach Rainbow]

Your little tips are very valuable - I wish I knew some things when i made my first quilt top - Thank you.
having said that, I am way behind!!!!
Lots of things were happening - sick relatives, funerals, visiting etc.
I am not sure whether I can catch up - But I'm gonna give it a try :)

[susanne]

Thanks so much for this little quilt-along. Now I can't wait to get home and sew!

[Debbie-Esch House Quilts]

I'm a pinner too - especially with long strips like these!

Thanks for all the great tips. Can't wait until I can work on this step :)

[Amy McA]

Sweet tutorial!
Thank you so much for sharing!

[Debbie]

Not sure I can wait a whole week to quilt this little gem!!!

[Tammy]

It IS a sweet little quilt! I feel that I need to whip one up, too. :) xo

[Karen]

Thanks for some great tips, it is a great quilt!

[Mary Escott]

Hi - all done - i love it. Have to say i have almost surprised myself albeit for a few imperfections (obviously down to my cutting!!). It is now lovingly hanging over my sewing cupboard door until next week.

[Angie]

Very pretty! Love the design :)

[Tracy]

I'm a little behind with this quilt along. I picked out the fabrics for 3 of these quilts, but had to finish a large shop sample for a class I'm teaching. Tonight I cut the first quilt in espresso with blues. I loved that it didn't take long! Hoping to sew tomorrow. Thanks Cherri for a great project!

[Susanne]

Just put pictures on flickr. Love love love the tiny squares. Thanks for the tip of sewing across the seams on the edge. Never thought to do that before.

[Kim Hicks]

Thanks for this quilt along. It's my first modern quilt too and I love it.That was a lot of fun!
I hope you'll be suggesting some quilting ideas because I'm a little stumped.