Sewing is a process of constantly learning. First, we learn the basics: reading a quilt or sewing pattern, mastering the accurate cut, practising the quarter inch seam. Pressing is a basic skill as well: press, don’t move the iron around. Once you’ve become familiar with the quilting basics, it’s time for the next level of tips and techniques that make your quilting project a joy and a masterpiece.

Pressing is one of the key quilting steps that can make blocks look perfect. The direction of the press can make those seams just nest together nicely. Which means it’s really annoying when you’ve completed a beautiful intricate quilt block….with a BIG bump at the seam joins!!! Why does it always seems to happen when you’re working on a complicated pattern that you’re trying to do perfectly? This dilemma often happens when you have a group of half square triangles joined together. Don’t try to mash that hot iron into that irritating little centre bit! Your joy will turn into a trial.

The good news is the fix is simple and the only tool you need is a stitch ripper. Who know a stitch ripper could have a positive use?!

 Once your block is sewn together, DO NOT press the last seam yet. Leave the block folded in half.

Take your stitch ripper and at the join of all those points, carefully remove the 2 or 3 stitches along the two sewn lines that extend past the seam allowance stitching to the edge of the fabric. Flip the closed quilt block over and do the same thing on the opposite side.

Open the quilt block and put it right side down. With your fingers, carefully finger press one half of the last seam in one direction and one half to the opposite direction. This will create a lovely little pinwheel shape in the centre.

Now take your iron and carefully press this area. A spritz of Best Press never hurts!

Beautiful, lump all gone!