Assembly Line

 

I have a little trick I'll share with you that makes sewing quilt blocks together easier for me (especially blocks that have a lot of units).

I start constructing the block by sewing the first two squares together for each row.  I do not clip my threads so the rows stay connected.  I then start at the top and sew the third block in each row.  In the photo above I am just starting to add on the fourth block in each row.  All the rows are connected.

When all the rows are finished, they are connected together in the exact formation of the finished block, and all I have to do is sew the four rows together.  If I get interrupted mid-block, it doesn't matter.  I can see exactly where I am what piece goes on next.  Does that make any sense?

 

I had all my lovely fabrics spread out for cutting.  Aren't they beautiful?

 

Over the weekend I finished 13 blocks!  I decided to do all the cutting and get my triangle papers pinned on many of the squares, so I would be all organized to stitch up my half square triangles.  It was my goal on Saturday to come home from work each night this week and sew together at least two complete blocks.

Comments

[Lucy]

Yes those fabrics are fabulous! This is my first visit to your blog and I'll be back to get more inspiration.

I have a pattern that uses the same technique for those triangles. I'd love to buy the paper piecing patterns. Maybe that will help me get it out of the procrastination drawer. grin

[Lisa D.]

I absolutely LOVE your fabrics - wow. Great technique, too.

[Covered Porches]

I love the rich colors--- Maybe for Christmas I could get this---- I tried your Pasta chicken recipe last night.... Loved it....thanks again.

[Karen Lee]

Oh man...I loveeee this. Gee. I'm trying not to turn green. You can't see me, right?

[Karen Lee]

...oops. The technique - THAT'S THE THING. Thanks for sharing. Very smart.

[MichelleB]

I've been trying to sew my blocks together that way, too. It does help keep things in order. Your points are lovely.

[Julia]

Hi Nicole,
thank you for sharing this tip - very clever of you...
Love the fabric you chose, the quilt will look fantastabulous!
Hugs, Julia

[Carol]

Beautiful, beautiful fabrics and wonderful blocks...I try to sew my blocks together like that too...saves time and I don't get squares flipped around.

[joyce]

What a great idea. It would eliminate some ripping out I'm sure. Love the fabrics.

[Libby]

I love that method for piecing blocks and whole tops, too *s*
Great fabrics . . . whatcha makin'?

[Karen]

Nicole, your blocks are so beautiful (as usual!)

I am in major quilting withdrawal, I broke my wrist last week and had surgery to repair. I hope by next week I can be back at the treadle.

Karen

[sara]

well you are just truning this project out blazingly fast!

[Donna]

Love those fabrics. That will be a beautiful quilt. I have never been able to master the trick you showed for sewing all the rows together. I always end up with a twist or two and get frustrated. Props to you!

[Susan Ramey Cleveland]

What a great idea!

[Brenda Ackerman]

Thanks for sharing your tip. The fabrics you chose are beautiful; can hardly wait to see it all together.

[Teresa]

That's going to be a beautiful quilt as you are doing an excellent job on the piecing. I have enjoyed reading through you last few posts as I had gotten behind in my reading.

[Rhonda]

my mom does that too. i couldn't figure it out lol!

[Colleen]

Ahhh... you have SUCH good taste in fabrics! I love the way you combine everything. Thanks for the tip! It made perfect sense.

[Candace]

Thanks for the great tip, Nicole and I love your fabric picks - it's so easy to get hooked on those civil war fabrics! Can't wait to see the finished piece. Cheers!

[Paula]

Great blocks and lovely fabrics....this is going to be another beauty.

[Miss Jean]

Great hint! No wonder you can get so much done. I'll give it a try.

[Dandelion Quilts]

Great start. Can't wait to see it finished.

[Bernadette B]

Just love this quilt and I can soooo relate to your dilemma, I am feeling the same myself and keep feeling tempted to just start something new!

[Dee]

Love the CW fabrics!, great tip!

[sharon]

Look at you go with your clever self.