Let's start with some simple basics!
There are (in my opinion) Six Golden Rules to quilting. Especially when ‘Piecing Tiny Pieces’.
Golden Rule #1. Make sure the machine is in good working condition. It might be time to tune it up! A good working machine is worth its weight in Gold!
Golden Rule #2. Replace the needle. A new sharp needle is an essential tool for successful quilting.
Golden Rule #3. When cutting fabric for piecing blocks, make sure the desired line of the ruler is ON the fabric. Many quilters line the ruler up just off the fabric, resulting in the 'cut piece' a thread or two shy of the desired size. When stitching small blocks together that have multiple pieces, every thread or two counts!
The ruler line is sitting right on top of the fabric.
Golden Rule #4: Stitching a quarter inch seam allowance is especially important. A quarter inch quilting foot can be purchased for almost every machine. Make sure the needle is positioned correctly and a perfect quarter inch seam allowance is established before sewing pieces together. I prefer not to use a scant ¼”.
Golden Rule #5: Prepare the fabric BEFORE cutting out pieces. Either prewash OR use a spray starch (I LOVE Magic Quilting and Crafting Spray!) AND steam to tighten up the fabric threads. This results in shrinkage. If this is not done ahead of cutting and starch and/or steam is used to set seams as the block is being built, the piecing will shrink and block will be smaller than the desired size.
Golden Rule #6: PRESS, do not iron. Ironing is a back and forth motion, pressing is simply placing the iron on the fabric for a few seconds. This method will not distort the shape of the fabric piece, stitched units or blocks.
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