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Monday, December 3, 2012

November Educational Directions - Improvisational Piecing using Curves


November Educational Directions - Improvisational Piecing using Curves

** Check out the 2 websites below before starting this project.  They are very helpful.

Use 2 or 3 colors that have a high contrast to make your square.  Your choice of fabrics - can use prints or solids.  

Make a 12” square. 

You can make smaller sections using curves and then join them together to make the larger block.  Or you can start with 2 pieces of fabric that are at least 14” square and then start cutting your curves with your rotary cutter.  Sew the curved seams together.  Square up your square to a 12” block.  

Some tips for sewing curves without pins:

Lay your 2 fabrics (right side up) and make gentle curves with your rotary cutter. 

  • ensure you are sewing with an accurate 1/4" seam. Using a 1/4” foot is helpful
  • if your sewing machine has a needle down setting, use it, otherwise just lower the needle into the fabric if you need to stop and adjust the fabric
  • reduce your stitch length to smaller than usual. This will give you a nice smooth curve (I used about a 2 on my sewing machine)
  • (optional) have tweezers handy for holding the fabric together at the end of the curve
  • go slowly
  • don't pull the fabric, just ease and guide it through the machine

Curved Piecing without templates - sewing without pins - check out these 2 sites which are very helpful.  No applique for this month’s block.



Have fun with the curved piecing.  Bring your block to our next regular meeting in January.
     Donna

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