How To Sew Quilt Squares Together (step-by-step Easy tutorial 2024)

There are a lot of different quilts that can be built using squares, but stitching them together might be difficult. It is difficult for a great number of people. But it isn’t necessarily the case. If you follow the steps in this video, you will never have to worry about your seams not matching up again. I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step so that when you’re through, your quilt will look fantastic.

Essential Supplies for Sewing Quilt Squares

1. Sewing Machine: A reliable sewing machine is key. It doesn’t have to be a high-end model, but it should be capable of handling the fabric and maintaining consistent stitch quality.
2. Coordinating Thread: Choose thread that coordinates well with your fabric. It’s often best to use 100% cotton thread for quilting projects, as it offers durability and a consistent finish.
3. Pins: Pins are essential for keeping your fabric squares aligned while sewing. Consider flat-head pins or quilting pins, as they are easier to work with and can hold layers of fabric securely.
4. Iron: A good iron is crucial for pressing your quilt squares and seams. It helps in achieving a flat and crisp finish, which is essential for precise piecing.
5. Ironing Board: An ironing board with a smooth, heat-resistant surface provides the ideal space for pressing quilt squares. If you have space constraints, a tabletop ironing board can also work well.
6. Fabric Squares: Have your fabric squares pre-cut to the desired size. In your case, you’re using 3 1/4″ squares. Ensure they are accurately cut for uniformity. A rotary cutter, cutting mat, and quilting ruler can assist in this task for precision cutting.

Helpful Tools

• Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat: These tools help in achieving precise and straight cuts, which is crucial for uniform quilt squares.
• Quilting Ruler: A clear quilting ruler aids in accurate measurement and cutting.
• Seam Ripper: Handy for correcting any sewing mistakes.
• Marking Tools: Fabric markers or chalk can be useful for marking seam allowances or quilting lines.
• Starch or Pressing Spray: These can help in keeping your fabric squares crisp and easier to work with.
• Measuring Tape or Ruler: For double-checking the size of your squares and the finished quilt top.

How to chain piece quilt squares

Sewing quilt squares together can seem daunting, especially for those new to quilting. However, with the right technique, such as chain piecing, this process can be both efficient and enjoyable. This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through sewing quilt squares together seamlessly, ensuring your quilt looks fantastic when completed.

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Step 1: Chain Piecing Quilt Squares

1. Understanding Chain Piecing: This efficient technique involves sewing quilt squares together continuously, without cutting the thread between each piece. It’s a time-saver and helps maintain consistent seam allowances.
2. Eliminating Backstitching: In chain piecing, backstitching at the start and end of each square isn’t necessary. When rows are sewn together, crossing each seam will secure them, thus preventing unraveling.
3. Maintaining Seam Allowance: A uniform quarter-inch seam allowance is crucial. Using a quarter-inch presser foot can significantly aid in achieving accurate seams.
4. Layout of Fabric Squares: Arrange your quilt squares according to your planned pattern. Start by pairing every other square in the first column, placing them right sides together, and ensuring all edges are aligned.
5. To Pin or Not to Pin: While pinning might be optional for small squares, it can provide additional security and accuracy, especially for beginners or complex patterns.
6. Sewing Process: Sew the paired squares together with a 1/4″ seam allowance, continuously adding squares to the chain without cutting the thread.

Step 2: Completing the Quilt Top

1. Pressing Seams: After completing a row, snip the connecting threads and press the seams. This can be done either to one side or opened, based on the pattern’s requirements or personal preference.
2. Joining Rows: Lay out the sewn rows and carefully align the seams. Pin the rows, if needed, to ensure precision, especially at the corners and intersections.
3. Sewing Rows Together: Attach the rows with a consistent quarter-inch seam allowance. As you sew, make sure to cross over the previous seams to reinforce them and add stability to the quilt top.
4. Final Pressing: Once all rows are sewn together, press the entire quilt top. This final pressing is vital for achieving a smooth and flat surface, which is essential for the next steps of quilting and binding.

Nesting Seams When Sewing Quilt Squares Together

Nesting seams are a key technique in quilting, especially when sewing quilt squares together. This method ensures that the seams of adjacent quilt squares align perfectly, creating crisp intersections and a professional finish. Here’s how to effectively nest seams for your quilt squares:

Pressing the Seams

1. Initial Preparation: Start by pressing all your quilt squares. This step is crucial for ensuring that your squares are flat and ready for sewing.
2. Directional Pressing: Press the seams of each quilt square in opposite directions. For example, if you press the seams to the right on one row of squares, press the seams to the left on the adjacent row. This opposite pressing allows the seams to interlock or ‘nest’ together neatly later.
3. Consistency: Ensure that the direction of the seams is consistent for each row. This uniformity is key to achieving perfectly nested seams.

Aligning the Quilt Squares

1. Right Sides Together: Lay two quilt squares or rows right sides facing each other. This positioning is essential for clean and hidden seams in the final quilt.
2. Matching Seams: Carefully align the seams of the two pieces. The seams that have been pressed in opposite directions should meet each other exactly at the seam line.

Feeling the ‘Lock’

1. Interlocking Seams: With gentle finger pressure, slide the seams against each other until they interlock or ‘lock’ into place. You will feel this as a small ‘click’ or snug fit where the seams meet.
2. Checking Alignment: There should be no gaps at the seam line, and the intersections should meet precisely. This perfect alignment is what creates crisp and clean intersections in your quilt.

Securing the Seams

1. Pinning: Once the seams are nested and aligned, pin them in place. Insert pins perpendicular to the seam, right at the nested point, to prevent the fabric from shifting as you sew.
2. Avoiding Bulk: By nesting seams, you also distribute the bulk of the fabric on either side of the seam, which is crucial for reducing lumpiness and bulk in the finished quilt.

Sewing the Rows Together

1. Seam Allowance: Sew the pieces together using a consistent seam allowance, usually 1/4 inch for quilting.
2. Sewing Over Nested Seams: Sew straight over the nested seams without altering your seam allowance. This consistency ensures uniformity in the size and shape of your quilt squares.

Final Pressing

1. Pressing the Sewn Seams: After sewing, press the seams again. Depending on your quilt pattern and preference, you can either press the seam open or to one side.
2. Achieving Flatness: Proper pressing after sewing helps to flatten the seam and ensures that the quilt top lies smooth.
3. Final Touches: Check the front of the quilt top to ensure all seams and intersections look neat and aligned.

How to sew quilt squares fast using row-by-row piecing

Fast and Precise: Sewing Quilt Squares Together Row-by-Row

Sewing quilt squares together can sometimes be a challenge, especially when striving for perfectly aligned corners and uniform size. However, with a straightforward and effective method involving fusible interfacing, you can achieve precisely aligned quilt squares with ease. Here’s a step-by-step guide to sewing quilt squares together quickly and accurately using the row-by-row piecing technique.

Step 1: Preparing and Arranging Quilt Squares on Fusible Interfacing

1. Gather Materials: Besides your quilt squares, you’ll need lightweight fusible interfacing, a hot iron, and a suitable pressing surface.
2. Cutting Interfacing: Measure and cut a piece of fusible interfacing slightly larger than the total size of your quilt layout.
3. Laying Out the Squares: On a flat surface, lay the interfacing with its adhesive side facing up. Carefully arrange your quilt squares on the interfacing, following your quilt pattern. Ensure that the squares are placed edge-to-edge without overlapping. This precision is crucial for maintaining the pattern’s integrity.
4. Checking Alignment: It’s vital to double-check that all squares are perfectly aligned and smooth. Any misalignment here will reflect in the final quilt.

Step 2: Fusing the Quilt Squares to the Interfacing

1. Pressing the Squares: Using a hot iron, gently press down on the fabric squares. The heat from the iron activates the adhesive on the interfacing, bonding it to the fabric. Be sure to cover all areas evenly, applying slight pressure to ensure a secure bond.
2. Cooling Time: Allow the interfaced fabric to cool completely. This step solidifies the bond and prepares the fabric for sewing.

Step 3: Sewing the Rows

1. First Row Sewing: Fold the first row of squares over the second row (right sides facing together) along the interfacing line. Sew using a consistent 1/4″ seam allowance. This seam allowance is key for accuracy in quilt squares.
2. Continuing Row-by-Row: Proceed down the length of the interfacing, folding and sewing each subsequent row. Ensure each seam is straight and consistent for a uniform look.

Step 4: Opening and Pressing Seams

1. Seam Opening: Use a seam ripper or small scissors to carefully cut the interfacing along the sewn seams. This allows you to open up the seams without distorting the fabric.
2. Pressing the Seams: Press the seams open or to one side, depending on your preference. This step is crucial for achieving flat, crisp quilt squares.

Step 5: Completing the Quilt Top

1. Sewing Perpendicular Rows: Now, fold and sew the rows in the direction perpendicular to your initial seams. This step starts to bring the quilt top together, showing the pattern you’ve designed.
2. Consistent Seam Allowances: It’s important to maintain the 1/4″ seam allowance for these seams as well. This consistency in seam allowances is what brings the entire piece together seamlessly.

Step 6: Final Pressing

1. Directional Pressing: Press all seams in one direction for a smooth finish. Starting with a finger presser can help set the seams before ironing.
2. Frontal Pressing: For a polished look, give the front of the quilt top a final press. This helps in flattening any remaining puckers or folds.

This video is now more useful on how to sew quilt squares together:

FAQs on Sewing Quilt Squares Together

Conclusion

sewing quilt squares together, whether through traditional piecing, chain piecing, or innovative methods like using fusible interfacing, can be a fulfilling and creative process. The key to success lies in accurate cutting, consistent seam allowances, and careful pressing. Techniques like chain piecing and interfacing can significantly streamline the process, making it more efficient and enjoyable, especially for larger projects. Remember, each method offers its unique advantages and can be chosen based on the quilter’s skill level, the project’s complexity, and personal preference. With practice and patience, anyone can master the art of piecing together quilt squares, leading to beautifully crafted quilts that showcase both skill and creativity.