How to Keep Your Blocks and Quilt Top Square
A square quilt top lies flat without waves or folds, and is critical for ensuring quality longarm stitching. Keeping a quilt top square requires precision from the very beginning, starting with square blocks. Follow these tips for keeping your quilt top square.
Cutting - use a good rotary cutter and quality rulers (my favorites are the Stripology XL Ruler and 8-1/2in x 24-1/2inQuilt Ruler by Creative Grids.
Piecing - sew your blocks together using consistent 1/4” seams (a foot with a quarter-inch guide is especially helpful).
Press seams – iron from the front or “right side” of your quilt top to avoid folded seams. Blocks will be easier to align and truer to size.
Square up – ensure that each block is trimmed to the desired finished block size before you assemble your quilt top. It may be time-consuming, but your rows will go together much easier, and your quilt top will stay square.
Borders – do not pre-cut your borders! Use the center of your quilt top to measure each border individually. Measure one border at a time. Do not assemble multiple borders and apply as one. Details on how to do this here.