How to keep your quilt 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 8-1/2 x 24-1/2 in Quilt Ruler by Creative Grids.
Piecing - sew your blocks together using consistent 1/4” seams (a foot with a quarter-inch guide is especially helpful).
TIP: If your individual block has many pieces, use a scant 1/4” seam to achieve the block size noted in the pattern.
Press seams – Press the stitched line from the wrong side of the fabric, then 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 sew borders to your quilt can be found here.
