Simple Patchwork Sewing Tips

If you're just learning to quilt, you'll soon discover how important it is to sew a nice, straight line when stitching patchwork. Sewing off from the seam allowance just a bit or deviating from sewing a straight line can create wonky, wavy patchwork. And sometimes the blocks or points won't match up in your block pattern.

Here's a few simple patchwork sewing tips to help you sew those nice, straight seams!

By the way, if you're sewing face masks with 100% tightly woven quilting fabric, and using 1/4" seam allowance with straight stitches, these tips will also help you sew some sweet stitches in those masks.

Let's get ready to sew some patchwork!

I'm creating half-square triangle blocks using this method, but these tips will work for any type of patchwork stitched with straight lines and a 1/4" seam allowance, and will work with any brand of sewing machine.

Before getting ready to sew, give your machine a quick cleaning. This is a good opportunity to oil your sewing machine if you haven't done it recently. Cleaning and oiling will help your machine sew smoothly and create those perfect straight stitches for your patchwork.

Use a straight stitch needle plate when sewing straight line patchwork. Most sewing machine brands have one, and if your machine didn't come with a straight stitch needle plate you can purchase one for your machine.

The straight stitch needle plate has one small hole to accept the needle and helps support the fabric while stitching. This can prevent the fabric from "flagging" or causing drag on the needle, and helps to prevent stitch issues. It will also help prevent that annoying problem of fabric being pulled down through the needle plate into the bobbin area!

Insert a new needle, and use the right kind of sewing machine needle to sew the patchwork. Chances are you're sewing with woven, medium weight quilting cotton, and a sharp or microtex needle size 75/11 or 80/12 will work perfectly.

Attach a presser foot specially made for sewing patchwork. These are straight stitch feet that have markings or guides to help you sew an exact 1/4" seam. BERNINA offers a variety of patchwork feet, and virtually every other sewing machine brand will offer at least one. Learn how to use your specific patchwork foot for best results by practicing a bit with fabric scraps.

Select the right kind of thread to sew your patchwork and wind a full bobbin. Quilters usually have a personal preference, and you can choose between something like an Aurifil 100% cotton thread or a Gutterman polyester/cotton blend. There are still others that you may want to try - ask friends what they prefer.

When creating a quilt that will be used and washed, I prefer a high-quality cotton/poly blend 40 weight thread such as the Gutterman Sew-All or the Mettler Metrosene for piecing patchwork.

Thread your sewing machine.

Pull up the bobbin thread.

If you don't have your sewing machine in a cabinet that offers a nice, flat sewing surface, be sure to use a slide-on table. This will help you guide the fabric through the machine and support the patchwork pieces as you sew.

Set your straight stitch length around 2.0 to 2.5mm, or 10-12 stitches per inch. You want a stitch that's tight, but not so small that you can't easily rip out the stitches if you make a mistake. Now you're ready to sew that perfect patchwork!