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How to Spin Seams
It's not as hard as it looks!
To spin or not to spin; that is the question!
The answer? Spin! I know it looks intimidating, but with a little planning and attention to pressing those seams in the right direction, it really is easy!
So, what is spinning seams and why does it matter? Spinning seams is a method of joining blocks that allow the seams to spread out into a pinwheel-type pattern on the back of the quilt top. But no one will see this, so why bother? Because it reduces the bulkiness at those intersections where the 4 corners of the blocks come together. Instead of having four layers of fabric (minimum!) piled up at those intersections, you’ll only have two, making the whole quilt-top smoother. Not only will it feel nicer when you’re cuddled underneath it or sitting on top of it (think picnic quilt!), but your quilting will be straighter and more even since your presser foot won’t have to navigate those huge lumps of fabric.
Is it worth the effort?
Admittedly, my first attempt didn’t go so well. I wanted my quilt to last forever, so I diligently secured my piecing stitches at the start and end of each seam. Well, if you’re spinning your seams, you won’t want to do this. You’ll see why in just a bit. On my next attempt, I thought I would assemble my rows and then stitch a few of the rows to each other before I took a break from sewing and started to spin my seams. Sadly, I had not paid attention to the pressing of my seams, and while my blocks nested nicely, the pressed seams could not spin. Yeah, we’ll talk about that one as well.
Does it take longer? A little, yes. But after you’ve spent all that time cutting your fabric and piecing the blocks, and more effort to come with quilting and binding, isn’t it worth a little extra time to make the final product as good as it can possibly be? The answer is Yes! Why do all that had work, just to settle for less than the best?
Let's get started!
Ok, I’ve made my pitch. If you’re convinced (and you should be!), let’s get started. I’ve taken a few squares from my stash to use for this demo.
We generally assemble the quilt by attaching one row to another row, so that’s how we’ll approach this tutorial. I’ve stitched together several blocks (simple fabric squares for this demo) to form three rows. As I mentioned, I did not secure the seams, but you will use a smallish stitch – 2.0 or 2.5. The seams will ultimately be secured by the quilting stitch, so no worries!
We'll need an alternate way to press the seams.
After each row is assembled, you’ll want to press the seams. This is THE most critical step in the whole process, so pay attention!
Typically, you would press the seams of the first row to the left, and the second row to the right (or vice versa), allowing seams of the first row to nicely nest with the seams of the second row. Our seams will also nest, and here’s how it works.
For the first row, press the first seam to the left, and the next seam to the right, then left, right, etc. until you reach the end of the row.
For the second row, press the first seam to the right, and the next seam to the left, then right, left, etc. until you reach the end of the row.
The third row will be pressed in the same direction as row one, and the fourth row will be the same as row two. So, all even rows will be the same, and all odd rows will be the same.
Pin the rows together and stitch!
Just as you would in the traditional method, pin row one to row two, right sides together. Because the direction of each seam is opposite of the row above and below, the seams will still nest.
Now you’re ready to stitch the rows together. You can use securing stitches for this part (recommended). As usual, be sure seams nest closely together. You will also want to ensure the seams stay in the desired direction as they go under the presser foot. Go slowly! This isn’t a foot race.
Now for the fun part!
I like to do this at the pressing board, with the iron heated and ready to go. In the images, you can see that I used white thread to piece the blocks together to create the rows, and blue thread to stitch row one to row two. This is for demonstration purposes only.
I recommend spinning the seams after each row is added to the quilt top. This will identify any issue with how the seams have been pressed before you've gone too far.
Follow the steps below to spin those seams!
1) Flip the quilt top over so that you're working on the back or wrong side.
2) This next part sounds scary, but it will be fine. Use a seam ripper to remove one or two of the stitches from the seam that you used to piece the blocks together when you assembled the rows. In the image above, I removed stitches binding the white and red blocks, and the gold and chambray blocks. These are the white thread stitches.
3) Only remove as many as needed to get the four corners to lay flat. Gently pull the fabric apart where you've removed the stitches. Using your finger, press the middle of the intersecting seams to ensure the fabric will lay flat. If the seams are resisting, remove one more stitch and try again.
4) Look closely at the image above. You can see how the corners should be folded. Each fabric will fold back over itself.
5) Press the four corners flat (I like to use a little Best Press for this), and move on to the next one!
6) Notice that the intersecting seams on either side, above and below will spin in the opposite direction.
Now, step back and admire your smooth quilt top!
Poof! Mind blown.
You'll thank yourself for taking the extra effort to spin the seams.
*****
Questions?
This process will go faster as you get a few of these under your belt, and it is so satisfying to see those neat, flat intersecting seams.
While I’ve been as thorough and yet concise as I can be, you may still be scratching your head. If so, please reach out to me by sending an email to info@skeeterbugquilts.com.au.