The Blue and Brown Quilt Joins Together

The first four rows are sewn together.  You can see the pattern easily in the brown rectangles and bird print.  I sewed row 1 and row 2 together and then row 3 and 4. The next step was to sew the two sets of two rows together.  It is easier to sew together row 2 (already sewn to row 1) and row 3 (already sewn to row 4) as there will be less fabric to handle as the quilt goes through the machine.

Pin row 5 and 6 (already sewn together) to rows 7, 8 and 9 (sewn together).  Remember to sew flat sides together (bottom is flipped) and check the labels and pattern to avoid using that seam ripper!

Almost done! You will need to sew all around the edge of the quilt. I double back over every seam to ensure that the quilt edges stay together even with a dog or kids in the house!  Also make sure that seams that are hidden below remain separated and flat as you go over them.

Now it's time to clip every edge, including the outside edges.  Make the clips about 1/4 to 1/2 inch apart depending on the look you want. For the baby quilts with no batting, 1/4 inch works. For this quilt with medium thick batting, clipping every 1/2 inch or a little closer will be preferable.  Clip almost to the seam, but do not clip through the seam.  The special rag quilt clippers shown are invaluable.  The blades are short and sharp! Cut close to each seam for a fluffier, more upright look.

One more hint for thread clippings:  a sheet from a lint roller to collect those loose "tails" cut off.

In sewing each row, clip tails with small scissors, and put the thread tails on the lint remover sheet. When you're done, just throw the sheet away and start each sewing session with a new one.