Quilting Tips to Keep You on Track (and Sane!) During Your Next Project

If you've ever sewn a quilt block together only to find out it's just a teensy bit off, you're not alone. Precision is key in quilting—especially when you're working with multiple small pieces, angles, and units that need to line up just so (looking at you, letter blocks in the Hey Betty Boo quilt!). Don’t worry—I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to help you quilt with confidence and keep those blocks looking crisp and polished.

I made a quick video showcasing some of the tips for sewing smaller pieces for visual learners like myself!

Click the Photo to Watch the YouTube Video

I reference the Hey Betty Boo pattern multiple times in the text below but the information is applicable no matter what pattern you're making.

1. Test Your Seam Allowance—Yes, Even You!

Quarter-inch seams are the holy grail of quilting, but even the most seasoned stitcher should double-check his or her seam allowance now and then. When you're sewing multiple pieces together, even a tiny variation can snowball into a big alignment issue. Stitch up a quick test strip and measure to make sure your seams are spot-on. Your future blocks will thank you.

• In my Hey Betty Boo pattern I provide a "seam allowance measurement test" under the diagram on the cutting chart. Look for the pink box that says "TIP."

2. Starch Wisely

Using a little spray starch can work wonders, especially on the pieces forming the letters within the HEY BOO block. It helps the fabric lie flat and behave itself. BUT—a word of caution—some starches can cause shrinkage, spotting, or scorching on your fabrics. A light spritz is usually all you need.

• Starching Tips: I love the Quilting and Crafting Spray by Magic. It's available online at Downtown Dry Goods (my favorite place to shop!)

  • Press, don’t pull: Pulling on wet fabrics can easily distort and stretch the fibers.

  • Test your starch on a scrap of fabric to check for spotting, or scorching.

  • If you MUST starch every square inch of your fabric, do that before you cut it to ensure your cuts are accurate.

• Consider trying a spritz of water on creases in your fabric. Give it a spritz, a slight rub with your finger, and then press. I avoid putting water directly in my iron to keep it in pristine condition / avoid rusting.

  
  

  

  Magic Quilting & Crafting Spray

  
  

3. Shorten That Stitch Length for Small Pieces

When working with small pieces (like in some of the letter units and especially that comma after the word HEY), shorten your stitch length slightly to 1.7 to 2.0. The smaller the pieces that you're sewing together, the shorter your stitch length should be to ensure you have secure stitches from edge to edge of that seam. Bonus: It also helps keep those points nice and sharp! - but also if you need to rip out a seam it can be a bit more tedious.

4. Stitch-and-Flip Pressing Tips

This technique is quilting gold, but it can go wonky if you're not careful. After stitching, press before you trim—this helps you get a more accurate flip. And resist the urge to tug or stretch your fabric into place. If it’s not lining up just right, it’s okay to unpick and try again (we’ve all been there!). If you cut before you press, you may end up needing to cut new pieces instead of just being able to unpick your seam and try again.

5. Pin for Precision—Especially on That Tricky Y Unit

The letter Y can be a little fussy to piece. Use pins to help line everything up before sewing, especially where seams need to meet precisely. A few extra seconds with the pins can save you a lot of frustration.

6. Keep Your Fabric Labels Close

You know all those little labels from your cut pieces? Don’t toss them! We’ll be using those same labels again in future blocks. Keep them organized in a small dish, use fabric clips to keep them in order, or pin them to your design wall—whatever helps you keep track of what’s what.

Mixer Block in the Hey Betty Boo Quilt

Quilting is as much about the journey as the final quilt. So take your time, double-check as you go, and enjoy each stitch. These small adjustments can make a big difference in your final project—and help you avoid the dreaded seam ripper (well, most of the time).

Happy stitching, friends! 🧵– Annie Moose

P.S. Don’t forget to share your progress with us on Instagram using #HeyBettyBooQAL—I love seeing your blocks come to life!

Need even more help with accuracy when piecing? Check out this video by "Just Get It Done Quilts." She goes over all the basics of precision quilting.