Welcome to Tips and Tutorials On The 22nd (#TTot22). This is the third installment; but not to worry you can see past entries at my Pinterest board (here).
This month’s tutorial are two ways that I like to make folded corners. Both require a special tool; but both save me hours of drawing lines and inaccuracy.
The first way is to use this simple tape. It is made by Cluck Cluck Sew and called Diagonal Seam Tape*. I use it on both my machines. It is there all the time so I never need to draw a line again. This time save is inexpensive (under $10) and I have only put it on once and used it for many months.
Before you begin you should install the tape. I have the tape installed the length of my table, and used a ruler to guide me when I did it. You could draw a pencil line to help you and place the tape over it. Also, as I used it, I cut it out around the insert and made it a little smaller over the bobbin case (I like to see my thread).
First line up your pieces on top of each other. I am showing where I am using a smaller square on a rectangle – the Awesome Ocean pattern required lots of these corners.
Then, sew your seam. I generally sew close to the line, you can decide if you want more room for error. (Bonus hint: The last needle I put in the machine was the one you can see under the insert).
You can see this works pretty well. There is not much hanging out over the edge. Precision is an advantage of this method in that you can check before you trim and press.
Now, I am not always the most precise sewer. So, I love the “Simple Folded Corners*” Ruler. Why? the advantage is that the trimming is done first and it makes it all feel so much faster to me.
Place the ruler on the pieces.
Make sure the line intersects the corners and then you can trim.
(Bonus hint: the tape is Nexcare Tape for skin – grippy and clear)
Sew across the diagonal line.
Then sew and press. I find this method the quickest, but you can make an error cutting (measure twice, cut once). I use both methods but do prefer to trim before I sew; it seems faster. BUT, I always have the tape there both to help guide and if the ruler is missing in action.
February Tips and Tutorials:
How to cut perfect borders without a tapemeasure
Some ways to use your cell phone camera to help quilting
Laser marker and quilting
Microwave Cozies
The linky party below is for this month! I’m hoping for some great tips and tutorials. Your tutorial doesn’t have to be new, but I love seeing them, so lets keep the queen happy (see yesterday’s blog)
Coming Up on the Blog:
2020 Monthly Color Block
QuiltCon (I promise soon!!)
ProStitcher RetreatSpring Fling (cancelled)
Awesome Ocean Top 3/29
Linking Up:
Friday Foto Fun
What I Made Monday
I linked up a post from 2018 about photography, hope that older post is okay. I also use that folded corner ruler, and I have the tape but haven’t used it much yet. Trimming (or squaring) the piece after attaching the folded corner is key for me.
Thanks for the link up!!! Yes, trimming is key, and I may amend to make sure people see that. Thank you!
Hi Kathleen! I am intrigued by that tape you mentioned for the ruler and to stop slippage – Nexcare. I have been meaning to pick up that tape with the different lines on it – then you can delete the laser light post! I don’t have a thing to share this month – my head is just not in the game. Stay healthy and safe, my friend. ~smile~ Roseanne
Not to worry, I had to Wendy what to write about, so that tells you how my head was. I would love a laser, and I had trouble keeping the one I got on. Of course, it may have been user error…. You take care of you and yours – hard and unprecedented – and I pray it is over soon.
Well that IS a slick ruler. Nice to see Allison’s diagonal seam tape in action; I know she is always talking about it, ha! Thanks for doing this linkup. I may get that tutorial together this week… Going to write it in my planner right now!
It is a slick ruler. Gotta say I love it as much as the triangle one, for all the things I don’t have accuquilt dies for! The tape is really fabulous, and simple. Love to see your tutorial, and if not this month, there is next month!
Loved seeing these tools reviewed. I have the ruler but always forget to use it – looks like a winner to me. Loved your little tip about putting the needle case underneath the see-through table. I always forget what needle is in the machine and you should see me with the magnifying glass and still squinting trying to read the engraved size!! I’ll use that tip from now on, thanks.
That ruler travels with me, even if I have no plans to make folded corners…. Oh, isn’t that needle case so good….I know I can see the colors, sometimes on the needles, but this is so much easier!!! Glad you found a few helpful things; do link up if you have some tutes/tips of your own!!!
I too prefer using a ruler for my folded corners — I use the one by Creative Grids, I absolutely love it!
I love that we all have different methods that we find work for us!
Mari of Academic Quilter sent me the Diagonal tape as a Christmas present and I love it so much that I use it all the time even when I am not doing snowball corners. It definitely made the RSC blocks go faster. Wishing you good health in these trying times. I am glad I got to hug you before all hell broke loose.
I do love it and just introduced a few more friends to it. I am so glad for our time together at QuiltCon. It seems like a distant memory…so far all are well in my world. Feels a selfish thing to say, but I am grateful for it.
Enjoyed your tutorial, might have to get me one of those rulers…thanks!
It made everything so much faster with the awesome ocean quilt!
Both the ruler and the tape are great ideas – thank you for sharing them!
You are so welcome, and sorry for the late reply…the original got lost in the vortex!