A few weeks ago, I did a post on half-square triangle (HST) squares which included instructions on making multiples of these units. Those unit have a bias seam. Another type of unit that has a bias seam are those created using the technique referred to at stitch & flip or folded corners. That’s the type of unit I will cover in this week’s piecing tips, along with basic fabric facts to keep in mind while cutting and piecing your current project. So let’s get started!
Fabric Grain & Bias
To understand the difference between a bias (diagonal) seam and a straight seam and why they behave differently, you need to know about fabric grain and bias. This may be a review for experienced sewers and quilters, but it never hurts to review.
The lengthwise grain of the fabric runs parallel to the selvage and is the most stable grain of the fabric.
The line I’m pointing to in the left photo is showing the lengthwise grain. In the second photo, notice how there’s not much stretch to the fabric when I pull on opposite sides of the piece of fabric. It’s a good idea to cut in this direction for long pieces needed for the project like border strips, if possible.
The crosswise grain is a little less stable than the lengthwise grain. It’s perpendicular to the selvage (the line my finger is pointing to). As you can see in the photo below, there is a little more stretch to the fabric in this direction.
Finally, the bias of the fabric is at the 45 degree angle from the selvage. This is where the fabric is the least stable.
It’s important to remember this because any seams that are diagonal are in the bias direction of the fabric. Any seam sewn on the bias (like in HSTs) must be handled with care when pressing or ripping out so the fabric is not stretched out of shape. Once fabric is stretched a lot on the bias, it can remain distorted.
Bias Seam Type – Flying Geese
Since we covered HSTs that have a bias seam in a previous post, I’ll move on to another unit that has bias seams – flying geese. This is an example of the stitch & flip technique. I think most of you are familiar with how to make the traditional flying geese unit, but I will review quickly below.
Using 2 squares 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ and a 2 1/2 x 4 1/2″ rectangle, the photos below show the steps:
Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the two squares. When you lay one of the squares face down on the rectangle, pin to keep the square from shifting. Once you sew along the line, the next steps (photos below) are very important:
On the left I am folding over the square, after stitching the seam, to make sure its edge matches up with the edge of the rectangle. The center photo shows that when I measure the unit, it still measures 2 1/2 x 4 1/2″ . I can then trim off the excess fabric in the seam allowance (last photo). That is a key in stitch & flip units, always fold over and measure the unit after stitching before trimming off any excess fabric.
Repeat the above steps on the other side, and you will have a flying geese unit. For making multiple units at once, see a previous post of mine here.
Bias Seam Type – Other Stitch & Flips
There are other ways to use the stitch & flip method besides making flying geese. Stitch & flip is also used to make corners on squares that add a unique look to the design of a block. The block shown below is from my Star Wheels quilt. It has flying geese in it, but also other stitch & flip parts:
I also used stitch & flip in my quilt Sunset Sky:
Besides the flying geese units that make up the center star of that block, the four corner squares have a lot of stitch & flip!
You can do stitch and flip on any block unit that has a 90 degree angle like a square or a rectangle. I’m going to demo using the black pointed units in Star Wheels block from above. The steps are similar to making single flying geese units.
In my demo, I start with a 2 1/2″ black square and a tan 1 1/2″ square. Draw a line on the wrong side of the tan square as a guide for stitching, lay the smaller square face down on the larger one and line up its edges with the edges of the larger square as shown. I like to pin it in place for stitching so the small square does not shift. Then stitch on the line.
Once the seam is sewn, I fold over the square like I did in the flying geese steps above and measure the unit to make sure it still measures 2 1/2 x 2 1/2″ and the edge of the small square lines up with the edge of the larger square. Then I can cut off the excess fabric in the seam allowance (last photo below).
Repeat these steps on the other side of the square to finish that unit:
Here are some other blocks that I’ve made using the stitch & flip technique:
You can create a lot of interesting designs using this method. Just be careful if you have to un-sew any of these bias seams. Like I mentioned earlier, the fabric stretches easier on the bias and you could end up distorting your block pieces. Once you cut away the excess fabric in the seam allowance, you can’t un-sew the unit and start over. That’s the reason why I have you measure the size of your finished unit prior to cutting any excess seam allowance away.
See my mini video tutorial where I demonstrate stitch & flip steps below:
So that’s it for this week. Leave me a comment or ask questions below and I will enter you into a drawing for my quilt pattern for Sunset Sky. The drawing will be on Monday, February 26th. Good luck!
Happy Quilting!
Deanne
Thanks so much for a great insightful blog!
This is a great reminder to be so careful when sewing with bias edges. I always have to remind myself to double check size before trimming.
Thank you for posting this.
Thank you for the great tips!
I really like Sunset Sky!
Your blog posts do a great job explaining techniques.
Thank you. Your tips are always helpful no matter whether new technique or a reminder. Thanks so much!
Thank you! I always appreciate the info even if it is only a reminder.
Thank you for the this information! I had not considered cutting long strips on the length wise grain of the fabric. An excellent idea that I will start using. I am thinking my long border strips will be much straighter than they have been.
Thank you for your information. I think we always can use a reminder….sometimes we forget about those bias seams until it is too late!
Thanks for the overview of the bias seams.
Bonjour, Merci pour vos conseils.
Great information! Need reminders making the flying geese.
Great video with good instructions!
Wow, your tips came at the perfect time as I am cutting fabric to make some stitch and flip flying geese. Thank you so much.
Thank you for the bias seam tips.
I started cutting lengthwise strips and it really makes a difference, especially for long lengths. And, if my pattern has a lot of bias seams, starch helps a lot. Thanks for your always great information!
Thank you again for all the great tips, photos, & video!
All good information to know. Thanks for sharing!
Lots of really good supplemental tips. Thanks!
Well done! Thank so very much
Lots of great tips as always!
Love your instructional emails. I always learn something.
Thanks
Thank you so much for all your tutorials. They are so helpful!
These are all good reminders. Thanks for the tutorials!
Enjoyed the tutorial and would add when adding the second square on a rectangle – double check that you’ve added it to the correct corner. Even if your flip lines up, if it’s on the wrong corner, you won’t get the correct block. Ask me how I know… and you can’t fix it after you cut the excess.
Definitely great advice! I’ve done that myself too.😁
Some really good advice and reminders. I have cut away the excess fabric too early sometimes and then waste those pieces cause they don’t ever work when I try to fix them.
Thank you–I will try cutting my long borders on the lengthwise grain next time. On stitch n flip corners, I sew a second line 1/2 inch from the first towards the corner. Then I cut between the two seams. This gives me itty bitty half square triangle blocks to use in another project instead of just wasting the corners. I collect them and square them up when I have enough to use. They make cute little scrappy accents in potholders, mug rugs, along the top of little fabric baskets or totes.
I love the idea. It’s a great way to not waste any fabric!
Great info – very hepful!
I so appreciate all you tips and instructions!!!! Quilting is a progress of learning!!!! Love all your designs!!!
Yes! My flying geese are so wonky, I never measure to be sure it matches the rectangle. I have to try this because HSTs give me fits! Thank you for the tips. This post was very clear and helpful.