Partial Seam Tutorial

Today, I found myself working on a design using partial seams.  So I thought I would take a few pictures and share the technique as a tutorial.  It is really very easy!

Instead of adding short strips to the sides of your block and then adding longer strips to the top and bottom of your block, this method allows you to add four strips which are all the same length.

Your four strips will measure the width of your finished block plus the width of one strip.

For this tutorial, my unfinished 9 Patch block measures 12.5", so the finished size will be 12".

My strips are 2.5" wide.

12" + 2.5" = 14.5"

So each of my strips measure 2.5" x 14.5"

With right sides together, place one strip on the block with raw edges flush, and pin in place.

The strip will overhang the block by 2".  Sew a partial seam.

Do not sew all the way to the end of the block, but stop short of the end by about 2" to 3", and backstitch.

Press the seam.

I press my seams open, but if you like to press to one side, press the seams toward the strip.

The next strip will be applied to the end with the completed seam.

With right sides together, place the second strip on the block with raw edges flush, and pin in place.

Pin at each end and then in the middle of the strip.

This strip will NOT overhang the block.

Sew a complete seam.

  Press the seam.

As with the second strip, apply the third and fourth strips, sewing complete seams and pressing as you go.

Now it is time to complete the partial seam.

Line up the seam and start sewing on the partial seam somewhere before the backstitching.

Backstitch again and continue sewing to the end of the strip.

Press this seam... And you're done!

See?  Easy!

Hope you will find this tutorial useful.  I am adding it to my Tutorials Page as found beneath my blog header.  If you are interested, there are many other helpful hints linked up there, too!

Keep on, Quilting on!