4-Patch seams

[theothermarion]

How do you get the seams to "twirl" at the center so as to reduce bulk?

[theothermarion]

If you press all the seams in the same direction, either clockwise or anti-clockwise, the middle will sit flat. I hope that explains it well enough!

[theothermarion]

I find that simply pressing the seams doesn't always result in the flattest center, but if I actually "pick out" the ends of the seams crossed by the final seam, they will then twirl. Don't cut the threads picked out, but that last seam will hold everything in place quite well. Mary

[theothermarion]

If you are having trouble making the seams twist on the back, the problem may be that the seams are not matched perfectly in the front. The magic won't happen if the seam is "off" For a four patch, you should be creating another one quarter inch four patch on the back. Keep trying. Betty Ann in Sunny but Cool Florida

[Margo]

How do you get the seams to "twirl" at the center so as to reduce bulk?

Sherri, if you can wait a few more days, I will be posting my February BOM tutorial (with photos) on Sunday when the pattern is posted, and I show how I get my seams to twirl! It really does reduce the bulk at that center point!

[Margo]

I checked out the tutorial on your site but still can't figure out exactly which stitches to take out......guess I too visual.....grrr!
Thank you for the sutorial though....

[Margo]

Sherri, when you turn your four-patch to the back to press the seams, use your fingers to lay them in the right direction. (All four seams should go either clock-wise, or counter-clockwise)Sometimes the necessary stitches will come unstitched with just a little finger pressure. If the intersection doesn't want to twirl, you can unstitch the 2 or 3 stitches that are preventing the twirl. You should see a small four patch at the intersection, and can press the intersection flat.
BTW...the twirl WILL NOT WORK if the seams are not lined up correctly when the last seam is stitched. The first two seams should snug up to one another, but not overlap.