Quilting with Partial Seams
Using partial seams is a special technique that allows you to get unusual effects. In this easy quilting tutorial, you will learn how to make them.
See it All
Below you will find:
- video tutorial
- step-by-step written tutorial with pictures
Video
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Tutorial
When you see blocks like this for the first time, it can be confusing.
Here are the pieces for a 12″ block – centre 4-1/2″ square and four 4-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ rectangles to surround it.
You can see where to start stitching pieces together, but at the end of the small square, there are two pieces to join. Is it a “y seam”?
It’s actually much easier than that. It is called a “partial seam”.
That simply means that you only stitch part of the seam.
Stitch part of the first seam
Begin with the centre square and one of the rectangles. Line them up on one end.
Start stitching the seam on the end just like normal.
Partway down, stop stitching, break the thread and take it out of the sewing machine.
Now press that part of the seam. If you just look at that end, it looks like it is finished.
Stitch the rest of the seams
The second rectangle can be added easily to that end of the piece. It is just like regular piecing.
Continue moving around the centre square and add the third rectangle.
The last piece is added the same way. Be sure to keep the end of the first piece out of the way so it doesn’t get caught in your machine.
Finish the first seam
Now that the fourth piece has been added, you can go back and finish the first seam.
Start stitching where you left off and stitch towards the edge of the block.
That’s how easy it is!
Projects with partial seams
My “Produce Quilt” was made with a lot of partial seams.
To construct this, I started in one corner and worked down to the other corner. I didn’t really love making this quilt because I enjoy chain piecing. It is impossible to chain piece partial seams.
Here is a close-up of the seams.
You can see more of my quilts in my Quilt Gallery.