Sewing Diamonds

Today, there's more about diamonds, and also a giveaway!  I know everyone loves giveaways, but first, the diamonds. 

Sewing diamonds was a lot easier than I thought it would be! Using a technique of stitching just at the seam intersections, then checking the join, helped to relieve a lot of tearing out frustration.

Here's a tutorial on how to do this.

First, the diamonds are sewn together into rows.  Start by laying the second diamond in the row on top of the first,

leaving a scant 1/4" tall dog ear.

Stitch with a scant 1/4" seam.

Press gently to one side, keeping the edge in a straight line.  Do not distort the strip!

Repeat for all the rows.

When all rows in one direction are sewn, place a pin in each row at the first intersections to be joined.  Otherwise, it can get confusing as to which intersection gets sewn to which!  And yes, I speak from experience!

Match up the intersections, fold the seam allowance back a scant 1/4" to check alignment.

Stitch about 8-12 stitches (1/2") through this intersection.

Open the rows, and check the alignment.  Here my seams are not matched.

But no biggie, I just have to take out a few stitches and try again.
Perfect!  At least for me!

Continue this process for all seams.  When done, stitch the entire length of the rows.  Try to stitch over the previous stitching, because too far left, and a bigger bite gets taken, causing a mismatched seam.  

And when it's all done, press gently, and enjoy!

I'm really thrilled this went together so easily!  Makes me want to make another.  But as for this one, I'm thinking an ocean scene, which will require some applique.  


Happy Quilting!