Press as You Go to Make Accurate Quilt Blocks

I get lots of emails from quilters who are frustrated because the units they make for their blocks don't match up with each other like they should when it's time to sew them together. There are usually just a few reasons why that happens.

• Patches weren't cut quite right
  
• The seam allowance isn't accurate
• Units weren't pressed thoroughly

Don't stress too much about blocks that already have problems -- either your own or from a swap -- because there's an easy way to square them up. But I guarantee that your piecing accuracy will improve immediately when you take a bit of time to press your quilt blocks as you make them. You'll love the payoff in time saved when your quilt blocks fit together just like they should.

_{Photo © Janet Wickell}