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How to Line Up Parallelograms When Quilting

Parallelogram quilt pieces may seem daunting to match up, but do not let that discourage you. Parallelograms are used in quilting to make binding strips and diamond-shape quilt blocks. As opposed to lining up four straight sides to a square, you only line up one side and the other three sides will not match while being sewn. Using a cutting mat with a grid will enable you to line up the pieces with the grid marks for even more accuracy.

Instructions

- 1
  Iron any seams that have already been sewn. The seams should be opened in a manner that allows them to lay flat against the quilt backing. Depending on your finished quilt design, the seams can be pressed to the side for nesting seams or pressed open.
- 2
  Lay one parallelogram flat on the work surface in front of you. The right side, or the side of the fabric you want showing, should be facing up.
- 3
  Lay the second parallelogram, right side facing up, directly beside the first one. Situate the pieces as you want them to look on the finished quilt. Bias border strips will need to be lying with the edge of one offset 1/4 inch from the second to allow for the seam allowance.
- 4
  Flip the second piece straight over, just as if you were closing a book, onto the top of the first piece. The right sides of the fabric will be facing each other. Realign the edge that will be sewn so the top and bottom edges still line up evenly.
- 5
  Pin the pieces together along the seam to prevent any movement or shifting while you are sewing.

Sewing