Did you know that there are products out there that help you achieve precision piecing for your quilts? They're called Acorn Precision Piecing Products.
PRECISION PIECING STARTER KIT
The first thing that I want to show you is the Acorn Precision Piecing Starter Kit. It includes a 4 oz. bottle of the Easy Press Fabric Treatment, 1 oz. bottle of the Seam Align Glue, and an Easy Press Pen. This little combo is, seriously, fantastic.
So let's look at the Easy Fabric Treatment. This is considered a refill as it is the solution that is in the pen; however, it can also be used in a misting bottle and can be used to treat your fabric. By treating your fabric, it is similar to starching, but there are other benefits as well. This solution strengthens the fibers. It also helps reduce stretching. Because of this, when cutting out your quilt pieces, there is more accuracy.
You can do multiple applications if you need more stability and body. It also helps with stain resistance.
Now, let’s take a peek at the Seam Align Glue. This is considered a light hold fabric glue. The bottle has a convenient metal applicator so you can apply a controlled amount of glue to your fabric.
Lastly, the kit includes the Easy Press Pen. It has a reservoir that holds the Easy Press Treatment. It has a reusable tip, or nib, that, once depressed, will dispense the solution onto your fabric. This will result in flat, easy to sew seams.
HOW DO YOU USE PRECISION PIECING PRODUCTS?
Acorn Precision Piecing Products: Easy Press Fabric Treatment
As previously mentioned, I am using a misting bottle. This works great to evenly apply to treatment over the fabric. Now, just press the fabric.
You will be able to see and feel a difference in the fabric. Once again, this makes for more accurate cutting and less fraying. Now that we are done with that step, we can move on to using the glue. This is the fun part.
Acorn Precision Piecing Products: Seam Align Glue
When applying the glue, you want to make sure that it is within the seam allowance. About every ½” or so, place a small dot. Place your other fabric, right side down and line up the raw edges. Once you have them lined up, grab your iron and press. Make sure that you don’t push the fabric, simply place the iron on the fabric. Lift and repeat. Holding it for 3-5 seconds should be sufficient to dry the glue. The iron is setting the glue. An important thing to share is, this is a light holding glue. If you make a mistake, you can pull your fabric apart.
The next step is to head over to the sewing machine and sew 1/4 “ seam allowance. Once you have sewn your seam allowance, set your seam. Press your seam towards the dark fabric. Open up your fabric. Finger press. Then press with the iron.
Acorn Precision Piecing Products: Easy Press Pen
Lastly, grab the Easy Press Pen- remember, it’s filled with the Easy Press Fabric Treatment. If I don’t use it (example on the right), see how, even after pressing, the fabric still sits up a bit. Depress the pen nib and then evenly apply the solution on the high side of the seam. Now you are good to press one more time. Look how nice and flat that seam is now. This will make it much easier to patch.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
In addition to using the Acorn Precision Piecing Products, I also want to mention a few other helpful tips when piecing.
Quarter Inch Presser Foot
A ¼ foot is essential. At the end of the attached video, I shared a video about this great presser foot.
Use The Correct Needle
Make sure you use the correct sewing machine needle. You can use a Quilting Sewing Machine Needle or a Sharp Sewing Machine Needle. I prefer using the Sharp Needle. The very sharp point will pierce the fabric instead pushing the fibers to the side. Because of this piecing versus pushing, the fabric will shift less because it has less resistance, resulting in a more precise outcome.
Pair It With A Straight Stitch Plate
Ideally, you would also use a straight stitch plate. Because there is a small opening for the needle and there is support all around the needle, the fabric will only meet a little resistance; whereas, if you had a zig-zag needle plate, there is a wide opening. This would allow for more movement in the fabric. At the end of the included video, I also shared a video about the straight stitch plate.
HOW YOU CAN GET THESE PRODUCTS?
Currently, there are several options available for Acorn Precision Piecing Products. You can get the Seam Align Glue in the 1 oz bottle. This is necessary as it has an applicator. You can also get a 4oz refill of the Glue. The Easy Treatment, because you will fall in love with it, has several options. You have the 4 oz bottle, the 16 oz bottle, and the gallon option. The Easy Press Pen also has replacement nibs. Although they are reusable, with time and use, you may find it necessary to change them out.
Although this is primarily used when quilting, know that you can use this in other applications as well, such as raw edge applique and regular sewing.
I hope that the information provided encouragement for you --knowing there is a product out there that will make your piecing life easier.
Until next time, Happy Sewing Everyone
