Precision Piecing Workshop

Barbara Black was the instructor for today’s Coastal Prairie Quilt Guild workshop. She is based in Alabama and travels to teach precision piecing techniques.

One of the most valuable takeaways was the importance of measuring each section of your blocks as you go. This allows you to catch and correct mistakes immediately rather than discovering them later.

She also teaches annually at the Houston International Quilt Show, where she shared helpful insights on what judges look for in competition quilts.

Another key takeaway was the importance of squaring up quilt tops—especially essential for longarm quilters. When adding borders, measure from both sides and the center to determine the correct length for cutting. Avoid the shortcut of cutting borders to match each side individually, as this can lead to a wavy quilt that won’t lie flat.

Finally, when attaching borders, sew the side borders first, followed by the top and bottom for the best results.

Be sure to take classes and workshops to sharpen your quilting skills. Happy, quilting!