crazy quilting technique

[oldmodel66]

I am in the process of making my first crazy quilt and having a fun time constructing the 12.5" blocks using some recycled clothing and various scraps. My question is how to join the 12.5" squares together without having such a "heavy" seam. I joined a few together using a 1/4" seam allowance and the seams are way too thick to proceed. Any help and direction would be appreciated.
Thank you,

[Evie]

It's been a while since I made one. But, try putting a sashing strip between the blocks. That way you can press towards the sashing and there won't be any bulk. See what color appears dominant in the blocks and use it for sashing.

Here's one that Rick did and he used black for the sashing. It's really pretty.

http://www.quiltinaday.com/community/to ... opic=14905

[ctherrie]

All the crazy quilts I have seen are one large block not blocks sewn together. I can see how those seams could get bulky. I know it is kind of unusual in quilting but I have seen people, in some instances press the seams open to cut down on the bulk. You might try that.

[CaroleJ]

You can also use a mallet to pound the seams so they lie flatter. If the fabrics are suitable, mist them a bit, press with an iron, then pound them, or press them with one of those little wooden irons.

Never would have thought of taking a mallet to a quilt...as yet...but I saw one in Keepsake Quilting's catalog and it makes a lot of sense for bulky seams.

[khowardquilts]

I haven't tried this, but a friend makes her crazy quilts this way. She zigzags the edges of the pieces onto her background square so there isn't as much bulk; she also overlaps the blocks and sews them with the zigzag stitch. The quilt I have seen was sewn with black thread. It is the only kind of quilt that she makes and people have places orders for them.

Kathy