How to keep the center seam of Pinwheel from puckering

[sewngran]

I think I am brain dead because I can't seem to understand Eleanor's instructions on the center seam of the pinwheel. I read the instructions on the Merry Go Round Pinwheel pattern on how to treat the center joining seam to keep it from puckering, but for the life of me, I can't understand how it's done. I have seen Eleanor Burns do it either on TV or one of her video's, and it seemed so simple, but that was a while ago, and this is now. I think I am just a visual person and need to see it done. (or possibly having a brain freeze). Any advise or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. (I also posted this in El's Corner)
Thanks.

sewngran

[auntjana]

The visual is in the Media theatre - and it is really easy - and works too!!

Maybe I can walk you thru it here - with words -

1 - after you joined the half sq triangles together - to make the pinwheel - look at the seam that you just sewed.

2 - at the center intersection there will be a seam that is vertical - right at the center - from the intersection there are about 3 or 4 stitches to the end of that vertical seam. Those are the ones that you pick out - remove to the seam line that crosses it. Turn the piece around and do the same thing - in the same spot on the other side.

3 - almost done - lay the piece on the ironing board and stick your finger in the center of the pinwheel - on the wrong side - and wiggle - it should open up and then you can press the seams down - going around the piece - clockwise direction - you will then have a small pinwheel in the center - and the front will lie flat.

All it will take is once and it is great - do it on your four patch blocks too - their centers will lie flat too.

Ask me as many times as you need - glad to answer
Jana

[Marilynsgrammy]

http://www.quiltinaday.com/eleanorandco ... und_12.pdf

Jana's description is perfect.. if you need a visual the link above shows it on page 3 starting at number 6.... it's amazing how it works.

Chriss

[sewngran]

Thank you auntjana and Marilynsgrammy! I read the MerryGoRound instructions and watched Eleanor's video on Pinwheels. I think I understand it now. It has been a while since I made blocks that had bulky seams in the center, and I couldn't get it to look right. I read that some just press the seam open, but I didn't want to do that. Thanks again for responding. You were a great help.

sewngran

[Marilynsgrammy]

glad we could help... make sure you post a picture in the photo section of your creation... we love to ooohhh and aaawwww also....