TIPS FOR IMPROV CURVES

The landscape on the To the Sea mini quilt is created using improv curve piecing. This means you are not given a template but are cutting your own curves freehand. These tips will help guide you through the process:

■ You can overlap the two strips of fabric and cut through both layers together, or you can cut one layer first before laying it on top of the other and ‘shadow’ cutting the second layer to match it.

■ Always use pieces that are longer than you want your finished piece to be, as you will trim the edges at the end.

■ Jo recommends using a smaller 28mm rotary cutter in order to make it easier for you to cut improv curves.

■ Keep your cutting lines smooth and steady. Don’t be afraid to re-cut a piece if you are not happy; you will only lose a tiny bit of fabric by doing this.

■ All curved seams are sewn from the centre of the seam outwards. When you get to the end simply flip the piece over and sew from the centre outwards again.

■ Jo locks her seams at the centre point to avoid loose stitches occurring, but be careful not to build up too many stitches there. Instead, try to do your reversing further into the seam allowance.

■ These are gentle curves, but you will still need to sew carefully and slowly, easing your curved seam and pivoting every few stitches. Try not to pull your fabric or allow pleats and tucks to occur. Use a consistent seam throughout and take extra care to keep your raw edges matched exactly.

■ You may want to practise cutting and sewing improv curves with some scrap strips, before beginning your project.