Quality Guidelines for block swaps

15. Quality: This is probably the very most important of this entire tutorial. I will try to cover as much as possible in this section. If you think of something I've left out please let me know and I will see if I can add it. This section is strictly for us to learn from....It is not for the purpose of making fun of anyone. If you have examples that you believe would add to the learning process you may send them to me. Just know in advance that unless you include a SASE your blocks CANNOT be returned to you. It is my goal to provide as much information as possible to help swappers have a more satisfying swap experience.

If you are making machine appliqué blocks for one of my swaps, there are some quality points that I am extremely picky about. I always state that fusible designs must be secured/finished with one of the following:

Satin Stitch...a close zig zag stitch that has a satin appearance.

I use matching thread in either Mettler Silk Finish Cotton or Madeira Rayon thread. Experiment to find the thread that works best for you.

You will find my tips for successful machine appliqué on another page.

You will also be able to see examples of satin stitching that should NEVER have been sent to a swap hostess.

Notice on this sample how smoothly the satin stitching flows around the curves. The width is nice and even. This is an excellent example.
Another view of the same block. Notice here how well the quilter has maneuvered the tight curves.
Another excellent example of satin stitching. Look at the sharpness of the points and the smoothness of the curves.
Nice sharp points and gentle curves.
Good example of overlapping satin stitching. Always number your pattern in the order in which it should be stitched. Start with #1 on the line that is furthest underneath and so on until you get to the uppermost line.
Another example of smooth stitching and neat turns. On all examples shown here, you can see that the edge of the fabric is completely covered with stitching. There should be NO raw edges poking out from the stitching.
Neat, smooth curves.

Buttonhole Stitch...This can be done either with the machine or by hand. Both are acceptable.

	Nice even buttonhole stitching done with gold metallic thread. Notice how even the stitches are.
	Another nice example of machine buttonhole with metallic thread.
	Hand buttonhole done with cotton floss. Nice, even stitches.

Feather Stitch....another decorative stitch that can be done by machine or hand.

This feather stitching is done by hand. It is used here as antennae on a butterfly but is an effective edge stitching also.

NO PLAIN ZIG ZAG.....that is poor workmanship, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

This applies to any swap that I host. Your hostess may allow zig zag, but to be safe....ask her first!

Don't use any other design stitches. I will NOT accept them. They may look nice to you, but other stitches are not within my guidelines.

This applies to any swap that I host. Your hostess may allow zig zag or other stitches but to be safe....ask her first!