Quilters, let’s discover a must-have tool for your sewing machine ā Diagonal Seam Tape. In this blog post, we’ll explore the practical use of this tape for quilting projects, from applying it to your sewing machine bed to achieving precise diagonal lines without relying on temporary markings.
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Applying Diagonal Seam Tape
I have found a method to applying Diagonal Seam Tape to the bed of my machine that is both quick and precise.āFirst, take a length of tape and extend it all the way under your needle and presser foot with the end of the roll extending towards the front of your machine.
Next, without pressing the tape down all the way, gently place the red center line directly under the needle.āUsing the hand wheel, lower your needle so that it pokes through the red line.āYour tape is now perfectly alligned with your needle.ā
To align the tape perfectly perpendicular to the needle, use the straight edge of a ruler lined up with either a measurement marking on your sole plate, or the edge of your presser foot and gently pivot the roll end of the tape until the entire strip is straight.ā
Firmly press down the entire length of your tape from the feed dogs to the edge of your machine where you want the tape to end.āTear the end of the tape off the roll and press the tail end down firmly.āI usually wrap my end under the bed of my machine a little so it doesn’t get snagged on anything and it will last longer.
Finally, to removed the tape that is over the feed dogs, raise your needle back up with the hand wheel and make sure your presser foot is also up.āPull the tape gently to the side to get it out from under the needle and presser foot.āNext, using the sharp edge of a ruler (or something like the thin edge of a credit card), place the edge of the ruler across the tape where you’d like to tear it directly in front of your feed dogs.āAt an angle tear the tape along the sharp edge.āPress the front of the tape down to make sure it’s adhered well and you’re done!
This versatile tape, similar to washi tape, adheres easily and is easily removable.āThe tape comes on a roll that has plenty to replace the tape regularly as needed.āI’ve had the same roll for over a year and still have plenty.
Here is an Instagram reel of the process for visual learners:
Uses for Diagonal Seam Tape
Sew and Flip Corners (Snowballed Corners):
Diagonal Seam Tape is my go to method for the sew and flip corner technique, creating perfect corners without meticulous measurements or time-consuming markings. Instead of drawing temporary diagonal lines across the corner squares to stitch on, I simply place the first point of the corner square up to the needle, and keep the trailing edge on the red line of the tape.āAs I sew, I maintain the point on the red line which results in perfect sew and flip corners.āThis technique streamlines the process for accurate and efficient quilting.
Here you can see me using the tape to do a sew and flip corner using the red line as a guide:
Mastering Flying Geese:
Use Diagonal Seam Tape for sewing flying geese blocks with precision. This method of sewing the wings onto the flying geese is similar to the sew and flip corners.āThe tape serves as a reliable guide, ensuring stitches follow the intended diagonal lines. Say goodbye to wonky geese and welcome professional-looking blocks.
1/4-Inch Seam Magic:
Another key benefit of Diagonal Seam Tape is it can be used for an extended 1/4″ seam guide.āKeeping your fabric edge on the black line on the right will help you feed your fabric through quickly and attain a 1/4″ seam line.āI use this in combination with a 1/4″ presser foot to help chain piece the patchwork pieces more quickly and accurately.
Half Square Triangles Made Easy:
Whether you are making half square triangles using the one-at-a-time method or the two-at-a-time method, Diagonal Seam Tape is a useful tool for both methods.
Related: Making Precise Half Square Triangle Units for Quilting
For the one-at-a-time method of half square triangles, you use the same technique as above with the sew and flip corners.āSimply place two squares right sides together and put the first point of the square in front of the needle and keep the trailing point on the red line of the tape.āStitch a line across the diagonal bias of the square.āThen using a rotary cutter or scissors, cut 1/4″ away from the stitched seam.āPress the seam open to complete one half square triangle.ā
If you are using the two-at-a-time method for half square triangles, you will feed the square through in a similar manner but instead of the red line, you will feed the squares through with the points on the black line on the left side.āThis will achieve a seam that is 1/4 inch off to one side of the center line. Then flip the piece around and stitch a line 1/4 inch away from the other side of the center line. Using a rotary cutter or scissors, cut between the seams from point to point on the square and press each piece open.āTrim as needed to the precise size of half square triangle that you need.ā
Let the tape be your guide for flawless half square triangles.
Diagonal Seam Tape
In the world of quilting, where precision and efficiency are crucial, Diagonal Seam Tape proves to be a valuable tool. It is also a very inexpensive tool that will last.āFrom sew and flip corners to flying geese and beyond, this tape transforms the quilting experience. Say goodbye to drawn lines or eyeballing a diagonal seam and hello to a smoother, more enjoyable quilting process. Try incorporating diagonal seam tape into your next project for a transformative touch. Happy quilting!
