How to Web a Quilt Block (or Quilt Top)
Webbing, a form of chain piecing where pieces are strategically left linked by the sewing threads, is an efficient way to put together grid based blocks and quilts to improve speed and accuracy. Join me as I show you how to web a nine-patch block and discuss how to use this skill to put together an entire quilt top as well.
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Chain piecing means putting together your blocks, units, or other quilt pieces without cutting threads between every piece of fabric. The result is a long chain of pieces, rather like a bunting of quilt bits.
Video
Web a Block
Webbing a block or a quilt top is like connecting a bunch of chain pieces together. This is beneficial because it’s easier to keep all the units in the right order and place to put together the block. It also makes pressing easier because you can see which way the seams should press in order to nest.
Video
Webbing a Quilt
Webbing a quilt top works very similarly to webbing a block: first you’ll lay out all your blocks on a table, floor, or design wall. Then, working in columns from left to right and top to bottom, sew the first block in the first row to the second block in the first row, then sew the first block in the second row to the second block in the second row, feeding these two block under the machine immediately after the first two without breaking thead. Once you’ve sewn the first two blocks together all the way down, you’ll cut thread and return to the top, adding the third block from each row to its first two blocks. Continue until all rows are completely sewn together and tethered to subsequent rows by the little chain piecing threads. Press all seams, pressing all blocks of the first row one direction, then all blocks of the next row the other direction and so forth. Pin rows one and two together, nesting seams, and sew. Then sew two to three, and continue until every row is sewn to its neighbors and the top is together. Press seams, and voila!
Closing Thoughts
Like many skills and techniques in quilting, webbing your blocks and quilts can take a little practice. However, once you get the hang of it, it can save a lot of time and seam ripping as it helps you keep your units and blocks in order, start to finish. I highly recommend giving it a try!
Resources
PATTERN: Dogwood Blossoms Quilt Pattern
Shop fabric, bernette sewing machines, and more HERE
