Stitch and Flip Technique

In the world of quilting, mastering various piecing techniques is essential for creating stunning and unique designs. Each month in 2024, we are sharing various techniques you can use when writing your quilt patterns. We are going to provide standard wording for steps and show you illustrations you can use in Adobe.

This month we are delving into the Stitch and Flip technique, a versatile and creative approach that adds a dynamic touch to your quilt projects. You can use this method to add stems to leaf and flower blocks, make snowball blocks, use in borders, and so much more.

What is the Stitch and Flip (SNF or S&F) Technique?

Simply put, the SNF technique is a method to replace corners, make 45-degree angle pieces for a Santa face or a bat wing, or make a special shape when a Half Square Triangle just isn't sufficient. SNF pieces make great parallelograms and special designs in any pattern.

Steps for the SNF Technique

These are the steps we use when ghostwriting patterns for clients. Of course, we alter them as needed in each pattern but they are a great starting place when writing steps. In your pattern, you will tell the quilter to what pieces to gather to make the block.

1. Draw a diagonal line, corner to corner, on the wrong side of a square that will flip to become the angled corner.

2. Place the marked square on the base piece, RST, with the drawn line across the corner to be replaced. Note the orientation of the drawn line.

3. Sew on the drawn diagonal line.

4. Trim the excess 1/4" away from the sewn line and press the seam open. The size of the larger, original base piece does not change.

SNF Tips for Accuracy

Sometimes quilters have problems using the SNF method because the corner piece ends up too small when flipped. This can be caused by not putting the drawn line perfectly in the corner or the drawn line is too thick and it gets sewn a tad off.

To keep this from happening, try.....

• drawing the line with a fine-line pencil or marking tool

• use a scant 1/4" seam when sewing

• sewing to the outside of the line

• keep your eye on the corner as you get close to the end of the line and aim for the corner

We hope this helps when writing your next pattern. Having piecing steps in your pattern library will make the process of writing more efficient and less stressful. If you have any questions or suggestions, drop us a note. We would love to hear from you.

Next week is our monthly inspiration post on St. Patrick's Day projects. If you have a project you would like to share, send us an email. We love sharing with the community.

Happy Quilting!

"We help fellow quilt designers make their designs into a reality!"

Pattern ghostwriting, quilt pattern tech editing, digital illustrations, and more.

If you are interested in working with our team, please send us an email at quiltpatternwriters@gmail.com.