Today is my turn as a guest blogger for the Farmer's Wife 1930's Sampler Quilt Sew-along with Fat Quarter Shop and Gnome Angel. I have made block #58 Martha.
Here's what I found trying the Flat Back Stitch for the first time:
⬝ Use tape! It really does help keep your seams straight. I used some washi tape and it worked really well.
⬝ My stitches are really tiny and close together, I did this when I started doing whip stitch too, I think it's my natural anxiety making me overly cautious.
⬝ It was slow. Again I was really slow when I started epp and, like anything new, I am sure I will speed up a little with practice (though all hand sewing is slow!)
⬝ It was tricky to sew together the sections, not being used to the stitch made joining the component parts together a bit difficult. I think this is just me getting used to a different way of doing it and finding out the best way to jiggle those points to meet.
⬝ You really can't see the stitches from the front!! This is a huge bonus for me, especially when my epp blocks are going to sit with my hand pieced blocks. You can't see the stitches on my hand piecing blocks either but the ones I have whip stitched you can. Now I'm not saying that's a bad thing, after all it is handmade work but it is satisfying to have them be invisible.
⬝ I have only made one block but the stitches seem strong. I have tried doing ladder stitch and variations before but felt the stitches didn't hold up as well as whip stitch. The flat back stitch does in my opinion.
I am going to make more blocks using this stitch, I would love to get quicker and the end result really impressed me!
⬝ Use tape! It really does help keep your seams straight. I used some washi tape and it worked really well.
⬝ My stitches are really tiny and close together, I did this when I started doing whip stitch too, I think it's my natural anxiety making me overly cautious.
⬝ It was slow. Again I was really slow when I started epp and, like anything new, I am sure I will speed up a little with practice (though all hand sewing is slow!)
⬝ It was tricky to sew together the sections, not being used to the stitch made joining the component parts together a bit difficult. I think this is just me getting used to a different way of doing it and finding out the best way to jiggle those points to meet.
⬝ You really can't see the stitches from the front!! This is a huge bonus for me, especially when my epp blocks are going to sit with my hand pieced blocks. You can't see the stitches on my hand piecing blocks either but the ones I have whip stitched you can. Now I'm not saying that's a bad thing, after all it is handmade work but it is satisfying to have them be invisible.
⬝ I have only made one block but the stitches seem strong. I have tried doing ladder stitch and variations before but felt the stitches didn't hold up as well as whip stitch. The flat back stitch does in my opinion.
I am going to make more blocks using this stitch, I would love to get quicker and the end result really impressed me!
#58 Martha
This letter is all about the "delightful memories" of being raised in the country. I chose the lighter brown fabric to represent the "cool dust pushing up between my bare toes", the brighter fabric in the centre for "bursting a red-ripe watermelon over my knee" and the mellow dots for "turning somersaults into the deep, fragrant hay in the newly filled mow".
This letter is all about the "delightful memories" of being raised in the country. I chose the lighter brown fabric to represent the "cool dust pushing up between my bare toes", the brighter fabric in the centre for "bursting a red-ripe watermelon over my knee" and the mellow dots for "turning somersaults into the deep, fragrant hay in the newly filled mow".
One of the aspects of quilting that brings me so much joy is trying new things! I really enjoyed making a block with this new stitch and learning a different way to epp. If you try it please let me know what you think!
The Farmer’s Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt: Inspiring Letters from Farm Women of the Great Depression and 99 Quilt Blocks That Honor Them by Laurie Aaron Hird for Fons & Porter/F+W; RRP $28.99 – Click here to purchase.
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I have been EPP for a long time using whipstitch. DIY Addicts method is genius. Took five stitches for me to switch techniques. Thank you so much for sharing.
I'm going to have to try this!
I'm not convinced that this is quicker because the lady's technique in the video seems quite cumbersome. And I find once the papers are taken out the fabric relaxes and the stitches are virtually hidden, especially if the thread colour is matched. I learned to EPP from Sue Daley and she showed how it is possible to 'whip' three or four stitches before pulling the thread all the way through. This makes it very quick..... Anyway, I don't mean to upset the apple cart...Your Martha block is lovely!
Lucy, I am happy this technique is working for you. I think it is important to have as many tools in your EPP tool belt as possible! This stitch is also perfect for curves. Keep up the good work! Thanks for sharing
I just love how you let the letters inspire your fabric choices! This is stunning block Lucy! :-)
Thank you Karen! Your video is so great! I will keep practicing :)
So glad you like it! :)
Let me know what you think if you do!
your block is so beautiful! i'll have to give this new stitch a try when i get back to epp. but i really need to get glasses first!
Loved your post about Flatback EPP technique. I'm about to begin several EPP projects and have always done the traditional whipstitch, but am considering trying the Flatback. I wondered if you had any follow up comments now that several months have passed regarding this technique. Will it stand the test of time? It seems like it would be better for those patterns with curves and for those that have a lot of inset seams. You wouldn't have to bend the papers. Thanks.