improv quilts

Improv Wavy Strips Tutorial

I thought I would share an Improv Wavy Strips tutorial with you today. This is the method I use to create wavy strips that I use for various improv projects. 


I used improv wavy strips to form the first border on my Stay at Home Round Robin quilt, as you can see here. 

My first border for the Stay at Home Round Robin 2022 hosted by Quilting Gail - piecefulthoughts.com

I find improv wavy strips very relaxing and fun to sew. So let me show you how quick and easy they are. 

Before you begin, be sure you have a sharp blade in your rotary cutter. It will make the cutting much easier, because the blade won’t drag through the strips. Just keep in mind that you are cutting without a ruler, so keep your fingers clear of the sharp blade. I am careful to keep my fingers behind the blade as I cut. 

When you are trying this for the first time, start with two strips no narrower than 2.5″ wide. For the first try, I’d suggest a 3″ width so you have plenty of room to practice the cut. The length should be no longer than 12 inches. You can  use a longer strip once you feel comfortable with this method. 

Improv Wavy Strips Tutorial - piecefulthoughts.com

With both strips facing right side up, overlap the strip on the left on top of the strip on the right. 

Strip placement, Improv Wavy Strips Tutorial - piecefulthoughts.com

In the photo above, you can see how I’ve overlapped the strips, right sides up. The bottom edges would usually be flush – I wanted you to see the overlap. Overlap about 1-1/2″ so that you can easily cut through both strips. 

Starting from the bottom edge, cut a gentle wave through the overlapped section of the strips. Keep the curves very gentle and easy. You can cut deeper waves as you get more comfortable. 

Cutting improv waves for the Improv Wavy Strips tutorial - piecefulthoughts.com

Once your cut is made, you will have four pieces. 

After the cut, Improv Wavy Strips Tutorial - piecefulthoughts.com

Discard pieces A and B. 

Discard A and B, Improv Wavy Strips Tutorial - piecefulthoughts.com

With the remaining two strips, place the strip on the right on top of the strip on the left. Your strips will be right sides together. You’ll notice your strips will not line up, but that’s the way it’s supposed to look. 

Getting ready to sew, Improv Wavy Strips Tutorial - piecefulthoughts.com

Take your strips to your sewing machine, and without pinning, sew your strips together, gently easing the wavy segments together. Be careful not to pull or stretch the strips. Just gently ease the strips together as you sew. You will not necessarily be able to get the edges perfectly flush with each other; just get them as close as you can without distorting the fabric. 

Ease those curves together as you sew, Improv Wavy Strips Tutorial - piecefulthoughts.com

Stitch a short length, pause with your needle down and foot up, and ease the next short length together, then stitch. Keep repeating this for the length of the strip. (A needle down or pivot foot feature on your machine is helpful for this step.) Once your strip is sewn, it may look a bit wonky until it is opened. 

Strip is sewn, Improv Wavy Strips Tutorial - piecefulthoughts.com

Gently ease the strip set open, pressing the seam the direction it wants to go. Again, be careful not to stretch or distort the strips. 

Open the strip set to press, Improv Wavy Strips Tutorial - piecefulthoughts.com

Press the seam, gently easing it open as you go. Be careful not to pull or drag the iron, which will cause distortion. Your first improv wavy strips are sewn! 

Strip sewn, Improv Wavy Strips Tutorial - piecefulthoughts.com

To add more strips to your set, repeat these steps, this time using the sewn strip set to overlap the next strip, and so on. With each additional cut, be mindful not to cut too close to the seam of the other strip. You will need to allow for seam allowance when you sew the strips together. 

I hope this tutorial is helpful! If you have any questions, please leave a comment, and I’ll respond. 

Linking up with Tips & Tutorials on the 22nd with Kathleen McMusing

Wendy

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