Let's talk about "Hensteeth". Do you know what the term means? It is the description of the stitches that sometimes show in a seam. The cause of hensteeth showing is ususally caused by one of three problems.
First - Thread Tension - If your stitches are showing after you gently press the seam check the
thread tension. Your tension may be too loose causing the stitches to show. Adjust your
tension until you get a stitch that is of even tension on the front and
back of the seam. Loose stitching will not secure your blocks. It is
important to correct your tension so your seams are secure. Why spend
so much time creating a quilt that may not endure wear, washings and
lots of love?
Second - Pressing - We all like nice flat blocks - but - pressing the seam so flat that the
stitches show is over doing it. The seam should lay flat but still
cover the stitches. Hensteeth may be caused by the way the seam was pressed. When pressing seams go easy and press with care.
Third - "Unsewn" seams - Sometimes a seam will "unsew" itself on the edges. This usually occurs within the seam allowance. If this happens, and is not corrected, the stitches can continue to "unsew" themselves. When they are added to another section of the block the stitches will show and the seam will not be straight. Check your piecing to make sure the seams are sewn from edge to edge.
Checklist for "Hensteeth":
1. Thread tension
2. Pressing
3. Unsewn seams
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