Kim,

If you pin each row together, matching all the seams from one row to another and pinning in place, then sewing rows in alternating directions isn't really an issue. When sewing small squares together, it isn't an issue at all.

I have found over time, that working with long rows can become cumbersome. I know work in smaller grids. For example, if I have a quilt with 12 squares across and 12 squares down, rather than sewing a row of 12 together, I will sew 3 together, then the 3 on the next row down, and the 3 on the 3rd row down. Then I'd make those into a 9-patch 'block'. After I make 'blocks', I'd start sewing those larger units together.

By doing it this way, there are fewer squares to maintain order to, and less likelihood of turning a row in the wrong direction. Also, a design wall helps, too.

Please share photos! We love to see what everyone is working on. Hope this helps.

[Btw, the alternating direction of sewing that you refer to is way more important when you are quilting the 3 layers together.]

Thank you Jennifer. That's a great suggestion. I hadn't thought about breaking the quilt down in that manner. I used to sew a lot when our now-grown girls were little and wanted to get back into doing something creative. I thought simple baby quilts would be good starter projects for me. Thank you for helping me along. Yes, I will share finals photos. :)

I do pretty much the same as Jennifer and make sections at a time. I do press and measure to make sure my rows are not shifting.

beverly