Techniques
Y-Seam (Set-In Seam)
A seam that joins three fabric pieces meeting at a single point at angles other than 90 degrees.
A Y-seam (also called a set-in seam or inset seam) is required when three pieces of fabric meet at a point where the angle is not 90 degrees, making it impossible to sew in a straight line through the intersection. Instead, each of the three seams is sewn individually, stopping and starting precisely at the center point. Y-seams appear in Lone Star, Eight-Pointed Star, tumbling blocks, and hexagon designs. The key is to never sew into the seam allowance at the center point, allowing the fabric to pivot freely.
Related Terms
Lone StarA dramatic large-scale star quilt made from eight diamond-shaped points that meet at the center.Tumbling BlocksAn optical illusion pattern using three diamonds in light, medium, and dark to create the appearance of three-dimensional cubes.Eight-Pointed Star (LeMoyne Star)A star block made from eight diamond shapes meeting at a center point, requiring Y-seams.
Practice makes perfect.
NiftyFifty connects quilters from all 50 states through block swaps, bees, and quilt-alongs. Great place to put new techniques to work.