Spin Topper Tutorial: How to Use This Quilt Topper Pattern

Quick Answer

The Spin Topper pattern uses the Quick Straight Ruler to simplify curved piecing, making it a great project for confident beginners who want to try a quilt topper without complex templates.

Step-by-Step: Making the Spin Topper Quilt Topper

1. Prepare Your Fabric and Ruler: Cut your background and accent fabric into the sizes specified in the pattern. Place the Quick Straight Ruler on the fabric according to the cutting diagram. Use a rotary cutter to make the curved cuts—move slowly and keep the ruler steady. Common mistake: cutting too fast can cause the ruler to shift, resulting in uneven curves. Checkpoint: after each cut, verify the curve matches the pattern guide before moving to the next piece.
2. Mark Seam Allowances and Alignment Points: Using a fabric marker or chalk, transfer the seam allowance markings from the pattern onto the wrong side of each curved piece. Also mark the center points and any matching notches. Common mistake: skipping the markings and trying to align by eye leads to shifted seams. Checkpoint: hold two pieces together at the marked points before sewing to confirm they align. Marking takes extra time but saves you from ripping out seams later.
3. Pin the Curved Seams Carefully: Place the convex (outer) curve on top of the concave (inner) curve, right sides together. Match the center marks first, then pin the ends, and finally add pins every 1–2 inches along the curve. Use fine pins so they don't distort the fabric. Common mistake: using too few pins causes the fabric to shift and creates puckers. Checkpoint: the fabric should lie flat between pins without gaps or wrinkles.
4. Sew the Curved Seam with a Steady Stitch: Set your machine to a standard straight stitch (2.5 mm length). Sew slowly along the pinned curve, keeping the seam allowance consistent. Remove pins as you approach them. Do not pull or stretch the fabric. Common mistake: sewing too fast or tugging the fabric creates wavy seams. Checkpoint: after sewing a few inches, stop and check the back to ensure the seam is even and the fabric isn't pleated. If you see a pleat forming, stop, lift the presser foot, and smooth the fabric before continuing.
5. Press the Seams Open or to One Side: After sewing each curved seam, press it flat with an iron. For the Spin Topper, pressing seams open reduces bulk at the intersections, but pressing to one side (toward the darker fabric) is also fine if you prefer. Use a dry iron on cotton setting. Common mistake: pressing with steam can distort the curve before the seam is set. Checkpoint: the seam should lie perfectly flat with no bubbles or folds.
6. Trim and Square Up the Topper: Once all curved pieces are sewn and pressed, trim the topper to the finished size specified in the pattern. Use a large square ruler to check that corners are 90 degrees and edges are straight. Common mistake: trimming too aggressively can remove needed seam allowance for the border or binding. Checkpoint: measure twice before cutting, and leave a 1/4-inch margin beyond the final trim line until you're certain. Squaring up ensures your topper fits the backing and batting evenly when you quilt it.

Product Details

• Spin Topper Tutorial: This pattern is included with the Quick Straight Ruler and teaches how to use the ruler while making the Spin Topper quilt. You don't need to buy a separate pattern if you purchase the ruler, and the tutorial walks you through every step of curved piecing with that specific tool.