Partial Seams in the Quilt Piecing World

How to Piece Using the Partial Seam Technique: Unlock New Possibilities in Your Quilt Blocks

If you’ve ever been stumped by a block that didn’t seem to go together in a neat, logical order—chances are, it needed a partial seam. This clever piecing technique is easier than it sounds and opens the door to more complex, dynamic quilt designs without the need for advanced skills.

In this post, we’ll walk through what partial seams are, when to use them, and how to piece them with confidence.

What Is a Partial Seam?

A partial seam is exactly what it sounds like: instead of sewing a full seam edge to edge, you sew part of the seam, pause construction, and return later to finish it. This allows you to piece around a central shape (often a square or rectangle) when a standard row-by-row approach won’t work.

This technique is often used in blocks where pieces seem to wrap around a center—like log cabins with a twist, spinning stars, or frames that flow continuously around a focal patch.

When Do You Use a Partial Seam?

Use the partial seam technique when:

• A block has a center patch with pieces attaching on multiple sides in a circular or spiral order.

• Standard piecing order would require awkward Y-seams or extra seams you’d rather avoid.

• You want to piece continuously around a shape without interrupting the flow.

What You’ll Need

• Fabric cut according to your pattern

• Rotary cutter and ruler

• Pins (optional)

• Iron and pressing surface

• Your sewing machine and a ¼” seam allowance

Step-by-Step: How to Sew a Partial Seam

Let’s use a simple example: a square in the center with four rectangles that wrap around it in a clockwise direction.

1. Identify Your Center Piece and the First Rectangle

Start with the center square and determine which piece you'll attach first. You’re going to sew only part of the seam on this first piece—typically a little more than halfway across the center square.

2. Sew the Partial Seam

Place your first rectangle right sides together with the center square. Sew from one edge inward—about halfway or slightly more. Backstitch if desired. Press the rectangle away from the center.

3. Add the Remaining Rectangles

Now continue adding the next three rectangles in order, just like you’re walking around the square in a loop:

• Align the second rectangle with the edge of the center + first piece.

• Sew the full seam.

• Press open.

Repeat this process with the third and fourth rectangles.

4. Complete the Partial Seam

Now that all other pieces are attached, return to your original partial seam. Fold the first piece back over the edge of the last piece you added. Sew the remaining section of the seam to close the loop.

Press everything neatly—and that’s it!

Visual Reference

If you’re a visual learner, think of the shape of a log cabin block, but instead of stopping and starting new strips, the first one gets finished at the end.

You can also draw a diagram and number the sides in the order they are sewn:1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → then back to finish 1.

Tips for Success

• Mark where your partial seam should end, especially if the block design is unfamiliar.

• Finger press after each step before committing to a hot iron—this helps you keep everything square.

• Double-check alignment as you go. Because of the “incomplete” seam at the start, it’s easy to shift the center slightly.

Why Quilters Love Partial Seams

• They eliminate the need for Y-seams in many block designs.

• They create seamless visual flow in blocks with wrap-around designs.

• They make modern, complex-looking blocks easy to assemble.

Final ThoughtsThe partial seam technique is one of those “aha!” moments in quilting—it’s simple once you try it and can dramatically improve your piecing accuracy and design possibilities. Whether you’re tackling a new pattern or designing your own blocks, knowing how to handle partial seams is a must-have skill in your quilter’s toolbox.

Have a favorite block that uses this technique? Share it in the comments or tag me on Instagram—I'd love to see how you're putting partial seams to work in your quilts!

Happy Piecing,

Leah