| Author | Content |
Qwilter
Severn, MD//Flem Is,, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 06, 2009
06:07 AM Post #7246750
| Decided to start a thread for Paper Piecing. I'm hoping those that use this technique will jump in with hits & tips.
So, follow along.
This pic is from the JAX quilt show and is a good example of a design that can be done with paper piecing.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Qwilter
Severn, MD//Flem Is,, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 06, 2009
06:26 AM Post #7246765
| Almost any block can be done using paper piecing. It is most frequently used for small pieces, when you would be cutting pieces other than squares, rectangles, and 90 degree triangles, and when you need sharp points (think mariners compass).
I will refer to the "foundation" as paper (which will eventually be torn away) but you can also use fabric as the "foundation" and that will remain in place.
If you use Thangles, triangles on a roll, you are doing basic paper piecing.
The 1st thing to realize is you put the fabric on the wrong side of the paper and then you sew on the drawn lines.
The 1st piece of fabric you place will have its WRONG side against the paper.
The fabrics are then placed RIGHT sides together, just like regular piecing.
You will want to cut your pieces of fabric LARGER than what you need. It is much easier to cut away the excess then to have to undo the seam beacuse the piece was cut too small.
I find it easier to use "cheap"/light weight paper for the foundation. It tears away easier. I have some kids colored drawing paper that works really well.
I use the same needle & short stitch length I use with my regular quilting.
If you Google "Paper Piecing" you will get quite a few hits.
Here is one example: http://www.ehow.com/how_2112357_foundation-paper-piecing-ins...
It is much easier to look at pictures of how-to then to try to explain it in words.
So go Google then come back with questions & tips. |
babeegirl
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
November 06, 2009
10:12 AM Post #7247138
| I'm right here with ya! paper piecing is one of my favorite techniques! here's my Christmas 2008 quilt to commemorate Chad's and my first Christmas together. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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abbisgranma
(Marion) Havana, FL
(Zone 8b)
November 06, 2009
10:58 AM Post #7247276
| Oh thank you, thank you for choosing this topic! I have taken 2 different classes but they were many years ago and unfortunately I haven't used what I learned so...
Timing is perfect and looking forward to all the help I can get. |
Elen
Paris
France
November 06, 2009
01:43 PM Post #7247738
| Very good idea Jean . Thank you.
Babeegirl the result is splendid. How do you make these strips corners ? |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 06, 2009
01:57 PM Post #7247767
| I personally love paper piecing. Starting with the right paper is such a must. It has to be see-thru. Not just barely see-thru. For the signature swap, I used this stuff from Joanns, June Taylor Perfect Piecing foundation sheets. They were great, right up till tear off. I can assure you everyone in the signature swap still has some with their block. To get them off was almost impossible.
The problem with alot of paper tho, is, once you hit it with the iron, it all curls up and gets unruley, thats a problem too. I wish I could find something cheap and thin. Im certainly activly looking as we speak.
Im trying to figure how to measure and cut, before starting. I go one piece at a time, Getting the right size fabric, on an odd shaped area, is my problem.
I think about the hardest thing, with this ultra easy technique, is not to cut off what you just sewed on to the block, when cutting off the excess and making your 1/4 inch seam at the same time.
It will be your urge to of course flip the fabric to the right side to see what it looks like, and if it fits. If you leave that fabric open and cut your seam, your going to chop it right off. It has happened to everyone. Hard to imagine with just words. |
jumper2
Huron, OH
(Zone 5b)
November 06, 2009
02:00 PM Post #7247774
| I get it, cut your seam and then flip the fabric or you'll cut of the good stuff. |
babeegirl
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
November 06, 2009
02:56 PM Post #7247918
| Elen, the entire border is actually one striped fabric from Walmart. I just mitered the corners. |
Elen
Paris
France
November 06, 2009
04:30 PM Post #7248116
| Sorry don't know what is "mitered" . Same thing for my dictionary... |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 06, 2009
04:58 PM Post #7248191
| http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUh7MbELkXs
video of how to do a mitered corner |
taters55
(Linda Kay) Del Rio, TX
(Zone 9a)
November 06, 2009
05:44 PM Post #7248312
| http://www.quiltville.com/diamondstrings.shtml
This lady talks about using wax paper, or old phone book pages for paper piecing. |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 06, 2009
05:53 PM Post #7248332
| Keep in mind it has to be able to go thru a printer. Im actually going to put a piece of wax paper thru mine right now. |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 06, 2009
06:01 PM Post #7248358
| O what a great site. I took a class once in making those string quilts. You just need the paper tho, as a foundation for the scraps. We used interfacing , if memory serves, but left it on for stablization. |
Quilter5bdsr
(Barb) Hillsboro, NH
November 06, 2009
08:03 PM Post #7248741
| I use the "Add-a-quarter" ruler when I paper piece to cut my seam allowances. I fold back the paper over the area to be SAVED from where I sewed the seam, place the ruler against the paper and it automatically adds a quarter inch seam allowance and then I cut. Very easy... |
abbisgranma
(Marion) Havana, FL
(Zone 8b)
November 06, 2009
10:35 PM Post #7249213
| My SIL told me that when she took a paper piecing class her instructor told them to use deli paper. I have some but haven't tried it yet--this will give me a chance to see what it does. |
Elen
Paris
France
November 07, 2009
04:36 AM Post #7249680
| A video is better than words. Thank you Marion ! |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 07, 2009
08:47 AM Post #7249837
| As everyone probably knew...wax paper did not go thru the printer lol
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Qwilter
Severn, MD//Flem Is,, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 07, 2009
09:18 AM Post #7249900
| Wonder why. I've used it with no problems. In fact, wax paper is what you use to get fabric through the printer. Might try ironing a piece of printer paper to it. |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 07, 2009
09:23 AM Post #7249919
| Maybe if I put something behind it...maybe its my printer. I would even take the time to cut it down if it worked. My printer doesnt feed any wider than a regualr sheet...Going to play with that right now.
Going to try your iront 'to' suggestion right now
This message was edited Nov 7, 2009 8:24 AM
hahahahah um dah Pam...it doesnt mater how wide the wax paper is...use that for the length and just measure out the width. OOO this would be so nice if I could get it to work.
This message was edited Nov 7, 2009 8:26 AM |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 07, 2009
09:31 AM Post #7249927
| I just totally messed up my printer. I mean really messed it up. Wax paper not only does not go thru all printers, it melts in some. Is a great idea tho |
Qwilter
Severn, MD//Flem Is,, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 07, 2009
11:41 AM Post #7250259
| try freezer paper |
cheriffic
(Cheryl) Wilmington, MA
November 07, 2009
09:05 PM Post #7251637
| OMG I am sooooooo sorry I can't help it I am roaring laughing and it is SO not funny that you messed up your printer.
I am confused why are we ironing it to fabric and putting it in there I missed something. Is it so it won't curl??
I get the curl too but I steam first and then dry iron the paper side flat that usually helps.
I hope your printer is ok Pam that sounds like a huge mess.
Cher |
Qwilter
Severn, MD//Flem Is,, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 07, 2009
10:34 PM Post #7251901
| I meant that I iron the fabric to it to make the fabric stiff, to go through the printer, when I'm printing photos onto fabric. |
Qwilter
Severn, MD//Flem Is,, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 08, 2009
08:17 AM Post #7252556
| Another way to "make" the foundation paper is to print a copy as you normally would then stack a few sheets of paper - you will need to "mark" the top side of the paper. Unthread your machine. Set the stitch length to a longer length, and sew over all the lines.
Then, when you use the foundation, you will re-sew over those perforated lines.
Pre-sewing also makes the paper easier to remove. |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 08, 2009
10:34 AM Post #7252795
| Well for me, it isnt seeing the lines that is the problem. You have to be able to see the fabric clearly thru the foundation or you will never get it set. This is especially true the smaller the peice you get . You sew, on the piece that has the print, so its really a matter of seeing thru it to position that fabric.
If you presew with the same little stitch you piece with, it will actually cut the paper for you |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 08, 2009
01:06 PM Post #7253139
| WITHOUT thread, i just sewed around the lines as you suggested. I figured maybe this stuff that is so hard to tear, would tear much easier if had had two passes over it instead of one. Worked really well. If you use thread, its in there for life. |
babeegirl
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
November 08, 2009
01:22 PM Post #7253177
| I use plain old copy paper. I print my pattern on the printer. I learned to paper piece by using a very tiny stitch and have never had a problem removing the paper. |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 08, 2009
01:52 PM Post #7253276
| Paper isnt a problem to take off. I just did that for this horrible stuff I got a joanns. I mean horrible in the tear factor.
Im going to get the cheapest and biggest pack of velum I can find. I have ton of copy paper..cant see thru it tho when you lay it down to slide your pieces under. |
Quilter5bdsr
(Barb) Hillsboro, NH
November 08, 2009
02:34 PM Post #7253377
| Gardenglory you can always hold it up to the light to see if it covers!!!! Or use a light box. Then you just slide your piece under to see if it covers. |
barefootT
Wildwood, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 10, 2009
07:34 AM Post #7259224
| You can make your own light box, very inexpensively...
buy an under the counter light fixture, the kind with a "shield" over the entire bulb ( I think mine is about 18 '', cost about $ 10.00 a couple years ago)
buy a plastic tote, storage box, long enough, and deep enough to hold your light fixture...get the clear kind. Or very lightly "frosted" . not colored.
check out the bottom of the box..you want it to have minimal "writing", or none (manufacture stamp), and not all scratched up...
you then put the light on your table/desk , put the box on top of it, opening down, and you have the ''bottom'' of the box now to trace on.. see patterns through!!!!!
I use mine with a thin piece of batting over the light, when I am copying my quilt labels, cause the light can be too bright...but if you do this you have to be VERY careful not to leave light on and walk away,,,batting will get hot!!! don't know as if it could actually start a fire!! yikes...but I only use mine this way for short amounts of time ☺
when I am done, the light goes into the box, and I keep my folder of quilt label patterns in there too. put the cover on. box onto shelf...patterns and box right there when you need it again..!!!!!
Hope this helps Y'all some Have a Great Day 
Happy Stitchin' |
cactuspatch
La Luz/Alamogordo, NM
(Zone 7b)
November 10, 2009
08:31 AM Post #7259292
| One thing I don't enjoy is picking out the paper afterward. Then I found Cynthia England's method a few years ago where you don't sew through the paper. I really like this method and thought I would share this link.
http://www.englanddesign.com/videos/see-for-yourself-videos...
edited to add that the only thing I do differently from her instructions is that I actually cut my fabric edges to 1/4 inch rather than just chopping with the scissors. I find that makes it easier for me since I am into precision piecing and my 1/4 seam is very consistant.
This message was edited Nov 10, 2009 5:34 AM |
Qwilter
Severn, MD//Flem Is,, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 10, 2009
04:26 PM Post #7260671
| cactus patch - doesn't that take a lot of time? That is more like template pieceing where you draw on the fabric & sew on the drawn line. |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 10, 2009
04:37 PM Post #7260701
| Thats what I was thinking, very time consuming. |
cactuspatch
La Luz/Alamogordo, NM
(Zone 7b)
November 12, 2009
01:37 AM Post #7266013
| To me it is less time consuming because once you are done, you don't have the paper to remove. I really hate the tiny stitches and all the time spent removing the paper in traditional paper piecing. Plus in her method if you make a small mistake, you just move the paper. Give it a try! I have some regular paper piecing patterns I bought before I discovered this easier way and can't make myself do them now. ; ) |
gardenglory
Gainesville, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 12, 2009
10:24 AM Post #7266649
| I actually started paper pieceing because I could not work with templates like that to save my life.
With small stitches and a thin paper as in velum, the stitches actually cut the paper, I find it falls right off.
If you get the more interfacing kind of foundation pieces...forget it. I cant get that stuff out for anything, especially the points.
What you are doing is far more advanced and precise than my eyes are good for. Just show me those lines. |
babeegirl
Wichita, KS
(Zone 6a)
November 12, 2009
10:40 AM Post #7266692
| I did a little research and regular copy paper is 20 lb paper. The 15 and 18 lb paper is the old style paper with the perforated strips along the side that have little holes for the teeth of the printer to roll it through. I think we may have some stuck in a corner somewhere at work. I'll try to find it and do a test block to see how it tears and if it's easier to see through. |
cheriffic
(Cheryl) Wilmington, MA
November 15, 2009
11:34 AM Post #7276133
| That method is neat but I wonder how it would fair with real advanced PP I just did 18 4 inch blocks that needed you to pivot while lining up lines on paper. Thank you cactuspatch for the link it is woth trying that method just for the paper removal alone.
Cher
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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cheriffic
(Cheryl) Wilmington, MA
November 15, 2009
11:39 AM Post #7276145
| here they are as a group 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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barefootT
Wildwood, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 15, 2009
12:14 PM Post #7276223
| very nice! what are you making with them?? |
Quilter5bdsr
(Barb) Hillsboro, NH
November 15, 2009
02:40 PM Post #7276587
| Looks like it might be a border????? |
cactuspatch
La Luz/Alamogordo, NM
(Zone 7b)
November 15, 2009
08:07 PM Post #7277504
| Thanks for your comment Cheryl. This is a link to the photo piecing that she has done.
http://www.englanddesign.com/gallery/gallery1.htm Pretty advanced I think?!!
I think I like the method because when I tried to learn the other methods of pp I kept thinking about how to do it an easier way and was excited that Cynthia had already figured it out. I plan to see if I can cut freezer paper to fit in my printer and copy and print my other PP designs to use her way. ; ) Lovely quilt you have going there. |
Kizmo
Marietta, OH
(Zone 6a)
November 15, 2009
11:44 PM Post #7278168
| This is the best thing about these Monthly Tips: we all learn different versions of how to do something! Not everyone sews and quilts the same way. If we all did exactly what the textbooks instructed and never tried something new, all our quilts would look the same... how boring would that be? And we all learn at a different speed and with different methods. What wouldn't work for me (or give me that 'AHA' moment), works very well for someone else, and gives this old brain something new to ponder.
Although I haven't tried PP yet, I have made copies of templates from Qcache that look simple enough to try. I tend to start with the textbook rules first, then wander out in the field, using tips and suggestions from you all in this group, or from the web. It's almost like having a 'Review Board' that rates different tricks and methods. I'm not afraid to try something new and stretch the brain cells, but it's nice to know that I can come to Dave's to look for answers to my 'What About...' questions, before I start cutting up expensive fabrics!
We should give Qwilter a big hand for starting these Threads, and to everyone that has chipped in with suggestions and ideas!!!!!! (Clap, Clap, Clap!!!!!) |
barefootT
Wildwood, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 16, 2009
07:00 PM Post #7280324
| yesireee thanks qwilter!!! |
Qwilter
Severn, MD//Flem Is,, FL
(Zone 9a)
November 16, 2009
07:33 PM Post #7280473
| You are all welcome...
After I paper pieced the cat tails last weekend I decided, if I make the quilt again, I'm just going to use strips to make a "fabric, then cut the tailes out helter skelter. Would be so much easier.
One of these days I am going to do a Mariner's Compass and that will indeed be paper pieced. No other way (besides hand pieceing) to get those sharp, perfect points. |
