Paper piecing -

[Paula D.]

Having just completed the January BOM, I have got a bit hooked on paper piecing and am now thinking over the technique. Of course Sue's instructions included the order of adding the pieces - if I were to try this on other blocks is there a certain order for the pieces to be attached or can it be started anywhere. I expect it is easier to visualise with the paper pattern in front of me but as usual I am rushing ahead!

[Teri L.]

When I paper piece the order depends on how many pieces are in the block and where I want them in. I mark on the paper what color or fabric I want in a particular place so I know that when I'm finished the block is how I have it planned in my quilt. As I'm typing I'm thinking of a quilt I'd like to do (another NY Beauty) and how I'd like to shade the colors from right to left, light to dark. I would lay the point fabrics out in front of me the way I want them shaded, lay the arc in front of me face up, and write on the points what color goes where so that as I'm grabbing pieces I can grab the right one.
One other thing with paper piecing I do is precut the pieces (which I think was mentioned by Sue in the BOM instructions) to the size I need them so that as I'm piecing I'm not working with a huge piece of fabric. It takes a bit more prep on my part, however I'm happier with the results.

Happy quilting!
Teri

[Diana U.]

If you want to get into paper piecing, I suggest that you get one of Carol Doak's books. I took an all-day class from her several years ago. Very helpful. Also "Expert's Guide to Foundation Piecing" by Jane Hall gives an overview of a dozen different methods.
If you are into computers, Electric Quilt automatically numbers "paper-pieceable" blocks and prints the foundation for you. Good luck.

[Diana U.]

Hello both! I have just bought a copy of the Carol Doak book - its very good. I am into computers, yes, I think I'll have a look at the EQ you mentioned as well - having always been a handsewer I am a bit amazed that I am starting to use a machine more - I have got a Janome 521 which is pretty basic but at least it is easy to use and behaves itself (generally!) I am thinking of having a go at machine quilting as well - although I have only hand-quilted before. I do like handsewing but of course it is pretty slow and when I do get a piece finished I am a bit mean about giving it away! :wink: At least if I get into machine piecing and quilting I will get through things faster!

[Diana U.]

I'm not doing the BOM, so I don't know if you're talking about ordinary paper piecing or a different kind.
The numbering on the paper piecing block is very important. You should start with one and continue numerically. Otherwise you will not be covering up the ragged seam edges of the previous sewn pieces.
Rebecca
http://www.quilterscrossroads.com
check out my website: lots of free patterns and fun.

[Diana U.]

I tried my first paper pieced block this last week, and it was a painful learning experience! But I have a question. When you are sewing your seams, do you sew past the pattern line a few stitches or do you sew a few stitches past the 1/4" line (which is imaginary) Does this make sense??

[Diana U.]

Whether or not to stop at the line or stitch past seems to depend on who's giving the instructions. I've had great luck with the methods from Carol Doak's DVD on paper piecing and she has you stitch past the line about 1/4 inch. Then you fold the pattern back on the line (up against a postcard or something similar) and use an add-a-quarter ruler to trim the seam. You just gently pull the fabric flat loosening the part where you've stitched past the line. Other instructors, though, have you stop ON the line. I think you should try both and see what works best for you. I never liked paper piecing until I watched Carol Doak's DVD and started doing it with her system. Now I thoroughly enjoy it. (Edited for spelling error!)

[Diana U.]

After trying the first block, I honestly thought I'd never try it again. But I hate to let something get the best of me, so I will try it again! I'll go check out Carol Doak's website. Thanks Carole.

[Diana U.]

I really didn't like paper piecing either, until I forced myself to overcome my aversion to it by making the TQS 2009 BOM Feathered Star. Now, I enjoy it as much as any other technique.

With 20 stitches/inch, there's no need to sew into the seam lines.

[Diana U.]

THIS TOPIC IS JUST IN TIME...

I am doing a paper pieced blotto block ( pp is something I have not done in years) I recommend getting the CAROL DOAK paper piecing DVD from C&T publishing as well as her books. I find DVDs are easier to understand when I want to try a new technique. I can play them over and over until it is drilled in my head. Seeing something done in front of you being done is easier to understand. I also got great ideas on how to set up my sewing area more efficiently from the DVDs I have watched. That is one reason I like to get the latest TQS dvds...

Carol recommends:

using 90/14 needle

decreasing stitch size to 18-20 per inch

using thread that blends with most of the fabric

Trimming the fabric to patches large enough to cover the area BIGGER IS BETTER.... Depending on block size she cuts her fabrics (WOF) large enough to cover the entire block.. ( or to about six inches) She takes those fabric to her work area and then sub cuts the patches she needs closer to size.

Trimming the seam allowance to 1/4 inch after each step before you go on to the next step... Trim any dog areas as you go.

Stitch in the direction of your points.. they come out sharper

Take care to pay attention to grain lines... GRAINS OF FABRIC GOING IN THE SAME DIRECTION MAKE A MORE STABLE BLOCK... BIAS SEAMS STRETCH MORE despite the paper.

Trim your threads as you go... after you have cross sewed them...

Finger press the seams OR BETTER YET PRESS AS YOU GO.

Points... if not sharp enough take a deeper seam... that usually works...



MAKING MULTIPLES OF THE SAME BLOCK.... Make a sample block... then assembly line sew other blocks adding the same fabric patch to the same spot before going on....



Has anyone heard when series 400 will be released???

[Diana U.]

Good tips Ladyrags.

No idea about the 400 series.

Why on Earth are you shouting at us??

[Beth A.]

A recent TQS episode suggested a stitch length of 1.0 or 1.5. (My machine doesn't use stitches per inch.)

BethMI

[Beth A.]

Carol Doaks is coming to our guild in 2 weeks for a workshop! Can't wait!

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

[Jo H.]

A recent TQS episode suggested a stitch length of 1.0 or 1.5. (My machine doesn't use stitches per inch.)

BethMI

Aim for about 16 to 20 stitches per inch. Try it at the lower number and work up. You don't want the paper falling off before you are ready but you want it to pull off easily.

JoJo

[Eileen K.]

I'm going to a Carol Doak class in NJ in November at a shop called Quilting Possibilities. I can't wait!!
eileenkny