Paper Piecing
Simply Quilts : Episode QLT-206 -- More Projects »
Paper Piecing
What's the secret to taking an ordinary piece of paper and turning it into a beautiful quilt? Quilting expert Billie Lauder joins Simply Quilts host Alex Anderson to discuss the magic of paper piecing.
Lauder's secret? Use the computer to create paper-piecing patterns or purchase pre-printed patterns at local quilt shops. Quilters of all skill levels will take note of the biggest advantage of paper-piecing?accurate seams—it's basically guaranteed! From the simple to the complex, these designs can be accomplished with the paper-piecing methods (figure A).Materials:
Select one of the following to use as the piecing material:
newspaper
freezer paper - mark pattern on dull side of paper
tracing paper
regular white paper (16-lb. weight)
translucent paper (available at paper stores)
You'll also need:
sewing machine foot with an open toe (figure B).
90/14 sewing machine needle will perforate the paper
paper scissors
seam ripper
Steps:
Four Patch Variation (figure C)
To create this block, draw a two-inch square on the selected foundation material. Divide the square in half, and place a one-inch square in the corner. Number each section (figure D). Keep in mind, when designing a quilt blocks, number the sections in order so there is no back-tracking and sewing continues in one direction. Also note that it's best to use paper piecing when a block is of a complex design or when creating a mini quilt. Use templates for larger blocks.
Fabric Placement
Guestimation is the measuring tool for this project since just odds-and-ends of fabric are being used. Working on the backside of the pattern, place a piece of fabric, right side up and enough to cover the #1 section (figure E). Place the #2 fabric on top of the #1 fabric, right sides together. Pin in place if needed and flip the pattern over and stitch in place on the sewing line between #1 and #2 (figure F). Flip the piece back over and trim seam to a 1/8-inch, then finger press. Continue in the same manner, flipping the pattern back and forth to add sections #3 and #4. This method is known to create the perfect points and blocks.
Importance of Basting
There's the chance that while paper piecing, a bias edge has been created. Basting will be very important at this stage to stabilize the piece. Somewhere between the outside cutting line (noted by a dash line) and the inside sewing line (a solid line) stitch a basting stitch (figure G). The distance between these two lines is a 1/4-inch. Using a ruler and an old rotary blade, cut on the dashed cutting line for the 1/4-inch seam allowance.Block Assembly & Paper Removal
After the blocks have been completed, play with them a bit. Experiment with different layouts. Set blocks on point to create a wonderful design or alternate solid blocks to create a ribbon look. The possibilities are endless. Once a design has been determined, follow these tips for assembling the blocks: When sewing a block to a block, press the seams open. However, when sewing a block to a sashing, pressing the seams towards the sashing.
The paper foundation needs to be removed from the back of the block. To do this, drag the pointed end of a seam ripper to score the paper and tear the paper away (figure H). This process may be done before or after the blocks have been assembled.
Resources Log Cabin Heart quilt pattern
easymade.com
Website:
www.easymade.com
Easy Machine Paper Piecing: 65 Quilt Blocks for Foundations Piecing
by Carol Doak (ISBN: 1564770389)
Click
here to order this title.
Martingale & Co. / That Patchwork Place
Website:
www.martingale-pub.com
Easy Paper-Pieced Keepsake Quilts: 72 Quilt Blocks for Foundation Piecing
by Carol Doak (ISBN: 1564771091)
Click
here to order this title.
Martingale & Co. / That Patchwork Place
Website:
www.martingale-pub.com
UnEven Star quilt pattern
easymade.com
Website:
www.easymade.com
Guests Billie Lauder
International Quilt Instructor
Website:
www.easymade.com
Also in this Episode
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2002/09/05/206_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2003/06/16/qlt206_a_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2003/06/16/qlt206_b_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2003/06/16/qlt206_c_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2003/06/16/qlt206_d_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2003/06/16/qlt206_e_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2003/06/16/qlt206_f_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2003/06/16/qlt206_g_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2003/06/16/qlt206_h_e.jpg",350,450))
