Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
paper piecing - union jack -  Frustrated >

paper piecing - union jack - Frustrated

paper piecing - union jack - Frustrated

Old 01-24-2011, 09:38 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
ukmuminusa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Wisconsin (originally UK)
Posts: 118
Default

One of the reasons I got into quilting last month! was because I had seen a fantastic quilt online made out of union jacks.
To get me started on quilting I am in the process of doing a simple 9 patch quilt and I am enjoying doing it. However, in the back of my mind is that union jack quilt that would be perfect for my sons, especially as we are all British.

But last night in my wisdom I was blog hopping and came across that gorgeous quilt again. I would love to make it but everywhere I look I just can't find the pattern for it. So I came across an asterix (astericks - spelling unsure) pattern and this morning I adapted it and started trying to make a union jack, 5 attempts later and I still can't do it! It turned out very wonky and uneven, lots of unpicking happened. So I gave up on that, I had another search and found a paper piecing pattern on twin sisters for for the union jack. Thinking this would at least make sure everything is straight and lined up, which my previous attempt wasn't I had a go. I printed the pattern out even though its much smaller than i wanted, I thought that at least if I could do a practise then I could always enlarge the pattern. So I have now had 2 attemps at it and I just don't get paper piecing and I am so confused and frustrated................I have looked at youtube examples and I still don't get it.

Has anyone else ever made a union jack flag block by paper piecing? Any suggestions, ideas. Maybe this is one block I should save for another time.

Thanks for the moan, frustrated :cry:
ukmuminusa is offline  
Old 01-24-2011, 09:43 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: west allis, wisconsin
Posts: 407
Default

i searched for this, to no avail. does it go by another name?
happyscrappy is offline  
Old 01-24-2011, 09:45 AM
  #3  
Super Member
 
mommamac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Coast of Maine
Posts: 2,926
Default

Originally Posted by happyscrappy
i searched for this, to no avail. does it go by another name?
ttp://www.fourtwinsisters.com/quiltpatterns/2006/union_jack.pdf

Is this the one? At what point does it gets confusing for you? Don't give up - there are people on board who can help
mommamac is offline  
Old 01-24-2011, 09:53 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: west allis, wisconsin
Posts: 407
Default

ok, i saw the block, it doesn't seem to look difficult. maybe you just need to take a break. if you live near west allis, i might be able to help you out!
happyscrappy is offline  
Old 01-24-2011, 11:27 AM
  #5  
Super Member
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,708
Default

http://www.fourtwinsisters.com/quilt...union_jack.pdf
Here's the same one clickable.
susiequilt is offline  
Old 01-24-2011, 11:35 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
squilter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SE Missouri
Posts: 419
Default

Try this:

http://www.free-quilt-patterns.net/p...UnionJack.html

hope it works
squilter is offline  
Old 01-24-2011, 11:38 AM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
PWinston's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: North Central Arkansas
Posts: 849
Default

Since you have never paper pieced before, maybe you should practice on something simpler first. Here is a tutorial for a very simple square in a square. Try it, your frustration level will be lower and you'll get some experience before going back to the Union Jack. Good luck.

http://www.quilterscache.com/StartQu...tingthree.html
PWinston is offline  
Old 01-24-2011, 12:12 PM
  #8  
Super Member
 
woody's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Canberra, Australia
Posts: 2,135
Default

When starting out don't cut your pieces of fabric too small, keep them much bigger than needed then trim them to size, better to waste some fabric then to unpick all the time. If you post some pictures maybe someone will be able to help.
woody is offline  
Old 01-24-2011, 01:30 PM
  #9  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Alturas, CA
Posts: 9,393
Default

The pattern really isn't that difficult, but since you're new to quilting I really don't recommend it. It also seems to be a technique that you will love or hate. I definitely think you should check out Quilter's Cache site or Carol Doak's site. If you want it bigger, you can take it to an office supply store and they should be able to enlarge it for you.
pocoellie is offline  
Old 01-24-2011, 01:35 PM
  #10  
Super Member
 
pookie ookie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Trifid Nebula
Posts: 1,304
Default

Try paper piecing at least three other blocks prior to your first UJ test. It really does require a bit of leap to go from zero experience to the flag.

Simple examples like a pine tree or the quilters cache example above are step number one.

Don't give up! Your ambition is on your side. Try again from the beginning and you'll be a happy paper piecer in no time.
pookie ookie is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JackieSue
Main
8
08-17-2014 01:40 PM
pieceful
Pictures
15
09-13-2012 09:00 AM
pieceful
Pictures
26
08-30-2012 04:34 PM
annthreecats
Links and Resources
3
08-04-2012 07:06 PM
ukmuminusa
Pictures
14
01-28-2011 10:33 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter