I finally did a search to try and find out what paper piecing is.... and now I'm even more confused. It looks incredibly complicate - whatever the technique really is - I couldn't figure it out!

If anyone would like to, please feel free to try to explain it to me in a nutshell. :shock:

Here is a link to a tutorial on paper piecing.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-102813-1.htm

the print side is up, on the pattern the fabric back is to the underside so when you turn it over the fabric right side is on the bottom of the paper. make sure you have the 1/4 inch over each line, easy to check with folding on the line your going to sew, sew line 1 to two and 2-3 and so forth, i went to caroldoak.com and learned and when i was stuck i went to my lqs for help.
hope i made sense
Sandra

I suggest do Google searches, go to youtube, just keep learning. Then find a nice simple star and try it! I love it but was afraid to try my first block. Warning: It makes a mess of little scraps and papers and strings, and more scraps. . . .

Ok, tell me seriously - is it really worth all the effort? Or is it really necessary to get some complicated patterns?

I love making Flying Geese with the paper piecing method. I also make more complicated designs. See my avatar. Your points are always prefect.

I think I'll have to find a youtube tute - I really need a visual on this!

Yes if you are wanting perfect points! It is messy and I have a lot of waste but it is worth it for the end product.

Here's a youtube tutorial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uaW26igygE

Some people love paper piecing, others detest it. It looks difficult but once you get the hang of it, it's not. It's definitely worth the effort on intricate blocks with a lot of tiny pieces.

I was afraid to paper piece at first and watched videos on you tube and fons and porter. Now I love it. I wish I could pp everything. Lol