Paper Piecing question
 

I just watched a video about paper piecing and am wondering if it is essential that I buy the add-a-quarter ruler to learn how to piece this way? Can't I use a regular ruler for trimming?

I would think that ruler would be easier but not a must. BUT.... I am just guessing... what video did you watch?

You can use a regular ruler but just be careful that it doesn't slip and you cut your seem allowance off (ask me how I know LOL) . Give paper piecing a go and if you think you will be doing lots more of it then I would get the add-a-quarter ruler, I love mine.

Its a lot easier with the add a quarter ruler

Don't tell the quilt police, but I just grab my scissors & slice off an approximate ¼"" seam allowance. It doesn't really make alot of difference if you are going to be using the printed line on your paper as your guide, BUT if you want to use the ¼" seam allowance as your guide, the I think that particular ruler would be very helpful.

Actually two and they both used it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv2gKMx9CCM

And I just finished watching this one - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdYS1hzPX1o

Scissors would be a lot cheaper than buying more rulers.....

I paper piece a lot and use the various sized rulers that I use for rotary cutting (4.5", 6.5", 9.5" and 12.5" squares). I did not purchase the add-a-quarter ruler...and I tend to purchase every gadget I can get my hands on! :)

I've been paper piecing for years and use a ruler I already own with no problems.

The add a quarter is essential imho. They are not $$. Are you watching Carol Doaks video.

i paper pieced for years without a special ruler- but now that i have the 1/4" ruler...i love it & wonder why it took me so long to try it out. it is not a must- but it does make things easier. just one of those things- and i must admit- i had it for probably 6 months (it was a gift) before i finally took it out & tried it...now i use it all the time! thinking about getting the 1/8" one next for the mini paper pieced blocks.

Ditto, Iam doing a mini at the moment and the add an 1/8 th would be fantastic :) BTW I only paid $5-98 from Hancocks of Paducah for the 6" one they are $13-00 here in Australia,

I have had no problems using a regular ruler.

Because I want to keep sewing I use the Add-a-Quarter ruler. I know I can be easily distracted when cutting and after all the work I have already put inot something I don't want to make a really bad error.

Just saying what works for me.

ali

I have been paper piecing for years all with just my regular rotary cutting ruler.

not a must you can add a quarter with any ruler

Ditto the others --- easier, but not necessary and I use scissors once in a while, too.

I took a paper piecing class and the add-a-quarter ruler was one of the items we were supposed to bring with us or purchase. I purchased one and it is still sealed in the original packaging, because I found that using the quarter-inch line on my 5 x 24 gave me a lot more control.

Ditto the others --- easier, but not necessary and I use scissors once in a while, too.

Exactly what I do! :thumbup:

I would not think it a must, Just put blue painters tape under the 1/4" line on any ruler so you will remember to use that line. I do this on a ruler when I cut strips or whatever.

It's one of the few gadgets that I would replace if I broke or lost mine. Essential? No. Helpful? Very.

Try watching Craftsy's free Block of the Month video. One month is a paper pieced blocked. The video will help you. I believe it is October. http://www.craftsy.com

Not a must, but many will tell you including me that it is well worth the money. It makes cutting a lot easier because it has a raised lip which regular rulers don't have that buts perfectly up against the paper so you have no shifting problems like with a regular ruler

Not a must at all, IMHO. I did paper/foundation piecing for years before the add-a---rulers were conceived, producedand purchased. I, too, like my other rulers to cut the 1/4 inch though again, I also use scissors if it might be quicker. One of the first foundation pieced project was a 3" square with 16 or 17 pieces.

i have one but don't always use it... i often use my 6" sq ruler as i have that out when doing my dear jane pp blocks

1/4" ruler makes PP a lot easier.

I too took a paper piecing class. The ruler was part of the requirements. The ridge sure makes it nice for cutting = don't have to think. :rolleyes: Since then, I've used it and/or any other ruler that seemed right for the moment.

Like most have said, you don't have to have it..... You might try paper piecing without it and maybe borrow one from a friend and see the difference.

The ruler is great. I have the smaller and larger ones and rarely use the larger. I bought them on line.

You can use a regular ruler, but the add-a-quarter has the lip on it that keeps your ruler from slipping. I used to use a regular ruler until it shifted and I cut the block in half. The ruler comes in 6", 12" and there is an add-an-eight for mini's. I wouldn't think of paper piecing without them.

It makes it soooo much easier, but it's not necessary. The lip really helps. It's under $10 and well worth the price

I love paper piecing....it is kind of a no brainer and the add-a-quarter ruler just goes right along with the no brainer theory. I have two lengths in the add a quarter rulers and I use them all of the time. I don't have to think or be real careful.....the rulers are fool proof.

I don't use the add a quarter ruler for that. I can eyeball it good enough & just trim it off. You could use one of the rulers marked with 1/4 inch increments that you already have if you want to or make a template of your own from cardboard or plastic.

I have to admit (never having seen a PP video) I had NO idea where you would use/need an add-a-quarter ruler. I read "snuggle it up against the paper" and I was thinking that you were working with paper patterns that did not have the 1/4" seam allowance printed on the outside edge. So I went to the video and saw where she is using the add-a-quarter ruler.

I had never considered trimming the seam allowance on the first piece until AFTER I've attached the second piece. IOW ... I sew the seam first then just use scissors to whack off my seam allowance!!

So from my point of view I think it's an extra an unnecessary step.

I've paper pieced quite a few quilts and have always just used my regular ruler and have never had any kinds of problems.

I learned to paper piece without the add a quarter ruler. After using the ruler I wouldn't want to paper piece without it. It makes the process easier and fool proof. The only way to know is to use one. The ones that don't have it will say you don't need it. The ones that do have it will say give you a first hand review good or bad.

I don' t believe in buying every ruler out there, just the ones that I think I need to get the job done properly. I find that a regular ruler works just fine, and if you get the little dots that go on the back of the ruler to keep it slipping you'll solve that issue, too. MUCH cheaper, less storage needed, etc. Yeah, (sigh) I'm cheap! lol

One can do without it but once I bought the ruler I almost always use it. Sometimes if I'm really busy ( spelled b-u-s-y; pronounced l-a-z-y) I may just eyeball trimming a very small section.I do PP with freezer paper folding, not sewing through the paper. It's so easy to line the ruler against the paper edge to trim my piece after sewing.

Agree.
Annie