I want to encourage anyone who is skeptical about trying paper piecing to give it a whirl. Paper piecing like any other quilting technique takes some practice and study{watching several different tutorials}. Many beginner quilters have mentioned that they actually found paper piecing easier than regular piecing. Especially with making geometric designs. These are some of the main points that were most helpful to me as I have been learning to paper piece.
Paper - The best I have found so far is to just use the regular copy paper we all use in our printers. The lower grades of copy paper work the best.
Small Stitches - Also you want to use small stitches. This perforates the paper making it very easy to tear away.
Crease - Normally I just fold back the paper once and crease with my finger nail. It then tears away very easily.
Draw in your 1/4 inch seam - If the 1/4 in outline is not drawn in on the pattern then make sure to draw it. This helps a lot to align your separate Paper pieced units.
Use a pin- Several tutorials on the web will show you to stick a straight pin down in the corners of each of your pieces to help match up your seams.
Fabric - The problem I run into most often Is I cut my squares or angles of fabrics too small for the section it is to cover as I am always trying to minimize waste of fabric use. This often gets me into trouble with Paper Piecing. What I have had most success with is measuring the section and then I cut a square or rectangle a half inch larger on all sides to use.
Use a light - Also I find it very helpful to hold the section I am working on up to the light and let the fabric lay over the section I'm working on to ensure it completely covers the area. This also helps me gauge where to lay my fabric for my quarter inch seam.
All of these things I shared are also mentioned in the numerous tutorials available on YouTube and also in the Tutorial Section of this Quilting Board. I would also suggest to make a practice square first using scraps of fabrics. Then once you have made the square and figured out the lay of the pattern and sewing it together. Then use your selected fabric and make the square for your project. Tuck away all of your practice squares as you go along and when you have enough to make a small quilt you can stitch them together and donate it to the homeless or other organization. Just a thought.
Passing on what has been shared with me on this quilting board.
Im still waiting on Patrice to get the ok for the QAYG challenge. This is a link to my Facebook Albums I have been sharing with others as I have been learning the technique.
http://www.facebook.com/media/albums...00000998974673
Have a great day....everyone. Good thing I have so many projects going.. or I would be nagging Sulabug for more clues... Like possible fabrics... Hmm Florals...More Patriotics? Hmm we can only guess....