Dancing Needle

Update: I used this technique and it does work great! Thanks for posting this link Maria. The technique was easy to do and I was able to use the same piece of paper multiple times. This will become my new method of choice when paper piecing. Here's a picture of the block I did with this method. It is for our County Fair Quilt Block Contest. The provide the fabric and the entrants select a pattern.

foxxigrani

I am not an expert at paper piecing like some or most of you. But I buy the regular school paper cheap. I buy it for about .50 a package. It has lines yes but doesn't seem to bother me. It tears of real easy and of course I do have a small stitch, very small. Friend said use a larger needle too and I did for a while but found regular need works better too, so easy. Hope this helps you as I am a very green beginner.

Rita

ljsunflower

old phone book pages are good, too.

foxxigrani

Ok since we are on this subject. Question??????

Do you tear the paper off after you get all your blocks made and sewn into a top or do you tear after each block is made? I got to thinking about that last night as I was making my sample block, what to do????

Thanks in advance.

Rita

feline fanatic

DITTO!!! I love this method of paper piecing. I used it to complete an elaborate mariners compass top and like you I will never go back to tearing again.

FF

pocoellie

I use just plain old copy paper, shortening the stitch makes it a lot easier to tear the paper away.

bearisgray

I can give a tip on what NOT to do - and I thought I was so smart when I did it!

I sewed about 1/8 inch around each of my blocks with a short stitch - and then I pieced these little block together.

If I was going to do it again, I MIGHT use a very long basting stitch to keep the edges from flopping around - and then I would remove it before sewing any cross seams.

Those bits of paper were awful to get out. I don't think I have them all yet.

The Babe

Dancing Needle - loved the block you did and I just may try that method. Thanks for sharing.

Skeat

I like to rip mine after they are 'all' made. It could be time consuming for me to stop and rip right after sewing 'one'. Could be good if someone needed a short sewing break:)I like to rip when all the blocks are finished, while watching evening tv w/a small trash can right next to me...then I have a great group of blocks ready to sew in the morning-ready to go:)Skeat

Skeat

Never thought of using that paper...and, w/kids...I have a ton of it!:0)