Dancing Needle

Thanks! It's fun to do. And the best part, no tearing when you're done. The block is ready to go.

Minda

Dancing Needle, I'm going to try your method. Your block is beautiful.

Dancing Needle

Thanks Minda. Yes, do give it a try. I can't take credit for the method though, Maride posted the link to the tutorial in answer to my paper piecing question. It's lots of fun. I'm searching for another paper piecing block to try now...I'm hooked! :)

sheliab12

There are several tips I can share. First use the cheap Tablet paper you will find in stationary. It is the kind of paper we use in elementary shcool. It is like the paper we use to learn to print on with out the lines. It is thin and will go through printer to print the pattern. The tablet does come in tablet form for around $2.00.

Another hint I read ( have not tried) Go over all the lines on the paper first with an empty needle. This perforates it and makes it eaiser to tear. Do not do this on the tablet paper as it will tear off.

If you use too heavy a paper you will have one job when you finish. You can dampen the paper too but if you used ink that is water soluable it will run . I know this as it happened t o me. Good Luck

marta

I have tried both paper piecing for Foundation .... and Muslin. I still prefer Muslin. It doesn't stretch the blocks out of shape like paper, and the blocks go together better.
I recently made a wall hanging of flying geese and actually tried both methods. My Muslin Geese were sooooo much better.
I know a lot of people who use paper, but for me the Muslin is the best bet. You can also run the Muslin through your printer. I have found you need to allow some space on the Muslin where it first goes into the printer then it prints perfectly!
Good luck!

Lbatescpa

I use printer paper too. But have also used the paper you buy in the toy dept. - kids drawing tablets - which is slightly tan or yellow. It is very very cheap, tears away easily without stretching or pulling the stitches, and goes through the printer fine. I also use a 1.5 stitch length and medical tweezers for small and hard to get at pieces

Bluphrog

I do all my paper-piecing on my white Featherweight and set the stitch length at 20. I usually photocopy my patterns onto standard photocopy paper. One tip I was given but have never used is to sew your pattern pieces on the sewing line with an empty needle. This pre-perforates the paper, making it easier to tear away. Also, I try not to start tearing the paper away at the edge where the stitches are. I tear the paper in the middle of the block from the edge down to the stitching, then work from the center to each side. I try to tear the paper away in the reverse order that I sewed. Maybe that's just me.

mjsylvstr

I have just started doing Paper Piecing..didn't like it at first but after buying the "add an 1/8" and "add a 1/4" rulers...I want to do one piece right after finishing the last.

I have been using my regular copy paper from the printer and I use 1.0 to 1.5 stitch length.

Works fine so far...mj

Sheree from Chicago

Aside from making your stitch length as tiny as possible and using strong thread, the only thing I can add is to use a larger needle to create bigger holes in the paper.
Once you get it to work for you I think your going to love it. A lot can be done that is not possible with traditional piecing.
Good Luck!

mjsylvstr

This is my first PP after getting those rulers...love using them. I have since machine quilted the background of this piece and around the figure. I am making individual ones for gifts and have made a triple one for my dil...
it is such fun since learning the easier method...mj