Need Paper Piecing Help
07-14-2020, 06:20 AM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,510
I am slightly left/right dyslexic and it really showed when I tried to paper piece odd shapes. I had the same problem. My ah ha!! moment came, when I finally printed an extra copy of the pattern and cut it apart. I made sure to label which side would be facing out, therefore cut on the right side of the fabric. The first few times, I added generously, but got to a point that I only added the 1/4 inch.
07-14-2020, 01:16 PM
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Asheville, previously Lake Vermilion, Tarpon Springs, Duluth, St Paul, Soudan
Posts: 1,651
I also print an extra copy of the pattern, cut it apart, and use it as a cutting template—adding @ 3/8” all around. I live paper piecing.
07-14-2020, 01:45 PM
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Ft. Worth, Texas
Posts: 3,674
Not sure anyone said it already, but one thing I do is write the numbers on the blank side in the spot corresponding to the printed side. If it’s not scrappy, I make a chart with the numbers and a swatch of fabric that goes with each one. I put it up on my wall for quick reference. I love pp!! Especially if there are points I don’t want to lose. Good luck! Once you get some experience with, I’ll bet you will too (0:
07-14-2020, 02:16 PM
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,348
If I have a lot of blocks made to the same pattern, I'll print one copy. Then make notes or use colored markers on each piece. The marker colors don't have to correspond to the actual pattern colors, just be individual enough to tell apart. Red hearts, green leaves, yellow stars, blue wavy lines. Then I'll make as many color copies as I need. It saves labeling each sheet.
Of course, if you make a mistake on that initial printout, all the rest are wrong too...
Of course, if you make a mistake on that initial printout, all the rest are wrong too...
08-04-2020, 12:30 PM
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Southern California
Posts: 6,254
Originally Posted by osewme
On & off I've tried my hand at paper piecing. This month I'm going to paper piece my charity blocks but I'm having a really hard time trying to figure out how to cut my pieces without so much waste. I've messed up on quite a few blocks now by not cutting my pieces large enough to fit in the odd angle of the block. So now I am over compensating by cutting them way too big. Also, when I cut my pieces I have to remember that everything is backwards & I generally sew my pieces in the wrong place & again they don't fit. Ugh! I just finished a 1/4 of a block & discovered I reversed the colors on 2 pieces & now have to remake that block. Ugh! That mistake was because it's 10:30 p.m. & I'm getting tired. I should have waited until the a.m. to make it but I'm anxious to get this pp'ing down. I love the look of pp blocks but am having a really hard time at it. Do you know of any good you-tube links that I might watch? How do I not waste so much fabric? I need help!
