jackilvsmath

So I am WAY new to quilting (just started my first quilt on Monday). I am trolling the internet (Quilter's Cache) for ideas for future quilts [you know for all that free time I don't have :-) ]. My question: What is the purpose for paper pieceing (sp?)? I looked at the tutorial on the Cache site, and I do understand it, but why would you paper piece and not just measure/cut/do math. Thanks in advance for the info!

Jacki

JudyG

The reason people paper piece is to get perfect points in designs. If you look at paper pieced patterns, most have lots of points or the block sections are very small and would be hard to sew together regularly. Also, it is much easier when you are working with odd angles.

Welcome to the Board. You will love it here. Everyone is very friendly and helpful.

Linda B

You can do blocks by paper piecing that to do otherwise would be almost impossible. And it makes points, such as in stars and flying geese, much sharper. The accuracy is much easier to accomplish.

kwiltkrazy

Paper piecing = perfect points= no baldness

BKrenning

Try to do a Mariner's Compass without paper piecing by machine! You'll soon find out why to learn paper piecing. Some people paper piece because they want perfect pieces, every time. Sewing on a line gives new quilters the accuracy of seasoned professionals.

As a test you could try cutting half square triangles and sewing them together to make squares. Now try the same thing using a paper foundation. Perfect squares, the same size, every time. Imagine working with diamonds! Bias on 2 sides to get all wonky on you when you least expect it.

Once you conquer the quarter inch seam and proper pressing, paper piecing is usually reserved for blocks that require pointy points--stars especially.

Another reason for paper-piecing is to hold wonky fabric and bias edges steady. It's great for stabilizing scraps to make string quilts or crazy quilts.

sewingladydi

Paper pieced blocks always look so sharp and crisp to me. I love 'em, but I've never done a whole quilt of PP blocks.

wvdek

BK said it beautifully. If you have not done so, try PPing as it is habit forming. And those lovely points are unbeatable.

walen

Hello and welcome from Idaho. I am pleased to meet you and know that you will love this board!

kristen0112

I love paper piecing - because I love perfection, I love points and small pieces. This is why I paper piece...

amma

PP can really help stabilize a block when you are working with bias cuts.
Even on regular blocks, each block comes out perfect each time. No variations due to slightly off seams or cuts.
It is like painting by the number only in this case, quilting by the number :D:D:D