Calling paper-piecers
 

Two questions:
1. Do you have any idea why some patterns are numbered in different
order? Is it so that the seams nest or what? I'll give you an example.
This is just a rough sketch of part of a pattern. Hope it's ok to post.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]566516[/ATTACH]

2. I have a paper-pieced pattern where they forgot to number it.
It has two rows of HST's on top and two rows on the sides. Do I
alternate one left to right and one right to left? Does it make
any difference? Hope it's clear.

Thanks for your help.

1. Yes, that can be done to make the seams nest. The seam allowances end up on the higher-numbered side, so your A and B would nest nicely, for example.

2. It depends what they're being attached to. It probably doesn't matter; worst case scenario, if you want to make the seams next you can just re-press them after removing the papers.

I've taken to always pressing HST seams open!

Why would you want to paper piece hst? In my mind quicker and easier to just cut to size, chain stitch, if possible and done......but I'm not a fan, and only do it on very complex piecing......and not often.....jmho

If that hst is so tiny that it is barely manageable to hold on to, it is best to paper piece. It is very exact and honestly I felt the same way until the results became clear.

I tried to machine-piece and it wasn't pretty. Too many small pieces.
By the time I sew a row I knew I had to PP. Much better now. :)

Sometimes the number corresponds with the fabric/color, not the order of piecing. You lay out your fabrics in the color order you want, number them then attach them in their corresponding place on the pattern.

Would you mind telling me about paper piecing half square triangles? I tried googling and kept coming up with the triangles that are drawn out in multiples on a sheet of paper? Is that your technique? I always have trouble with HST no matter how much I try and slow I sew, etc. Interested in an accurate technique.

Hmmm... I just googled paper pieced HSTs and I see what you mean slbram. Okay, take a piece of graph paper (or any paper for this test would work but the thinner the better because it will be easier to tear off) Draw your square being very very careful to be acurate. Now draw your diagonal line. You know that if you are piecing HST's you need two squares about 1 inch bigger than the final HST. So, cut those two squares and then cut them diagonally. Lay one on your paper, making sure that you have 1/4 inch or slightly less, over that diagonal line. Pin it in place. Now take the alternate coloured triangle, lay it over the first fabric, turn the whole piece over and stitch along the line. Open, finger press and check how you did. Is it more accurate?

I made a paper pieced double flying geese border for a quilt a few years ago. It was the only way to get it as accurate as it needed to be and even tho it was waaaaay more work than I expected, I am super happy with the result.

Sometimes PPing HSTs can give you far more precision, pointy points and can even be a lot faster.

I've used Thangles to pp HST's and, honestly, am not a fan of those. Generally for HST's, I cut 1" larger than the finished size, pair 2 squares and sew on either side of the drawn diagonal line. Granted, I have to trim, but they are accurate after that. And I press those seams open as well. Then again, I press most seams open. I like the flatter block.

slbram17, unfortunately I don't have a website for pp HST's.
The patterns I was referring to was for a sampler...not just HST's.
What size HST are you planning to make? When making HST's
I like to cut bigger squares, mark the diagonal, sew, press and trim.
Check this website. Also, check the 8 at a time. They have a chart
for different size of HST's. It gives you exact size (not recommended)
or 1/4" or 3/8" or 1/2" more. I think 1/4" extra is more than enough
to trim. Anything more is just a waste.
http://www.generations-quilt-pattern...-triangle.html
I like to starch my fabric before cutting. And the Bloc Loc ruler is very
nice for trimming HST's. They also have a set for Flying Geese. I would
suggest you try these methods before attempting paper-piecing unless
you want to make really small ones then PP is the way to go.
I PP when there's a bunch of 1 inch HST's. Bigger ones I would just do
it the regular way. If you still have problems with HST's, come back and ask.
We are here to help.

Thanks...I was thinking I must be crazy since all I found was the multiples. I think I might try your suggestion..probably the paper helps stabilize the fabric. I have tried so many methods....and I will get some that are great and some not so great out of the same batch (like the 8 at a time, or even the more traditional method of drawing the line and then sewing 1/4 inch on each side. I really have tried a lot of methods, not the cutting the square on the diagonal and sewing two triangles together on the bias.

I use paper piecing to do some flying geese as well, and I did find they came out nice. That's kind of why I think I will play with paper piecing the half square triangles. And yes, paper piecing can be a little time consuming.

Thanks...no definite plans for any particular size. I do starch but not every time. I have tried 8 at a time, and still have some that will not match up with the others coming out of that same batch. I just experiment with them every so often because I like them and what they bring to a quilt.

You can make your own PP pattern. I use gimp to make my own patterns.
Or if you have one of the EQ software.

No quilting software here. Thanks for suggestions.

Have you tried the right angles template for hst, or the one used/designed by Bonnie Hunter. It's a good template to have. I have, if the pattern calls for lots of hst, used triangles on a roll, or thangles, but to me that's not pp, just a different way of getting many done quickly.
if I'm having a problem with hst, it's the fact that I've gotten "sloppy" with my seam allowance...put mysel back on track, and perfect points......same with FG.
but, I must say, the die cutter system has certainly made these things SO much easier and accurate, with less hassle..for me anyway.

It is like everything and everybody has to be perfect sometimes. I don't think I am sloppy but I don't want a job either.

That's just me though.

I have found PP a godsend because I am less confused and I can get better points. I always thought the numbers for PP were there to establish a sewing order.

You can't always just flip those seams. Some of them will have been sewn over, so if you change them you would have to take out the last few stitches to do that. I don't think so!

You are correct about the sewing order. If you look carefully, you can see that the sewing order keeps everything added at the right time.

I love the graph paper idea. I have some awkward to me hst's to make and I'll try this method!