Easiest way to learn to PP???
 

Ok so I'm ready to learn to paper piece and yes I have watched Youtube tutorials and have magazines and I'm still waiting for it to make since. This is that time when I get it I'm going to scream "duh"! Ok so my question is for all that know how and do PP on a regular basis what resource is the best for a beginner? I really don't want to buy a book, we are military and our moves have weight limits so I really avoid buying books for quilting. I'm a visual person but for this I guess I need the PP for dummies tutorial!! lol TIA

Maybe this will help. Paper with pattern side up. Cut sec. 1 fabric at least 1/4" larger all the way around - rough is fine. Place fabric for section 1 wrong side fabric to wrong side paper. Pin in place. Cut sec. 2 fabric at least 1/4" larger all the way around of THAT section. Place sec. 2 fabric right side to right side of fabric #1. Pin in place. Sew on line between section 1 and 2. Fold paper back completely to stitching. Place cutting edge of ruler 1/4" past stitching (folded edge of paper) and trim. Fold paper flat again. Fold section 2 fabric flat (press if you like) so that section 2 of pattern is covered on back. Follow same process with remaining sections of fabric as you did for section 2. I think for me the hardest concept to grasp was that fabric #1 is placed with wrong side to the paper and all subsequent sections of fabric are placed right sides together. I would begin by cutting your fabric pieces WAY larger than you think you need. I've developed the habit of pinning on the sewing line and then folding fabric back just to make sure it really is going to cover the entire section. Then placing the piece the way I described above and sew. I know people swear by Carol Doak but I could never get it from her books. I finally took a class and all became clear. Hope this helps. You're welcome to PM me if you need more help.

The easiest and best way to learn .... is to ............ START!
Just jump in the driver's seat and get at it!!

That's what I did when I started PPing, less than a year ago ... just got at it!!!
Like you, I'd read a lot, and even had a few tastes of it at quilting classes, and nothing clicked. Honestly, a year ago I would have told you it was a useless technique and no I'd never do it. Then along came, something that I wanted to do ... and now, I really enjoy PPing. I see it as Dot-to-Dot meets Paint-by-Numbers!

I started with QuiltersCache.com and used their tutorial and basic blocks. Then went on from there.

As with other quilting techniques ... remember there is no one way or the highway method of doing PPing.
You'll discover that there are many different suggestions that will be made ... all can be right, but may not be right for you!

As you go, you'll develop your own style, but if you don't START, that'll nevber happen!! :)

Have FUN!

Carol Doak is probably the best paper-piecing teacher around. She's written several books and this is a really good one for beginners: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Machine-P...1572886&sr=8-2

She has a yahoo group, too - it's named CarolDoakQuiltingGroup

I started on Carol Doaks site she has some free patterns and when i had an issue I took my project to the LQS and got great help. She is well known for PP

Your public library is an excellent resource for books you can use and don't have to purchase, store or move. They have many quilting books. Good luck.

Try this...you never even have to sew thru the paper!

[url]http://www.twiddletails.com/store/index.php?main_page=page&id=21[/url

on this page http://www.caroldoak.com/free-quilt-patterns.php, scroll to Introduction to Paper Piecing. Carol offers this for free to teachers in their classes and the rest of us. I learned on this one just recently. other posters gave me some great tips on this thread http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...g-t180996.html
hope this helps

Honestly it is just the easiest thing to pull up a utube vid of pping and sew along with it. that is my best advise or maybe if you have a quilting friend near by maybe make an afternoon of it. if you are worried about questions that you might have. I have only been quilting for about 2 years now and have only recently ppd a couple of quilts and they were easier than i thought they would be. it is a little like paint by number.

I agree with QuiltE...
The easiest and best way to learn .... is to ............ START!
Just jump in the driver's seat and get at it!!