I am going to be trying hand piecing when I go on a trip soon. I will be cutting all the pieces in advance. Is it a good idea to starch them before cutting? I know the cutting will be more accurate, but won't it make the pieces too stiff to easily hand sew? I'd love some advice on this.
Thanks!

Will be fine. I don't hand piece but I hand applique starched fabric all the time with no problems.

I heavily starched my EPP fabrics. I don't find then harder to sew through.
I did find that they stay creased VERY nicely when sewing them to the papers and when pressing my seams too :D:D:D

i don't starch but some do but don't forget to draw your 1/4 line all around i use lead pencil for my lights for dark colors i use the white lead chalk pencil i also use sand paper under it to mark them

how do you use the sandpaper?

you get the thin top layer when you cut all your pieces out turn then face down then take your ruler measure your 1/4 then draw your line the sandpaper holds the pieces so they won't move or stretch http://www.roserushbrooke.com/how-to-hand-piece-1.html this show how to hand pieces it might help you somehttp://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/...lting/43586and another one here

I have sandpaper. I'm going to try that. I hate the fabric slipping when I'm marking on it. Thanks for the tip. :)

great tip!