I want to learn paper piecing but...
 

The pattern I want to try is 4 4" finished squares that make a block. How do I print the pattern on my home printer without wasting so much paper? The paper should fit 4 pattern pieces, but how do I get 4 on there? I hope that makes sense. And is regular computer paper light-weight enough to not rip out stitches when it's removed?
Kelly~

You may have to adjust your print margins. Most use a 1" margin the whole way around, which would mean it would only print in a 6.5 x 9" area. If you drop that down to 0.25", you would be able to print in an 8 x 10.5" area. You may have a hard time ripping regular printer paper. You can buy newsprint (really cheap) in printer paper reams. That would probably work better.

Print out four and cut the pattern out and glue four on one page then copy or scan.

I use regular computer paper. But there is some fancy paper piecing paper out there. Always make your stitching smaller, more number of stitches per inch. It ensures that you don't take out your stitching when you take the paper off.

I do the same as OnebyOne - I use newsprint for paper piecing, and it isn't expensive, but not easy for me to get so I don't want to waste it.

I have used every paper known and posted about and with all those experiences my choice is translucent lightweight vellum.

I don't have issues with regular copy paper but it does help greatly to use smaller stitches. As to putting 4 images on the same sheet, that's a bit trickier. If you print; cut/paste; copy - be careful that you have 'scaling' turned off when you print. Also make sure that each time you print/copy that you check the measurement. Home printer/copiers are not necessarily as precise as commercial printers/copiers.

Like NJ Quilter, I use regular copy paper but sew with a smaller stitch length. When I was printing patterns from the Farmer's Wife CD I had to make sure to turn off the default setting in my print option so that it wouldn't shrink to fit.

http://www.quiltnbee.biz/shop/Block-...5-x7562107.htm This is how I like to do it.

I've been using regular cheap printer paper for paper piecing for years- works fine. I do shorten my stitch length to about 18 stitches per inch- paper removes easily. If you need multiple copies of your pattern (. Making multiple blocks) save the blocks to a program that lets you manipulate them, format them to put 4 on a page, adjusting margins-- just make sure they copy to the correct size. Or, make 4 copies, cut them out, tape the 4 to a sheet of paper and use it as your master to make multiples.

Try using a small paint brush and dampen it. Run along the seam edge of the paper to be remove. That should make tearing it away simple and not disturb your stitches.

You don't need to tear away any paper is you use the freezer paper method. Fold your pattern on all lines all the way out to the edges. Lay the folded paper on the fabric where you want to sew and sew NEXT TO the line. Unfold that and fold on the next line. We can make up to 20 blocks with the same piece of paper.

What is vellum, and where do you get it?
Also, where does one buy newsprint?
Thanks

https://smile.amazon.com/Pacon-3401-...ords=newsprint

Amazon! Where I get everything... I think you can get it in reams at Staples, too.

walmart has newsprint bound into a tablet very reasonably. I can't remember the name but I'm sure you can find it with the office or art supplies.

If there's no pattern, I try to draw a master template & run thru my printer as many as needed to make a block.
Here's where I get my paper - its newsprint & cheap. www.dickblink.com. 500 sheet ream 8 1/2" x 11" for $3.55 + shipping. It last me a very long time & its so easy to tear away...
Happy hunting...

I do the same a ckcowl. I buy the cheapest printer paper I can. I think its usually called multipurpose paper. There is a lot of difference in the weight of different papers.

Onebyone, I'm going to have to try lightweight vellum. We have a drafting and design business and I'm betting there is some around here somewhere.

When you say you draw a template does that mean that you design your own? I'd love to see some that people have designed.

Would it work to print once, then turn the paper to print on the other side, and do that 4 times using one piece of paper?

I also use the cheapest copy paper available. Shorten stitch length. Have never had trouble ripping paper off when finished.

When I want to make multiple blocks on one page, say 4 to a page, I copy block four times. Then I cut each out leaving a decent margin around them. Then I glue each one to a new piece of paper. Viola! Four blocks on one page. Make as many copies as you need. Always use the same machine as copiers vary slightly.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

That seems like it would be difficult if there were very many lines...