I really need some help for hand piecing..I have looked at tutorials, read articles and still for some reason my brain can not wrap around it..Is there some simple way to do it?

do you have a specific question? I would mark the 1/4" seam on both pieces, pin to make sure the lines match and take small, careful stitches along the lines. You can backstitch instead of using a knot if you prefer.

Go to this link:

http://www.roserushbrooke.com/how-to-hand-piece-1.html

hope it helps...

I use a small running stitch. I mark my seam allowances the same as NYCquilter, pin, and sew. Unlike machine piecing, you don't have to sew through the seam allowances. Whenever I stop, I do a small back stitch.

I also press my seam allowance to one side, generally towards the darkest fabric.

Jinny Beyer has a book on hand piecing that you might find helpful.

Janet

Make sure you mark the 1/4 sew line and use a simple running stitch. You don't need any hoops just fabric, needle, thread, scissors, and something to mark the 1/4 sew line. Maybe start with a few simple squares to see how you like it. If you like it then go ahead and sew whichever pattern you want. I pieced the spinning color wheel pattern I found on quilters cache and thought my seams match so much better than by machine. If you still have a question feel free to PM with your questions.

Are you talking about sewing two pieces of fabric together or are you talking about the English Paper-piecing method which is also a form of hand-sewing?

What part are you stuck on? Its a running stitch......down up, down up, down up

I've found Jinny Beyer's Perfect Piecer template really helpful for marking for hand piecing.

Here's a link: http://www.jinnybeyer.com/ax_commerc...E52821CFC85A42

Thank you all..What I am working on is a gingerbread man placemat and it requires these teeny tiny hearts to be sew onto his shirt and a couple of other places..That is the part that is driving me nuts..I really like this tool and I am going to look for it..Thank you all again so much for your help..

the tiny hearts sewn on the vest is embroidery-not hand piecing- try looking for embroidery tutorials-videos...there are lots of different stitches you can use for embroidery. for those tiny hearts i would use a back stitch

Sounds like what you need is hand applique - you can either do needle turn and here is a great tute with pics http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-39489-1.htm or apply your hearts with fusible web or glue stick then blanket stitch the edges and here's a tute, using hearts as the example http://ajpadilla.com/tutorials/begin...titch-applique

Hope it helps, your gingerbread man sounds cute. :-D

If it's embroidery, ignore me! Sorry, was posting at the same time! :lol:

[quote=ckcowl]the tiny hearts sewn on the vest is embroidery-not hand piecing- try looking for embroidery tutorials-videos...there are lots of different stitches you can use for embroidery. for those tiny hearts i would use a back stitch


The pattern that I have says to trace the hearts onto a templet and use fabric..But, I like the idea of embroidering better..It would be a lot easier to do

:thumbup: A nice satin stitch would look good for the hearts..Thank you for that idea :-)

It sounds like applique to me as well. Your answer is right on. If the hearts are very small, I am afraid that I would forget about the applique and embroider hearts with a satin stitch.

Thank you so much !!! I put the one from the quilting board into my bookmarks..That is what I need..
:thumbup:

You're welcome - be sure to post pics when you're finished. :-D

I tend to change patterns all the time whether they are hand or machine pieced or applique. Do what feels right to you. You will soon get the hang of hand piecing and hand applique.

I would also recommend buying Jinny Beyer's book "Quiltmaking by Hand". It is an amazing book.