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Quote:

Originally Posted by yobrosew (Post 6551839)

I could not visualize paper piecing in order to do it for the longest time. This young lady explains it so well that I overcame my mental roadblock. She moves a bit fast but just pause and try along with her, or back up and listen again. She throws in some neat things to keep track of the process. A couple of things I wrote down and refer to as a check list. I know it is basic but mundane trips me up every time! 1. Wrong side of paper pattern and wrong side of first piece is the most important for me to remember for things to go smoothly. I also would put a pin a 1/2 in beyond the sewing line and edges of piece going to sew. Then when I flipped to put the next piece on, I knew it had to at least butt up against the pins. The pins are for guiding not holding anything together. I DID it this way until this young lady shared her little technique. Bright girl. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwsR_p9BjrI Good luck and know you are not the only bright person stumped by this. Warning: Once it sinks in, you will never turn back and may even get addicted.

Oh I love, love, love PP. The project I'm working on is somewhat advanced and I'm actually learning as I go. I did the storm at sea block and had no trouble whatsoever. Most of this pattern is really easy but these long, narrow, tiny angles threw me for a loop.

Two good hints for those starting to paper piece.

1) Use solids or batiks - it's easier to place it when there is no "wrong side" to the fabric.
2) Baste the piece first, flip it, if it's good sew it again with a small stitch.

Eventually it will all become second nature to you.

I "sew" my patterns with a non threaded machine so I can see where all the lines are at.

I use a long basting stitch and I know where my fabric has to reach to when I flip it over.

I "pretend" to sew the first piece of a new section by using straight pins where the seam line would be...flip it and then if it's right, I don't sew it down until I've done all the other similar sections. That way I can keep seeing the proper way to place it before sewing.

My "add a quarter" ruler is a life saver...love love love it. Not part of them but love their product:
http://www.addaquarter.com/products.php

I took Carol Doak's paper piecing class at Craftsy. It helped me and I learned many tips and techniques.

it's a little tricky. i can never let my guard down...

aileen

I "pretend" to sew the first piece of a new section by using straight pins where the seam line would be...flip it and then if it's right, I don't sew it down until I've done all the other similar sections. That way I can keep seeing the proper way to place it before sewing.

I do this as well. Usually helps immensely. I had the hardest time wrapping my mind around pp'ing simply by reading and trying it out. Finally took a class at my LQS. Was a great investment. I don't do it as frequently as I could but it's no longer intimidating to me. Good for you that you got it worked out.

I picked up some good tips watching Carol as well. Paper piecing has become a lot more fun with less un-sewing.

The one I am working on now says to trace the dotted lines on the back of the paper so it is easier to see where the fabric goes. I fold it on the dotted line and place the fabric there and then pin on the sew line on the sew side.

I use bigger pieces.... Ill take the waste versus the aggravation ..

I would suggest to make sure you starch your fabric so it won't shift while stitiching. Yeah, the old saying, try, try again.