Paper piecing question
 

I did some paper piecing a long time ago but I don't remember...
I want to do a small paper-pieced teacup for my secret santa pal at the office. I found a pattern but want to know if I can use regular old white copy paper for sewing on or if I should use something thinner. The pattern is for a 4" finished block. Any thoughts about this?

I use plain ole copy paper all the time.
Be sure to remember to set your stitches closer together so they will tear away from the paper easier.
Also, be sure to "run" your stitches past the edges so they don't unravel when you tear the paper.
There's still a whole section for just paper piecing hints that you can look at and review....go to the "Main" then to the bottom of the page...you'll see a line that says "user defined topics"...click on this and you'll see a whole new menu of choices to look at too.

I only use copy paper, and don't have any problems with it at all. Just remember to set your stitch length smaller so removing the paper is easier :) :) :)

Same here....I just am finished a large quilt, doing paperpiecing on most blocks and ONLY used copy paper. :)

I know lots of people who use copy paper. I think one person creases along the seam after sewing to further weaken the paper.

Cheers, K

Thanks...I remembered there was a whole section somewhere about paper piecing but wasn't sure how to find it! I have been poking around there and have found lots of great info!!

I usually just use copy paper, but recently I found several tablets of typing paper which is really thin. I've just been tearing it off the tablet and running it through the printer and it works great and a lot easier to check your placement thru the thinner paper.

Use the thin copy paper. The easier you can see the pattern the better. A special paper piecing paper is also sold. I got mine at Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon and not a bad price. I think there are 100 sheets. They are also so much easier to tear off in the end.

I always crease along the seam. I also run the back of my seam ripper along the sewing line. Both make it easier to get the paper off. I also use tweezers to get any tiny bits of paper out that were left along the seam line. I think it makes it easier.

Use the thin copy paper. The easier you can see the pattern the better. A special paper piecing paper is also sold. I got mine at Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon and not a bad price. I think there are 100 sheets. They are also so much easier to tear off in the end.

I use CHEAP copy paper - this means it is thin. I also run my little wooden "pressing stick" along the stitching line to help crease the paper a bit before I tear it off. I've also heard of people spritzing the paper with a spray bottle of water claiming that will help tear it off too.

Hi reading your messages about paper piecing paper, I've used a tracing paper pad from the grocery store. The thinner the better is what I like. The cheap printer paper works well also. I have Carol Doaks paper piecing paper, I got 11x14 (50 sheets)but it's expensive ($12.00) and don't think it's any better than what I've listed here. There is also good tear away paper you can buy too and a dissolving paper that I really liked too. . It was good too and thin. Spraying water works great to help tear off without distorting the seams. You don't want to pull on your stitches too much. Set your stitches to smaller than regular stitching on a quilt. Helps when tearing off the paper.
Well that's my 2 cents worth, hope it helps you.
Jigs1354

There's nothing wrong with using copy paper, and all the other tips from above are great!

I use copy paper , but I have known some who buy newspaper ends of rolls and cut it to fit the copier.

I find useing copy paper causes the thread to be a bit loose after I tear it off the fabric because it is thick. There is nothing wrong with using CP but I do like the PP paper the best. It is thin and tears easily which results in a better seam.
peace

I have only ever used copy paper.. I just reduce the stitch length so the paper is easier to tear off.

All of the above suggestions are great. I will add one more. I use a child's watercolor paint brush and "paint" the stitched line with a little water. Paper tears right off, no muss, no fuss.

I use freezer paper. When you press the pieces they stick to the paper, but come right off when you tear them. I just fold on the seam of each piece, cut to 1/4 inch, and press. I don't have any trouble putting it through my printer either. I do shorten my stitches and it tears right off. I like to use thinner paper, saves the needle a little.
Sue

I bought a large supply of 25% tag vellum for PP. It is much easier to take off than copy paper. It goes thru the printer OK. This is much easier for me and easier on my needles.

ali

Plain, inexpensive copy paper works fine. Just use very small stitiches so the perforations are closer together.