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SuzyM 01-11-2010 05:34 PM

New York Beauty is what I was thinking of.

Thank you so much for the link.

2 Doods 01-11-2010 05:41 PM

There are several help sites. One is on quilterscache.com
At the bottom there is a link to paper piecing.
I use paper from the printer. Cheap stuff that is lightweight. I also found a ruler that has a 1/4 inch raised edge that is made to trim leaving the 1/4 inch seam allowance. Love that tool!

brushandthimble 01-11-2010 05:59 PM

I have taken a class with Carol Doak, she is known a the paper piecing queen:)
check out her web site http://www.caroldoak.com/
she has free patterns and may have a how to.

I purchase the paper made for paper piecing.

good luck!!

JanetM 01-11-2010 06:14 PM

Here is another tip.
I taught myself how to paper-piece by getting one of Carol Doak's books. She does a great job of explaining the method.

Also, I agree with the others that say to use the cheapest paper you can find and shorten your stitch length . I once used 24lb. printer paper and had a very difficult time removing the paper when I was finished.

amma 01-11-2010 06:17 PM


Originally Posted by SuzyM
I have never paper pieced anything so please bear with me.

1 - What type of paper do you use?
2 - Do you make your own templetes/designs?
3 - How do you make the half circles with the triangles?
4 - Did you take a class first or just dive right in?
5 - Do you just make a master design and then photocopy it?

1-I use plain old copy paper. after sewing, I fold it over and crease and unfold and tear. I am too cheap to buy the expensive paper and this works great for me :D:D:D
2-I have made my own, I use them off of EQ, and from many online sources... Do a online search for free paper pieced patterns :wink: Quilters Cache has a number of them.
3-Find a pattern for a New York Beauty.
4-No class for me, I just dove right in after looking over a few free online tutorials
5-Like MadQuilter said, make ALL of your copies at once if you are using a copy machine. Not ALL copy machines will make identical sized copies. If you need 30 for the quilt, I would take home 40 :wink: I use my printer, set it to fax quality, I only use 1/2 of the ink and the copies are very readable :D

When you get started PP, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask :D:D:D

zkosh 01-11-2010 06:25 PM

I'm doing a Montana Cartwheel which is very similar to the NYB. I was taught to use freezer paper. I do not stitch through the paper, but fold it back, trim and then stitch on the next piece. Then I iron it down and start the process again until I get to the end of the arc. When the arc is covered with fabric triangles, you just trim off the fabric pieces hanging over the edge of the paper.

I'm really enjoying it and it looks so neat an precise when done. :D

Shemjo 01-11-2010 06:29 PM

Looks like you have gotten all the answers I would have given. It appears intimidating at first, but with a little practice, it is great. There are so many on line resources to help with this process. Good luck and show pictures of your work!

SuzyM 01-11-2010 06:40 PM

I went to Carol Doak's website and I noticed she has a DVD to go with her beginners book - do you think I should get it as well or is her book enough?

brushandthimble 01-11-2010 07:14 PM


Originally Posted by SuzyM
I went to Carol Doak's website and I noticed she has a DVD to go with her beginners book - do you think I should get it as well or is her book enough?

I have her DVD's that have her pattens, I can size them to whatever I want. If it is only for instructions I would try the book first, she does a good job. If you find you need additional direction then spend the $ for the DVD.

SuzyM 01-11-2010 08:50 PM

Ok you enablers :wink:

I ordered her book Simply Sensational 9-Patch since it seemed like the one for beginners. I will let you know how to go.


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