Thangles question HELP!
 

I think I am in love with Thangles for their accuracy as all of my HSTs are coming out perfect.
BUT, I find it frustrating to remove the paper. Is there a shortcut or easy way? I have only done 11 of 62 blocks. And each block has 4 HSTs so there are 104 to go...HELP I need an easier way to remove the paper.

I bought a package for a project next month. I thought I'd lay a straight edge (like a ruler) along the seam fold it a couple of times and tear. Don't know if it'll work but worth a try.

When I paper piece I shorten my stitch length and it perforates the paper better. I also found that with time and practice you do get more efficient at paper removal.

I've seen it done where you fold the paper along the stitch line, then sew right next to the fold. When you're through sewing the paper is not stitched down. I've never tried it though.

I will try this and let you know. I wish I had a metal ruler, but I'll try a plastic.
Thanks.

I did change to a shorter stitch and it does work much better. Thanks.

I don't know what kind of paper Thangles uses... but when I paper-piece, I use vellum. Ironing it seems to make it brittle and tear off easily.

Having said that, I'm like an earlier poster - most of the time I don't sew through the paper, I fold on the line and sew right next to it. The only time I sew through the paper is when I think the block/fabric needs stabilizing.

i fold back when paper piecing also :thumbup:

When I tear the paper, I always start in the middle with my thumb under the larger piece and tear out to the ends. Seems to go quickly without ripping out any of the stitches.

What is Vellum? is it like onion skin paper from type writer days? And where do you get it?

I found vellum paper at Staples, but wonder can you run it through your inkjet printer.
http://www.staples.com/vellum+paper/...y_vellum+paper

Like Sheltie'smama wrote, I use a smaller stitch length. I fold on the lines after sewing and use my 6" ruler to help guide me as I tear the paper.

For other paper piecing I use the 25% rag vellum I bought on sale online from Staples. This was a suggestion from a pattern designer I met.

Isn't vellum too thick for paper piecing?

I use plain old copy paper and a short stitch length. I seldom have problems removing the paper.

I was always told to use a larger needle (size 14). It makes larger holes which makes for easier tearing. Even though ripping out is a hassle, by using thangles (or I purchased the Triangulation CD), you still get them perfect every time. That is more important to me. Ripping out can be done in downtime sitting in front of the tv. Good luck.

You can buy vellum at office supply stores.

It is actually thinner than copy paper. I've used copy paper also, and MUCH prefer vellum.

You CAN run vellum through a printer, both inkjet and laser.

All of the ideas here are great. Perhaps, another to add. I found that scoring the paper across from the seam (not parallel to) helps, since it doesn't tear along the whole seam, just part of it. I love Thangels and Eydita Star's triangle paper is good too. I also have Golden Threads paper, but velum is still the old stand-by that always works. I don't mind the time spent, since it's just part of the process--like sorting and separating floss and yarns for embroidery or needlepoint--has to be done, but keep the final result in view (a gorgeous quilt)!

Both above posts are correct. I have used them since they first came out. Use a shorter stitch like one does with paper piecing and yes, fold it and finger press and then gently pull. Have a trash can nearby. These are great when making scrappy HST.

Vellum has to be lightweight vellum. The regular scrapbooking vellum is too thick. I use it in my ink jet printer. A tracing wheel will perforate the paper to make it easier to remove.

As mentioned several times, sew your Thangles using a smaller stitch length. Then, after you have cut the pieces apart, lay the triangle on a hard surface and fold the paper along the stitch line, creasing with your thumb. When you tear the paper from the outside edge between the stitching and the point, not at one of the stitched corners, and tear the paper down to the stitching. Then remove the two large pieces, then the two selvage pieces.

I too like thangles or triangles on a roll...I don't think you can fold and stitch next to it as in some pp techniques...but using a thicker needle, shorter stitch, and when ripping out...pull that paper toward you but first gently score over that stitch line with a pin if there is resistance...and like said above...mindless tv watching hand exercises.....

I agree 100% with this advice.

Thanks to all for great suggestions. I tried a few on some already stitched pieces and I have another batch ready to sew so I will add more of your ideas. I have been pressing them before removing the paper. I ordered the Triangulations CD and I can see using lots of HSTs in the future.

I use a shorter stitch and the fold on the stitch line and use my nails to make a sharp edge with the paper outside fold. It rips down the sew line. And comes off.

Some people I heard spray with water on seam line not sure about it. I think I would starch before spraying to stop stretching.

Shorten your stitch length, thangles paper is made for stitching through and tearing away fairly easily. Start with a little tear at the edge then it will tear away the rest of the way easily - I often use about (18) stitches per inch when paper piecing which makes tearing away quite fast and easy

I use vellum all the time when embroidering. I print out my design on vellum so I can lay it out on my embroidery area to "audition" it. So yes, it will go through an inkjet printer. And I HAVE sewed through it. But I would think it would be a little expensive to use very much of it. I hate paper-piecing, so I guess I won' t ever try thangles. I don't like the paper removal either. I can find better things to do in the time it takes to pull that paper off the back of what I am sewing.

All of the ideas are good. I use shorter stitch length as well as folding the paper. For PP with Triangulations I use the scribble pad paper from the Dollar Tree. It has to be trimmed before placing a stack in my printer because it comes in 9x12 sheets @ 40 sheets for $1.00, which is very cheap compared to actual PP paper. Scribble pads also come in a larger size as well, if you have a wide carriage printer.

I do the "fold the paper and stitch next to the fold", but if you have already stitched onto the paper, I would take a ruler placed right on the sewing line, then use the back of a seam ripper to score the paper right next to the sewing. Someone suggested to do that with a pin, but a seam ripper is easier to handle.

You can get paper made just for piecing and it tears much easier. Check your local quilt shop.

Funny, my friend just sent me this website: http://www.tadatriangles.com/
I like Thangles, Triangles on a roll, etc. - they must drive her nuts:) Apparently, you just fuse your fabric on this lightweight interfacing and cut....done. She uses it all of the time. Worth a look.

Sunnie, you are going to love triangulations and if you need to have a different size at 2 in the morning, voila, no running to store to buy, just find the right size you need and print them off. I have loved making HST's ever since I got Triangulations and that as several years ago.

I really like paper piecing, and almost always just copy the patterns onto the cheapest printer paper I can find. I use a really small stitch and most of the time don't have much of a problem getting the paper off. If I do have an issue with getting the paper off cleanly I just lay a damp washcloth over the paper for a minute or two. Works really well.

I spritz with water just to dampen at the seams, it comes right off

If you want to make a REAL MESS with this, decide to throw the top in the washer through a gentle cycle to let the pieces get soggy and wet.... then they are too wet to pull off, you have to let the whole thing dry, the paper is stuck like with glue to the fabric, you have paper bits all over the front to pick off with your fingernails one at a time......need I say more????? JUST DON'T EVEN CONSIDER DOING THIS!!!!! (Guess how I know this!!!!)

I use a tie off stitch at each end of the sewing line and a slightly smaller stitch. I fold the paper on the stitching line before I try to pull it off. The tie off stitch helps the stitches to stay in place and the smaller stitches give the paper more perforation holes so it tears easier. I really like the accuracy the thangles has and my blocks go together much easier.

Thanks for posting the link. This is a great idea!

Wow there's a throw back to garment sewing days...Tracing Wheel lol TYVM for the laugh

Oh my! Thanks for the morning chuckle & warning.

I buy vellum by the roll like wax paper in the cooking supplies isle at my grocery store.