To trim or not to trim - Paper Piecing Question
 

So, I just started paper piecing. I am working with 1" hexagons, and I am wondering how important is it to trim those excess corners from cutting out the squares. I am blind, and I don't exactly mind the trimming. It is just that it seems very tedious, and I get annoyed when I trim them too close or make it crooked. It also seems like a lot to trim each piece with the rotary cutter and the add a 1/4 ruler. Will they bunch up under the top of the finished quilt if I just don't bother? My squares measure 2 1/2 so the only place there seems to be extra fabric is in the four corners.

I did a whole quilt top in scrappy hexagons. I had watched a video to learn how to do it and the woman said that she just cut out squares and used them without trimming. I did that and it worked fine. I did do a lot of starching and pressing as I went to keep things flat and neat.

i am not precise when I cut out my fabric for paper piecing. and I prefer to have closer to 1/2" seam allowance. it's just easier on my fingers when pulling it around the papers. I have never had a problem with the end result with any extra fabric in the corners.

Are you talking about "English Paper Piecing" where the pieces are (usually) whip-stitched together?

Yes, English Paper Piecing.

Thanks, that makes me feel better about the corners.

I cut squares and leave the corners. I haven't finished a quilt yet, still working on it. But on the flimsy, it doesn't seem to matter. I do press with starch. I think it would matter if you are hand quilting.

When doing other paper piecing, not EPP, I will follow Carol Doak's method and trim to my 1/4" seam allowance.