Why do you paper piece?
 

What is paper piecing used for specifically? Is it when you are sewing small pieces togeher? And if so, what size pieces would benefit from using this technique? Is it used when sewing small pieces that are cut on the bias? And again, if so, what size pieces? Thanks!

I use it for accuracy. The very first quilt I ever made was paper-pieced. When I took it in to the longarmer for quilting, the ladies at the shop did not believe that it was my first quilt.

I have made miniature quilts and I do like to paper piece them, again because of accuracy.

paper piecing allows you to be extremely accurate, for example, in terms of points meeting. It also stabilizes the block so that if there are a lot of pieces it seems easier. It also allows for the use of really tiny pieces, say less than 1/4" in size. Some people (me, for instance) love paper or foundation piecing. Others wouldn't touch it with a 10' pole.

Ditto on the accuracy. I am going to paper piece a log cabin and schoolhuse quilt that I know I would have trouble with if I didn't paper piece.

Good question!

This is just my take on it. Like the Mariner's Compass block, there is a lot of different size pieces and points that would be hard to match with regular piecing. And like you mentioned, some pieces are very small as in some circular patterns.

I'm not very good at PP, but I want to make a Mariner's quilt, so am trying to learn as much as I can before I start a whole project. The January BOM is a paper piecing block that is not too difficult. You might want to go to that posing and see if you would like to try it. There is a youtube video that is really good at explaining it also. I'll find it and PM you with that link.

Some people would rather PP than regular piecing. I haven't made up my mind yet. ;)


Here is the link. It is very basic and easy to follow:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uaW2...re=uploademail

I don't really enjoy paper piecing, but I like the paint by numbers aspect of it when I need a certain image.

I use it for very small pieces, when points are a must, for really odd shaped pieces, etc. I'm not totally in love with PP and only use it when I have too. If you try it, make your stitches shorter to make the paper easier to remove.

Suzy

Certain levels of piecing can ONLY be acheivied with PP. Go here to see what I am talking about
http://www.silverliningsoriginals.com/

These designs are ALL PP. No applique involved.
Accuracy, precision, points as sharp as daggers and peicing that simply can not be done any other way are all reasons to "specifically" PP.

I do it because , if I did a block that is only 6 inches finished but had 30 or more pieces , and lots of matching points , the chances of all of them coming out "quilt worthy" are very slim. It is the single best way to ensure accuracy , especially when bias edges are involved.
I have done projects that never in my right mind would I attempt without paper piecing.

I like to paper piece because I get the "wow, how did you do that?" results that I love. There are stars in Carol Doak's book that you couldn't possibly do without the papers. You'll see. Good luck