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

of course, the miniturazation and the accuracy are the reasons to do it....but it is way too slow for me... i have never done it since i learned how.... after about a half a block, i run screaming to my rotary cutter and strip ruler and start quilting.... lol.... you have to do what is fun for you....

Thanks for posting this link!!! These patterns are gorgeous! And "e-patterns" too, can't get much better than that. ;)

Like these...........

I am currently doing a pp project. My Mom gave me a pattern to make for her. The pieces where very hard to cut and sew together so I went online and found a pp pattern that is the exact same block. Saves me a lot work.

For me it is accuracy and I don't have to worry about making a good 1/4" seam and I don't have to cut perfect pieces out to sew together. Just easier that way.

I like it for stars, as it produces nice sharp points.

Paper piecing has allowed me to take my skill level much higher in a short time. Perfect results every time.

Check out Carol Doak sites and also http://www.reginagrewe.de/. Paper piecing is also a great way to use up those little scraps and pieces of strings. I keep a pile of freezer paper foundations near my sewing machine: when I feel like just "doing s-g" I can whip up a few PP log cabins or string blocks. I fold the paper, not stitch through it so the foundations can be used many times. I've made 3 quilts like this and soon have enough blocks for another without really noticing it!

more intricate points than you can with regular piecing

Accuracy and nice sharp points that match up!! Hard as I try, I cannot for the life of me make a straight log cabin block without it being paper pieced! I can start with perfectly cut strips and I sew with a perfect 1/4" seam (well, I think it is perfect!) and the darn thing will always come out wonky and skewed.

I foundation piece all the time (can't cope with pulling papers off :) It produces greater accuracy and I even now try and find a way to pp different traditional patterns I once pieced by hand or machine. I have foundation pieced miniature right through to large lap size quilts, usually scrappy.

A friend just started quilting under my guidance and she did a foundation pieced scrappy quilt as her first - she loved that she could follow the lines (she had never used a sewing machine before) and her confidence grew so much with each block she completed. She is now well on the way with her 2nd quilt and is super keen.

Helping me be more accurate. Still working at it

i`m paper piecing a quilt at the moment...will post it when done ...i think it is a lot of fun,, mine is just a different design...

i pp for sanity.....in sanity..out of sanity...the best thing about pp is all the pieces are exactly the size you want them, perfect in every block.
katz

1. when I am at a retreat, it helps me stay on the line while I listen and talk to everyone.
2. everything ends up the same size
3. Bias is not an issue. Right now I have taken a 1990 Quiltmaker pattern and converted it to a foundation to make it easier to sew. It has a huge amount of bias in each piece and this will control it all. (got the kit for $10 because I think she was tired of the templates and realized how long it was going to take.)
4. I can use different sewing machines and still end up with the same size block.

I have made from queen sized quilts to 2 X 2 inch squares for a gift card using paper foundation techniques. I do agree that some like it and some do not. My best friend does not like not "seeing" what she is sewing and it frustrates her. But she does not like little blocks and I do so to each their own.

Paper piecing is one of my favorite quilting methods. You can make some really intricate blocks using this method. There can be right much fabric waste but the end results are worth it. Judy Neihmyer (I think I have that spelled right) has some spectacular patterns. Her patterns include the printed papers so you don't have to worry about copying them. Give it a try.

Paper piecing allows me to do large yet intricate work from photos. I included and example of a ski run.
MaryKatherine

First, I'll admit that PP'ing isn't my favorite way to piece. But, I will go this route when I have a quilt where I want those super sharp points and pinpoint accuracy. For me, this is only when I'm doing something like mariner's compass or another pattern with long, spiky pieces. :)

I love English Paper Piecing because of all the comments listed above. Accuracy is better using this method. Dresden Plates are perfect when paper pieced.
Try it, you may find a whole new wonderful technique that you will use over and over again.
Pat

There are certain designs that I don't think would get done without paper piecing. I like using freezer paper that is tacked down and folder back before you sew then there is no ripping off the paper. Here is 1/2 of a paper piecing Venice Rose I am working on. Each on of the spokes takes me an hour to do.

I would never attempt triangles any other way. I've made a lot of blocks w/ tiny pieces ( 121 pieces in a 6" block) and it's the only way to get sharp points. I use freezer paper now and like it much better = no paper to pick out.

The Mariner's Compass has been hand pieced accurately without paper piecing for years. Any shape, no matter how small can be hand pieced. However, how many now feel that PP is the only way to be accurate and not stretch the fabric? That's simply not true. I'm now PP some blocks, but still prefer to hand piece. You also do not need to starch fabric to be accurate. I started teaching quilting in the mid-70s after teaching myself how to quilt and written three books on how to do it. Now, obviously, the rotary cutter and other wonderful rulers are terrific innovations, but nothing beats being accurate with cutting, maintaining an even 1/4 inch seam--whether by hand or machine--and careful pressing.
I've been reading comments about how starch keeps the fabric stiff and makes piecing accurate. In my estimation, it's time wasted when I could be piecing. The trick is to spend time learning how to handle the fabric so that it doesn't stretch. I apologize in advance if I've ruffled some feathers, but I've wanted to say this for some time, especially for new beginners. Perhaps the answer is that what is successful for you is what you should do. But I want to get to a accurate, finished product as simply and quickly as possible with the minimum of fuss.
SandyQuilter

Wow your link is great. It clearly demonstrates how to paper piece and thus actually explains what paper piecing is. Thanks for the link.

love paper piecing for the accuracy. i only do stars with that method after trying to do it without pp. a star took me over 6 hours to do. so it is also alot faster for me.

Do you know of a tutorial that will show how to turn a photo into paper piecing on the computer?

This is truly beautiful. would you mind sharing where you got the pattern?

I like the accuracy. I have done all the way from Mini quilts to a bed size quilt all paper pieced.
Carol in Delaware

I like the precision of a paper pieced block as I do not do hand piecing.

mltquilt