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-   -   My first attempts at paper piecing.....don't laugh!!!! (https://www.quiltingboard.com/pictures-f5/my-first-attempts-paper-piecing-dont-laugh-t24517.html)

Bevanger 08-23-2009 03:34 AM

I envy you for trying. I could never do it. GREAT JOB!

bearpaw 08-23-2009 05:32 AM

Thanks for the encouragement!

Thanks for the tip on how to measure the pieces needed. Great idea to mark the template in the color of the fabric (as you saw, I did have trouble with this!

Thanks again!


feline fanatic 08-23-2009 06:16 AM


Originally Posted by kluedesigns



in this case i would do strip paper piecing.

you figure out the size strip you need to cover the large sections and go to work. it might be something like 5 inches high by the width of the fabric.

sew the strip on to the paper, fold it over to cover the section, and trim the 1/4 seam for the next section.

then when you need that color again just use the strip.


Yup! This is what I do as well. If I am doing several of the same block I will actually cut the strip down to the length of the biggest piece. So I measure the unit in the paper at it's longest point by it's widest point regardless of what kind of crazy angles it may have. I have found that with many angled pieces I can get two out of a cut rectangle by flipping it so I wouldn't recommend it if you are concerned about print direction. A trick that I learned in a PP class is to hold the paper pattern up to the light with the piece of fabric placed where you intend to sew it and ensure it is covering all the space by at least 1/2" on all sides. Once you get the hang of it you will really like PP not to mention the spectacular results you can acheive with it.

kluedesigns 08-23-2009 07:25 AM


Originally Posted by feline fanatic

Originally Posted by kluedesigns



in this case i would do strip paper piecing.

you figure out the size strip you need to cover the large sections and go to work. it might be something like 5 inches high by the width of the fabric.

sew the strip on to the paper, fold it over to cover the section, and trim the 1/4 seam for the next section.

then when you need that color again just use the strip.


Yup! This is what I do as well. If I am doing several of the same block I will actually cut the strip down to the length of the biggest piece. So I measure the unit in the paper at it's longest point by it's widest point regardless of what kind of crazy angles it may have. I have found that with many angled pieces I can get two out of a cut rectangle by flipping it so I wouldn't recommend it if you are concerned about print direction. A trick that I learned in a PP class is to hold the paper pattern up to the light with the piece of fabric placed where you intend to sew it and ensure it is covering all the space by at least 1/2" on all sides. Once you get the hang of it you will really like PP not to mention the spectacular results you can acheive with it.


i use paper that you can see thru so you never have to worry if your fabric is going to cover the area.

here's a link to the paper i use


http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/sto...3&Item_ID=1087


not to mention that little bits of paper are never left behind the stitches. its amazing how great this product is - the paper just rips right out.


RedGarnet222 08-23-2009 07:44 AM

Oh this is a learning process and the blocks came out so precise. Don't be hard on yourself about the misplacement.

It is hard to figure out where to put what. I have sometimes put a small letter next to the nimber to keep me on track. The other thing that helps is to have a colored in picture of the block next to the sewing machine, that way you can refer to it.

All in all, though, you did a great job on your first ones. Isn't it fun? Really different than the other way of setting squares.

Quilt4u 08-23-2009 11:06 AM

You did a great job. Very nice.

Mousie 08-23-2009 01:37 PM

the only thing I'm laughing at, bearpaw, is a silly, willy, nilly ol' bear!
You did great! :D

kd124 08-23-2009 02:07 PM

Way to go! You did great!

ania755 08-23-2009 03:52 PM


Nice job...!!! :lol:

bearpaw 08-23-2009 04:33 PM

Thanks again everyone....it was pretty fun once I got the hang of it.

Thanks for the link to the paper, Klue, I think it will definitely help if I can see the line from both sides.

Does anyone know of an online tutorial for the strip pp method? I'm pretty sure I get it, but would like to see a demo.


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