After following this topic:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-56940-1.htm

I went out in search of paper on a roll to make piano keys. The office supply had a box of old fashioned fax paper for $38. (How on earth I can use the words "old fashioned" and "fax paper" together, I will never know!) But the young girl at the front counter did not even know what it was! She had to call a manager! That showed my age for sure! Anyway, same with adding machine paper. They had it, but I did not want to spend outrageous amounts on a dozen rolls.

I stopped at Lowes for something that was in the paint department and I inadvertently saw this. It is 6" wide x 180' long and costs $1.98 for the roll. They had it in several other widths, 8", 10", 12", and something narrower than the 6" wide that I bought, possibly 4". Don't quote me on the exact widths. I have not used it yet, but I think it might do the trick. If anyone has already used it, let me know.

At $1.98 I'd say it's worth a try. Let us know how it works out.

That is a great idea!

Quilters are the smartest people I know!!! You go, girl!

I have to agree :thumbup:

Good buy, way to go.

why use paper and not cheap muslin for a backing you don't have to remove? Even lightweight interfacing would do well.

I love it when a quilter shares great ideas with us. Thank you.

Ok - still new here to some techniqes so have to ask...why do you need to use paper, muslin or lightweight interfacing to make piano keys? TIA

[quote=QuiltnCowgirl]Ok - still new here to some techniqes so have to ask...why do you need to use paper, muslin or lightweight interfacing to make piano keys? TIA[/quote

The paper will be removed and makes for a more lightweight finish, similar to cutting away the under-fabric when you applique. Also the paper will not shift off grain and you will be able to make a straight piece to work with. I think that sewing onto fabric is fine too. There really is no right or wrong way! If you read through the topic link I think they discussed the pros and cons of it. It is a tutorial.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-56940-1.htm

I have never done it, but found I already had an old roll of adding machine paper. I wanted something wider to work with and by chance, found this in the paint dept. I thought I would let others know it, just because it was so cheap! KKitty

I would do a few test pieces to make sure it works. I haven't used that paper for piecing but I have used it for the intended purpose of protecting things from paint. It resists water well and does not tear easily so you might find that removing the paper from your fabric is difficult and distorts the piecing. Good luck!

I did not know that! Thank you for responding! That is precisely why I started the topic. I am new to quilting and know there are others who have been down this road! I will try it with a small amount of fabric before I go wild with it. I can always use it for other purposes in craftwork. Thanks!

Oh dear. I think I made a major mistake. I made piano keys without paper backing. I just did strip piecing. It seemed to work fine.

If it worked you didn't make a mistake. This is just another method. Remember, no quilting police here. :)

Wise investment....at a great price! :)

Didn't know this product existed. Great idea.

Can't wait to see how it works......

Dont' fret!!
I've always just done my piano keys solo .. and no problems!
Never even thought of using paper or a foundation fabric.

Well, I looked at the paper again this morning, and lo and behold, I bought really cheap paper that absorbs water in an instant and falls apart when it is wet! I guess it is going to work, although I have not yet had the time to try it on the machine.