I am helping my "daughter" work through a paper piecing project and am hoping to help her with some pictures.

If you would like to follow along, the block is devil's puzzle variation on Quilter's Cache website.

http://www.quilterscache.com/D/Devil...tionBlock.html

I am by no means a pro at this but have worked on paper piecing alot. Hopes this helps, BoJo.

Sheila

Step 1 - Print out 2 of template A and 2 of template B

Make sure the "scaling" button is unchecked on your print screen. Print at 100% and then do the test in the next step.

Step 2 - on ALL paper piecing before you start make sure the test box is 1 inch. Use your ruler, because due to printer issues or website issues they may not print at the right size.

If you notice that they are printing at the wrong size the first place to check is to make sure you turn off the "scaling" box on the print screen.

Step 3 - this is something I came up with for beginners because the question always comes up about "how big do i cut my pieces?" So I measure the front of the pattern and add 1 inch to that measurement. The pattern is the size the finished block will be so you will have to add AT LEAST 1/2 inch for the seam allowances. I find that adding 1 inch gives you plenty of "playing" room.

I usually also print out a copy of the pattern and jot down the sizes of pieces I will need and take it to my cutting table.

My estimate for sizes for this block would be as follows:

center rectangle - 7" x 4"

small corner triangle - 4" square cut on the diagonal

big corner triangle - 6" square cut on the diagonal

Step 4 - While we are making cheat sheets with measurements, why not make one with colors. I usually do this with patterns that tend to boggle my mind just in case I need to glance at it. So back to kindergarten and lets COLOR!

I print out 2 of each template, color them and cut on the outside line with scissors and then tape together and hang on the wall above my sewing machine.

Step - 5 Okay now to cutting fabric. You can usually speed cut these, getting pieces cut for several blocks at one time. I have cut just enough for one block at this time.

Step 6 - Now on the the actual paper piecing. Some of these steps are going to sound backwards, but trust me, it will work out. I am also going to refer to the pieces with the colors I am using (hopefully it won't get confusing)

Lay your printed paper down with the blank side to you.

Step 7 - Place your blue rectangle right side up in the general area of the middle of the paper.

then place the small red triangle on the short end of the rectangle with fabric right sides together.

Step 8 - Holding the fabrics together, pick up the paper and hold it up to the light, adjusting so that the blue rectangle covers on all sides the rectangle in the middle of the paper. The red small square should be on the end nearest the #2 on the pattern.

Step 9 - We are now going to sew on the line between #1 on the pattern (the rectangle) and #2 on the pattern (the small square. You will be joining the red to the blue fabric (right sides together) and them to the paper.

Holding your pieces in place take them to the machine.