Why do you paper piece?
01-26-2012, 06:59 AM
#31
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: St. Cloud, Minnesota
Posts: 1,653
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.
01-26-2012, 07:01 AM
#32
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: near Niagara Falls, NY
Posts: 3,075
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 have done projects that never in my right mind would I attempt without paper 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 could measure and remeasure and cut with utmost accuracy, then sew so slow that I might as well be hand stitching and I would still get mismatched seams and points. I try to turn most things I attempt into a paper piecing project because it makes me look like I know how to quilt!
Christine, I see what you mean by the "Wow' - Wow! Murphy & MaryKatherine, Wow! too! Those are each gorgeous and very different examples that really show how many diverse uses paper piecing has!
01-26-2012, 07:03 AM
#33
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 221
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
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
01-26-2012, 07:05 AM
#34
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: near Niagara Falls, NY
Posts: 3,075
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