This is the tutorial for a log cabin style square in a square block I put together for Sharon b's C-1 block in the Dear Jane block exchange. I made the files small for those with dial-up :wink:

You will need:
A glue stick
Pins- I prefer flower head pins, they lay flatter and don’t distort the paper as much.
I use and prefer regular copy paper
2 copies of this block
Fabric scraps
Thread
Rotary cutter
Ruler
A piece of cardboard with a straight edge or something else very flat to use, to fold the paper over. Rotary rulers are to thick. I used an old Utunes credit type card in these pictures.

Always measure your blocks after printing them out, some will be too large or too small. If you use steam to press, it can even shrink some papers. If you must use steam, steam press your papers first to preshrink them. I do not use steam ever for paper piecing, but that is my preference.

On the back side of one of the patterns, mark each piece with a big X. Then cut out each piece, these will be your templates, be SURE that you use it as a template with the X side up. All fabric should also be right side up. This will not really apply to this block, but it will to many others, so it is a good habit to start out with. Cut your fabric 3/8” to a ½” bigger then the template, this will give you wiggle room. After this block you may find that cutting them exact will work for you, if you are unsure, continue cutting them larger. The last round of the block, I always cut them at 1/2" larger just in case when squaring them up.

These are the last three.

Brilliant amma! Thanks so much, you are truly the Queen of PPing! :D

Thanks. I have only done one pp on my own.

Amma,

I don't precut templates, I just eyeball it and cut strips/squares/rectangles. It may waste fabric, but to me it's faster and easier.

And I could never paper piece without my "add-a-quarter" ruler to cut the seams with.

Amma,
Thanks for the tutorial. I think I have a few more clues to what I have been doing wrong when I try to PP. You are all bookmarked and ready for the next day I get to sew.
Lisa

Thanks Amma!!!

Nicely done, Miss Amma.

I think if I were doing them, I would do them more "courthouse steps" style than "log cabin" style, but that's just a personal preference.

I definitely found the "glue the center piece down" suggestion to be very helpful.

And the cutting the outside round pieces a bit wider than "necessary"

Thank you.

Thank you all for the kind comments!!!

gaigai, Sometimes I just randomly cut fabric too, but if I am doing a lot of blocks I usually cut them and stack them and chain piece them. Cut out the next bunch and on I go LOL
The add a quarter ruler would be handy...it is on my wish list :wink:

Lisa, and anyone else, if you have any questions on this feel free to send me a PM!!! I am more than happy to help!

I probably would have pieced it that way too bearisgray...most fabrics would not show the difference, but I went with the numbering on the template for the tutorial, I did not want to confuse anyone.
The other benefit to showing it this way was it did teach people new at pp to look at the lines and determine where to trim after each addition.

I noticed the numbering - and I appreciated that you added the pieces in the same order as the numbering of them.

When I'm trying to learn something, I really appreciate things being kept in consistent order. Maybe because I process very linearly. Or confuse easily.

THEN I want to go and do it differently! :)

Thank you for this tute!!

You are very welcome sewnsewer2

Thanks for the tute!

Thank you so much for this Tut. Amma

You are welcome Shemjo and Pickles :D:D:D

Add a quarter with the skinny side of your sewing gauge. Just be careful not to nick the metal edge with the blade.
Fran Mc

I have never done pp before, but I just looked over the tutorial and at least have a better understanding of it now. Thanks so much. I was totally lost before reading that.

once i did the tutorial i wondered why i was so scared to pp. now that's all i want to do :-D

Where were you couple of nights ago when I got brave enough to try PP....only I sewed with the paper underneath the fabric...couldn't figure out for the life of me what was wrong. Kept thinking, something isn't right. After I got a wonky looking block made, I thought I'd done it backwards, but didn't get the chance to get back to the machine. See why I said I was afraid to try...but did learn by that mistake. Thanks so much for showing the ones of us who don't know.

it's really great once you get the hang of it

Once you get the hang of remembering the top of the paper with the lines is the mirror image, and that the fabric side is the top, you are over the biggest hurdle :wink: :D:D:D

Even with as much PP as I do, I still print out an extra copy to use as templates for cutting my fabric...those angles still will throw me off LOL

What a fantastic tutorial on PP. Very detailed. Thank you

Thanks for the glue tip. I always hated doing the first piece. I think the glue will calm my fears.

Amma, every time I see your tutorial, I notice more aspects. Have to try again soon.

We have snow warning for ?? inches, so now that I got my supplies in I don't have a reason not to sew.

TTUL

Sounds like a winner !!!! Also, thanks for the glue idea. MUST have heard that before but just did not pick up on it.

I love paper piecing and this tutorial is great. Hopefully those that are somewhat afraid of the technique will try it. The end results are wonderful.

Thank you everyone :D:D:D

Hi I am struggling through paper piecing on a bird quilt. I am soooo discouraged. I bought the backyard birds book, transferred the patterns and really struggle with it. I guess the birds weren't the best beginning project to start with. I can't wait till it is done since I have to finish what I start. Tearing the paper is one of the worst parts. by the time I get it torn off I have distorted the stitches. :( Its just printer paper but too tough I guess. And the patterns in the book are reversed so I do more ripping out than sewing from confusion. I guess they should have put the pictured pattern in reverse so it would be easier to follow. I hate to print them all out in reverse so I can ease up on the tension, but I may have to. What a chore this has been. I get so much more done without paper piecing, but the results are really awsome if I can suffer through it. :) Any tips would be appreciated. I have wasted so much fabric trying to make it fit in the spots.
Oh well. I will like it when its done.

Have you shortened your stitch length ? That really helps make the paper rip right out without much distortion :wink: Also if you need more run a finger nail along the stitch edge to help "rip" the paper

Sharon is right, fold the paper over and run your nail along it and if you have shortened your stitch length, it should zip right off. All I ever use is copy paper :wink:

Also, if you cut up one of your foundation papers to use as a guide, like I described in the tute, you may find you waste less fabric, and can cut out most of your pieces before you start sewing. I just stack them underneath the cut foundation pieces, and chain piece the blocks.

On the back side of one of the patterns, mark each piece with a big X. Then cut out each piece, these will be your templates, be SURE that you use it as a template with the X side up. All fabric should also be right side up. This will not really apply to this block, but it will to many others, so it is a good habit to start out with. Cut your fabric 3/8” to a 1/2" bigger then the template, this will give you wiggle room. After this block you may find that cutting them exact will work for you, if you are unsure, continue cutting them larger. The last round of the block, I always cut them at 1/2" larger just in case when squaring them up.

Remember, it is really the printed side of the foundation papers that is in reverse... that side is ONLY for sewing and I just ignore it other wise... The side with the fabric, is what you want to match up to the picture of the finished piece. I think paying too much attention to the printed side of the foundation papers, is what throws everyone off...

If you are still having trouble, let me know and I would be glad to help you some more :D:D:D

Wow what a good idea. I never thought of that. I usually make my own patterns and applique them on, so this is really new to me and my brain sometimes don't think of logical solutions. Thats a good one that I am embaressed I didn't think of. I will definitely do that.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

You are welcome, but don't feel embarrassed. Most of what we learn is from each other, whether here, on the net, books, etc...

thanks for the tutorial

Here is a new foundation pattern to go with this tutorial :D:D:D

Amma, I tried to enlarge the last download you put on here, but can't. My printer turned it sideways & cut off edges. Guess I'll have to try the same size. I did a Courthouse Square that turned out a bit wonky & sent it to my April Doll Quilt partner. I used all different fabrics & it looked like a log cabin (to me). I have to get my courage up again.

Thanks so much Now I will do a poractice square I also liked the numbers It really helps a beginner.Thanks again

something that i found that helps me with paper piecing is that as i sew each bit of fabric on i use a yellow highlighter to mark what i havejust sewen into place. that helps me keep track of where i am if i have to leave it for awhile and come back to it later.

Thanks for the PPing tutorial!!! It always looked complicated to me but you made it look easier! Now I will definitely have to try it!!

Thank you!!

Thanks Amma, I've never paper pieced before, but this actually looks like something I can do. I will try it.