indymta

I am using triangles on a roll paper and did a few sample pieces. I've shortened my stitch length to 1.8 but still seem to pull out the stitches at each end of the HST. I really am being careful as I do it. Should I be backstitching at the ends of each? If not, how to I keep from pulling out the stitches?

QuiltE

When I do PPing, I use a 1.0 stitch ... and sometimes I even shorten it further.
The papers come off easily, with no disruption to the stitches.

The general rule is no backstitching when PPing or anytime in quilt piecing, as you are later going to stitch overtop of that seam, when you join in other pieces. When it is an outer seam (eg. on a border) where no overlaying will be done, then yes, a lock stitch or a backstitching is done to prevent stitches coming out.

indymta

Thanks Quilt E for the information. I will try lowering stitch further. I was afraid the triangle square might pucker if the stitch was too tight. I've only done HST (and not that many) by sewing 1/4 inch on either side of a line. I have to make 200 for a pattern and thought the paper would be easier but I wasn't happy with my practice pieces. The few tuts that I looked at never addressed the stitches coming out...just said shorten the stitch length...which I didn't do enough. Again thanks for the help.

QuiltE

You're welcome ... hope it goes well for you!

ManiacQuilter2

I never back stitch either because I usually stitched past the lines to continue sewing without stopping.

indymta

I did that too but when I did the trimming on the paper, it cuts off those extra stitches. Then when I removed the paper, the beginning and ending stitches came out (and I started in the middle and tore toward the ends). Plan to try again with the much shorter stitch length suggested by QuiltE.

Geri B

I read somewhere to use a thicker needle, like denim......also, when I do triangles on a roll,or even paper piecing....before I tear that paper( toward yourself)' I take a pin point and gently run it on that stitch line, fold , then gently pull toward yourself, holding the fabric down with your other hand.....

Tartan

​When removing paper from paper piecing, I score the center of the paper with a pin and remove the pieces outward rather than pealing from the edge.

petthefabric

I shorten my stitch 10 1.3-1.5. Use the needle size appropriate to the fabric, often 70 for quilting. I do not back stitch in quilting, usually-there are exceptions. To tear off the paper, I fold the paper at the seam line and score with one of the tools shown.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]507624[/ATTACH]The bottom tool usually lays this way on the table. The second picture shows it has a slanted end to make it more sharp. They're made by Clover


[ATTACH=CONFIG]507623[/ATTACH]

indymta

Thanks for the suggestions. I shortened my stitch length to 1.0 as QuiltE suggested and folded the paper then carefully "tore" from the center. That seems to work. So far no stitches pulled out on the 8 HST that I just did.
Guess I'm a go for the remaining 180 or so. I have the 2nd tool you showed "petthefabric" so I may do that too on my next batch to play it safe.
I knew I could count on this Board for help. Thanks so much.