quiltjoey

Here is a link to a website for left handed paper piecing...

http://alefthandedquilter.blogspot.c...r-piecing.html

ccthomas

Thanks for the left hand quilter. Interesting.

quilting jem

great link! When I first started quilting, I scoured the web looking for something like this, but came up blank, so I just had to work it out for myself.

Edie

So this is something I really want to try - we have a Dollar store nearby, so I would make copies of the original design on the Doodle pad paper, right? I just saw a You Tube of paper piecing and it does look relatively easy, but anything that easy I just know I would screw up and I so want to make those big stars on a table runner and have it shade like the ones shown. Thank you for giving me the "guts" to at least try it! Good luck to you. Edie

Geri B

....oh yes, thanks for reminding me...have one of those buried somewhere in my sewing desk from when I sewed clothing.......

I use that add a quarter ruler....it's kind of fluorescent yellow with the lip...recommended by carol Doak, but also use a postcard..again from any mag, place that on papere along the line, fold over the line then butt that ruler to trim that 1/4".... Gives a bit more depth for the ledge to catch......carol Doak cd........go down to 1.5 stitches and denim needle, also score the sewing line with point of pin...lightly before tearing......

Because I don't pp much, when I do, I really have to rethink the sewing....to me it is backwards...I want to sew on fab not paper...so the first one or two I have almost talk myself thru...but then I'm on track. I use carol Doak Doak paper..on sale w/ coupon, but I will try doodle paper from $ store next time I run out.......

Sneed

I use tissue paper most of the time because I find it easier to tear away without pulling and distorting any of the stitching. I notice some have mentioned a larger needle. I have found that a smaller needle, a 70 or 80, works the best for me. My stitch length is usually 1.5 and never more than 2. The close perforation helps tear the paper loose. Thread weight is really important to me. I use nothing less than a 50 wt and, if possible for wall hangings, go to 80 or even 100 weight. This reduces any bulk so that there is much less build up especially where folds are on top of one another. Always!!! Try to press after each and every seam...sometimes I even brush a little starch on to press as flat as possible.

There is a (newer to me) process using freezer paper that eliminates the "tear away" process. I have tried it on a small item and liked it because the paper just peals off and can be reused a few times. This gets rid of a lot of mess, but the jury is still out on how it will work on larger patterns.

zkosh

I love paper piecing with freezer paper! Another tip: If you use freezer paper, remember to remove the paper starting with the first piece of fabric that you attached and continue in order. This will remove the paper in the correct direction for the stitching so that you do not pull any of your seams apart. I made the mistake of starting to remove the paper from the wrong end and it pulled seams open. Luckily I found out quickly so no damage was done.

wildyard

I enjoyed reading this thread, but had to laugh. So many of you falling in love with PP and whenever I have tried it there is nothing but frustration! I've read about how, watched the videos, had someone help me... but nope. I just cannot get my head around it.
So I agree with you all, it sure is wonderful there are so many ways to do something!!! Hugs and smiles

quilting jem

Go for it Edie! I've been playing around with scraps, nothing too adventurous yet, just playing with points. I haven't put my scraps to waste though - made a set of 6 coasters!! Tonight I'm going to play at having a go with sharper points like those is the star patterns available...practice makes perfect!

CAS49OR

One tip that came to mind immediately is to make sure you fold your fabric over to where it is going to go before you trim it. I've accidentally trimmed it when it's not and then found the shape would no longer fit the space it would be folded to.

PP'ing is fun but does take concentration. I made my avatar quilt from a paper pieced pattern. I saved all the scraps and made two pillows to match the room where the quilt is hung.