Let's Talk about Paper Piecing
#61
I've tried a few blocks and believe that I have paper piecing dyslexia. For whatever reason, I get the fabric backwards. So after I sew the seam, I flip the fabric back aaannndd..... the fabric doesn't cover the area it needs to cover, but will have way too much in the seam allowance. Picking it out is a pain right in the neck bc I have, of course, shortened the stitch length so the paper will tear more easily when it's time to remove. In taking out the seam, the paper shreds, so i have to tape it back together to redo the seam. Which more than once, I do wrong again. Yeah. I pretty much gave up on that...
#62
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 9,299
First , I can't get past the abbreviation for paper piecing. LOL. I'll call it FP (foundation piecing) thankyouverymuch. I realize that foundation piecing is a broader term; there are multiple foundations besides paper.
Now that that's out of the way...
What little I've done of FP, I liked the results of crisp points in small spaces. I enjoyed looking for pieces of fabric to fit the section I needed to sew onto. The tearing off of paper was kind of therapeutic except when it wasn't. (Not a fan of the bits that are hard to get off.)
I've only used paper and not muslin for FP the scrappy string quilts I've made. That requires no brain power of thinking backwards or differently like some patterns require. Maybe that's why I am inexperienced? LOL
Now that that's out of the way...
What little I've done of FP, I liked the results of crisp points in small spaces. I enjoyed looking for pieces of fabric to fit the section I needed to sew onto. The tearing off of paper was kind of therapeutic except when it wasn't. (Not a fan of the bits that are hard to get off.)
I've only used paper and not muslin for FP the scrappy string quilts I've made. That requires no brain power of thinking backwards or differently like some patterns require. Maybe that's why I am inexperienced? LOL
Last edited by zozee; 04-21-2019 at 07:12 PM.
#64
Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 28
I like the results I was able to achieve and I think I’ll do it again, but it was not relaxing like traditional piecing. My first attempt was this Quiltmakers Great Balls Of Fire pattern that I modified.
That said, I’ve started to play around in EQ8 with FPP patterns and I’m excited about the potential. Too many projects, not enough time!
That said, I’ve started to play around in EQ8 with FPP patterns and I’m excited about the potential. Too many projects, not enough time!
Last edited by QuiltnNan; 04-22-2019 at 12:46 PM. Reason: remove link to own site
#65
Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Somerville, NJ
Posts: 94
My guild had a Block of the Month that was paper pieced. I did it, never again! I think those who like the technique are masochistic. I admit to having difficulty with spatial perception, but even so, just not my thing. But I did try it, and it turned out fine, but no more for me. I’d rather accomplish lots of other things than spend my time on PP.
#68
Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 79
I am a regular piecer, but some patterns just call for paper-piecing. I just completed a project that was paper-pieced. I think the secret is to be organized. It flows like a charm if you first write in the fabric that goes with each numbered patch. Next, lightly score and fold on the lines ahead of time. Next, decide measurements for each numbered patch, write it down, and cut fabric, arranging it in the way you will use it. Have your mini iron, a 28mm rotary cutter and small mat, and an Add-A-Quarter ruler set up right beside you. Also, have a small container for the cut scraps. I'm telling you if you put in the "grunt time," paper-piecing will become a joy.
#69
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 211
[ATTACH=CONFIG]612019[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]612020[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]612021[/ATTACH]I am one in a million when I make the next statement. I find paper piecing relaxing! There, I said it. I am not dyslexic yet see things as patterns in reverse sometimes. Also as a garment sewer first the "fabric waste" others see I see as part of the creative process.
#70
I had always sworn that I would Never try paper piecing. Turned my nose up at least 100 patterns just because they were paper pieced. But I love those darn on-line challenges! There is one with the National Quilter's Circle that I began and I'll be darned it I don't like it after all! I was surprised at just how easy it is, once you get the orientation of the pieces correct. I am now on the last block, but I think I will be looking thru those patterns that I initially turned my nose up at! Here is a picture of my first 8 blocks on my design wall. The first was is actually incorrect, but I have decided that I like it so much I will quilt and frame it separately and keep it to "remember when I couldn't stand the idea of trying something new". Maybe it will give me the incentive to try the next thing I swore I would never do...Curved piecing!
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]612026[/ATTACH]
Last edited by QuiltnNan; 04-24-2019 at 11:52 AM. Reason: shouting/all caps
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