qbtexas

Getting started on a pattern and fabric that have been "aging" nicely in the closet...time to sew!

This is my first time doing a Judy Niemeyer paper pieced pattern. (Briar Patch, if anyone is interested) In the instructions, she says to sew the seams 1/4" beyond the printed line on each end. Trouble is, when I do that, when it's time to fold the paper to set up for another seam, that 1/4" of stitching does not allow me to make a clean fold. But if I don't stitch beyond the printed lines, I am worried that the seam will start to pull apart at some time.

Thoughts? Should I just do the seam as instructed, but if I need to fold across it, just release the paper at that point? (this may be the answer) I just don't want the seams to pull apart. This project is a bit ambitious as it is, no matter that the pattern says it is for beginners.

(the other unrelated challenge is that I bought --years ago--what seemed to be an unofficial kit of fabric; which may have gone with this pattern, or another foundation pieced pattern I bought at the same time, but the colors seem to go better for this one. However, the fabric amounts do not. So I'm faking it and pulling other fabrics from my stash to fill in. Fingers crossed! That's what happens when you buy stuff at IQF years ago and then wait many years to get back to it.)

DOTTYMO

Only one or two stitches just so a hole does not come. Sorry don't know the pattern but you can use any colour any fabric. Keep going paper piecing is great. Tip about paper it install going to be ripped off at the end. PM if any problems.

Peckish

I've done a lot of paper piecing, and what I usually do is go ahead and stitch beyond the seam line, but then I carefully tear the paper just enough so I can fold the paper and move on to the next seam.

qbtexas

Thanks! So far, the first 2 blocks have turned out nicely. I have a loose plan of color placement, but will allow for some rearranging after I get the main parts of the blocks paper pieced. I've got enough fabric...it just might not end up exactly where my preliminary plan indicated.

TeresaS

I am currently taking her mariners compass class. It is a six month class with a Judy Neimeyer certified instructor. We were instructed to just pull the paper back to the next line. Our instructor has made all of Judys patterns and has had no problems with the seams. it is ok to release the paper. I also have a habit of ripping the paper when doing this but the instructor said its fine because its coming off anyway. Love her patterns. Hope this helps

QuiltE

Stitch beyond the seamline, then pull the paper back to the other seamline and trim any excess off, to leave you a clean 1/4" seam. It doesn't matter if you go 1" beyond, as any excess gets trimmed anyway. If you have shortened your stitches right up, you;ll have no problems pulling the paper back and folding along the earlier stitch line for the trimming.

qbtexas

Thanks again!! I think with the first one, I got a little spazzy and started worrying about pulling stitches on that line. I think I'll sew a little longer than 1/4" in case the last stitch or two gets pulled up with the paper. (my old machine doesn't get a good 15-18 stitches/inch) I'm getting more excited about this project....I put off starting for a while...now I'm up to the challenge!

Nammie to 7

I have one of JN patterns to do, have all the fabric collected - just need to find it and get started. But then I have about 125 UFO's in various stages. I've been working on that collection since I retired a year ago.

EthelLou

I'm glad to see this as I am about to begin a Niemeyer pattern (4th of July). I haven't done a paper pieced quilt before and am a bit intimidated at the thought of starting it. I'm collecting fabric now and hope to get started soon.