Paper Piecing Tutorial
#1
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
Posts: 58,856
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.
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.
#5
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 7,286
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.
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.
#8
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,666
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.
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.
#9
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
Posts: 58,856
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.
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.
#10
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,666
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! :)
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! :)
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