Basic Paper Piecing Class 101 An idea of what it may look like when done.

I have chosen a very simple block for this class. We will be learning

the basic steps for Paper Piecing. There will be pictures for each step

so those that have never tried to paper piece can make this block.

Set the stitch length to at least 12 stitches per inch or even as high as

18 stitches per inch. All machines are different. I used 12 stitches per inch,

my paper removed with out any problems at all.

You will need to find what works best for you.

Using the smaller stitches will help perforate the paper, making it easier to remove.

The number of stitches per inch will also depend on the type of paper you are using.

I used the Paper Piecing Foundation Paper.

I would suggest you stitch some paper to scrap fabric,

changing the stitch length several times,

till you find which one works for the paper you have.

Let’s Begin

Step 1: Print out or copy four patterns pieces. Trim along the out

side solid lines.

Step 2: Mark each section with color choices.

Example: G = Green

Y = Yellow

P = Purple

B = Blue

R = Red

PK = Pink

Step 3: Cut your color choices into 4 inch by 5 inch pieces. You will

need 2 of each color. These pieces will be larger than actually needed,

as you become more practiced at paper piecing you will be able to

judge closer to actual fabric size needed.

Step 4:

Take one of your pattern pieces that is marked with G, Y and R

and lay it face down on your cutting mat. Note: All fabric will be

added to the unmarked side of your pattern. The side of the pattern

with marking will always be the side you stitch on.

Step 5:

Lay the green piece of fabric right side up over the section marked green.

Be sure the fabric extends over all the lines at least ½ inch or more.

If you can not see through your pattern, hold it up to a window or

Light.

Step 6:

Lay your yellow fabric right side down over the green fabric and

Pin into place. Be sure pin is away from the stitching line.

Step 7:

Turn the pattern and fabric over, Stitch directly on the sewing line.

I prefer to take a couple of backstitches at the beginning and ending

of the seam. This will help the stitches from coming out when removing

the paper.

Step 8:

This is what your seam should look like.

Step 9:

Fold the paper pattern back along the line you just stitched.

Align the ¼ inch line on your ruler directly on top of the folded

edge of the paper. Trim the excess fabric off.

Step 10:

Finger press the fabric open then press with the iron. Do not iron,

Press only. Ironing can stretch the fabric. I also lightly spray with starch

or sizing.

Step 11:

Leaving the yellow and green fabric lying flat, lay the red fabric in

place making sure to extend at least a ½ inch beyond the next stitching

line.

Step 12:

Turn pattern and fabric over and stitch along the sewing line. Be sure

to backstitch a couple of stitches at beginning and end.

Step 13:

Trim the excess fabric as you did above in Step 9.

Step 14:

Turn over to fabric side and finger press the red fabric up. Then

press with the iron, adding a little spray starch to set the seam.

Step 15:

Now, trim all excess fabric from the paper piece, making sure you

do not cut the paper. After trimming your paper pieced block should

look like the picture above from the back.

Step 16:

And like this from the right side.

Make the other 3 patterns following the same steps as listed above,

Changing colors to match the colors marked on each piece. Be sure

to trim all seams to ¼ inch, finger press, then press with the iron and

add a little starch.

Step 17:

When you have all four pieced stitched, lay them out in the order

pictured above.

Step 18:

Take the section on the left and the section on the bottom, right sides

together, matching the seam lines for the pink and red, turn over to printed side

and stitch along the seam line, finger press open, then press with the iron.

It should now look like the picture above.

Step 19:

Now stitch the other two sections together, matching seams, as you

did in Step 18.

Step 20:

You now have two sections again, place these on top of each other,

Right sides together and stitch along seam line as in step 18. Be sure

to match at all three seam points.

Your block should look like the one above.

Step 21:

Trim off all seam points.

You now have a finished paper-pieced block. You can remove the

paper now. I find removing the larger sections first, aids in releasing the

small pieces along the seam edges.

If you are planning on making a wall hanging or quilt with these blocks,

You may elect to leave the paper on till you have the entire project finished.

This would be good for those that have problems with the ¼ seam allowance.

I hope everyone that has taken this class will send a picture to the

photo album in the Guild. We would all love to see everyone’s

blocks and what fabric you chosen.

If you have any problems with any part of this you may ask for help

on the message board or we can have a chat at a set time in the

Coffee Shop to discuss Paper Piecing.

Spottedcow