My Introduction to Paper Piecing
Happy Tuesday!
I’ve had Paper Piecing on my “to do” list for a few years now. The technique both intrigued and scared me. Stitching on a line seemed easy, but sewing in reverse seemed odd.
Cherie, from one of the blogs I follow Cherie’s Quilting Journey finished piecing a beautiful quilt in January that had some paper pieced components to it. You can see Cherie’s quilt here.
Granted I’m not ready to tackle something so big..I did some research and decided I would start with a triangle in a square quilt block as my sample. This block only has 3 pieces and no severe angles.
I watched lots of You Tube videos demonstrating paper piecing techniques. My favorite was by Amanda Rolfe and you can watch the video here if you are wanting to learn how to paper piece.
I made a mini quilt, measuring 16 x 21 inches. Below is a picture of my focus fabric. I used it as the backing for the mini quilt.
My triangle in a square units measure 4.5 x 4.5 inches unfinished. I decided to go with a diamond layout. The points are perfect — I was extremely pleased.
I didn’t tear off the paper until the entire mini quilt top was finished. Sewing on the lines kept everything aligned. Below is how it looked before removing the paper.
I moved on to another paper piecing project “Blooming Tulips” a pattern I found in one of my quilt magazines. The tulip pattern has 7 pieces, a little more challenging but the results were great.
Now that I’m feeling a little more confident there are several really cool patterns I hope to try someday!
Linking with Connie at Free Motion by the River.
Happy Sewing!
Good for you! Your projects turned out great. You were smart to start with easy patterns to get used to the technique. But what I find cool about paper piecing is that once you understand the concept, even patterns with lots of pieces are something you can do. It’s the same process, but a lot more times. Sometimes tiny pieces or pieces with odd angles are more challenging, but you will master those too with some experience. I hope you try those really cool patterns you have seen.
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Thanks Lisa– my goal is to make a paper pieced New York beauty wall hanging! I found a cute kaleidoscope pattern to try next 🙂
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Hi Karla! Would you say you’ve been bitten by the PP bug now? I am blown away by your triangles/diamonds – those points are beyond perfect. Your tulip points looks perfect too. Darn, I wish I lived closer to you. I could pop over and you could encourage me to give it a go. I’ll keep watching from afar – you just might inspire me yet! I’m looking forward to seeing what’s up next. ~smile~ Roseanne
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Hi Roseanne! I still can’t believe how perfect the points on the diamonds turned out. Cherie recommended a foundation paper and it was an excellent choice the paper removal was painless. I can’t wait to start the next project ♥♥
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You made two very fun little quilts! Yay for you! I enjoy paper piecing now and then. Hope you continue to enjoy it.
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Beautiful. I was like you in the beginning, very hesitant to try. Now I enjoy and like paper piecing, glad you do too. Thanks got sharing.
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Thanks Linda!
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Looking at your beautiful minis, I would not have guest, they were your first paper piecing projects. My favorite is Blooming Tulip. Thanks for sharing your first efforts. Diane
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Thanks Diane!
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Those diamonds. I love that quilt. One day maybe I can make one as lovely as that.
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Thank you!
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You did a wonderful job taking on paper piecing! Those quilts are lovely!
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Thanks Tierney!
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You are going right to town on pping! Love the diamond mini quilt.
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Thanks Vicki!
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Pingback: Checking in With a Finish – Cherie's Quilting Journey
Thanks Cherie !
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You did an AWESOME job. It’s not as hard as it looks and the results are great. Thanks for the ping on your blog. I appreciate it. Sorry it took so long for me to reply.
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No problem…Most days I only look at the computer in the morning so I’m always late responding. I really love ppiecing — starting a new pillow project to use up some scrap 5 inch charms!
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Good job. Don’t you just love how beautifully the points look with paper piecing? On March 11th I’ll be sharing a free paper pieced pattern for a crib size quilt. You’ll have to stop by.
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Yay — sounds great I will mark my calendar!
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