HOT Blocks, Trusty Tools and a Fabric Miser
Paper piecing…it’s one of those love-hate techniques that always seems to elicit a strong response. I happen to love it, but even though I’m a fan, I admit it has its frustrating moments. Let me walk you through a recent evening involving a paper piecing project.
I’ve referenced my New York Beauty block of the month project a couple times in the blog. While I tell myself that if I sew a block a week, I could have the remaining 18 blocks out of 30 completed in just a few short months, the reality is that this is probably a lifetime (or at least several year!) project.
I pulled the project out the other night and lined up my 12 completed blocks on the design wall for inspiration. I love how these blocks turn out!
I hadn’t worked on this for over a year, so the first order of business was to remind myself exactly how this pattern works-some pieces were printed on freezer paper and others needed to be traced onto foundation paper. Knit one, purl two…or something like that.
I have two things that I use to make paper piecing so much easier. The first is using actual translucent foundation paper. That way, if I forget to flip over the pattern, it doesn’t matter-I can see the lines on both sides! (Of course, this only works if your design isn’t directional. I’m sure you ca
n imagine how I know that…)
The second is a 1/4” ruler. This is hands down my new favorite. I used to estimate what I needed for a seam allowance and felt like I was always guessing at my cut line. With this handy little tool, I cut the perfect seam allowance every time. I love it!
My biggest problem with paper piecing is that I am a fabric miser. I have plenty for this project-the kit was cut quite generously. I just can’t stand ”wasting” fabric, so I constantly try to make scraps that are too small work. Which results in…ripping stitches!
The extra joy of ripping stitches is that I always use a shorter stitch when paper piecing to make ripping the foundation paper easier. So many more stitches to rip out!
My favorite part of paper piecing this project is trimming the finished section down to size. It transforms what looks like a peacocks tail into neat, precise points that make me appear to be a better sewer than I probably am.
The night’s end result: precisely pieced sections for two blocks in under two hours. I’ll save the curved piecing assembly for another night.
About the Author: Lisa Swenson Ruble
I made my first quilt when I graduated from college and realized that I needed a hobby to fill all those hours that used to be dedicated to homework! Eleven years later, I'm completely addicted to quilting and thrilled that my day job as the managing editor for Quilt, Simple Quilts & Sewing and Quilt Almanac allows me to "play" with quilts and the friendly world of quilters!
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