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Quilting and Paper Piecing by Nikki Willhite Paper Piecing is one of those thing I just have to do every so often.  It is really fun.  You can do things with paper piecing that you can't do any other way. It is also easy, accurate, and a great way to use up bits of fabric. You can throw all the rules for regular piecing out the window.  The fabric is secured to a paper base, so you don't have to worry about the grain lines. You will be removing the paper when you are done, but the fabric will be secure. You don't need many new tools to do paper piecing.  You do need a dedicated rotary cutter, as you will be cutting through paper and you don't want to ruin your fabric rotary blade. The ruler to the left is called the "Add a Quarter" ruler.  You use it with a postcard or other piece of cardboard to trim the seams. Most paper piecing projects are small squares grouped together.  Sometimes they make up a portion of a quilt, or are made for small quilts.  I like to use them as cornerstones for larger quilts. You can buy books with paper patterns, or CDs that let you print up your pattern on your computer to any size you want.  You can also find free patterns on the Internet. The beauty of paper piecing patterns is that the "work" has already been done for you.  Each piece of the steps in making the block are numbered.  It is just a matter of adding your fabric, one piece at a time beginning with square number one. Your hardest challenge will be to be sure and place a big enough piece of fabric on the paper so that when the fabric is flipped over it will cover the designated space. Your "Add a Quarter" ruler is going to help you line up your seams, and also cut off the excess.  This article is not going to give lessons on paper piecing.  Instead I've provided links to the best instructional sites on the Internet, some sites with free paper piecing patterns you can print on your computer., and the best books. If you are not familiar with paper piecing you will be amazed at all the things you can make.  Instructions Christine Thresh's Paper Piecing Primer Paper Panache - How to Paper Piece Free Patterns Piece by Number About the Author: Nikki Willhite, mother of 3 and an interior design graduate, has been writing and publishing articles on the topic of frugal living for over a decade. Visit her at www.frugalhappyfamilies.com - where you will find hundreds of frugal living tips and articles. Frugal Happy Families- more than just money!  Article first published at www.allthingsfrugal.com

 

 

 

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