For this week’s Delightful Stars Quilt-Along (DS QAL) lesson, I put together a 28-page tutorial on paper piecing. Included are six paper pieced blocks that finish at 6″ square. Each block has been chosen as it provides a learning opportunity for a specific aspect of paper piecing. Here are the six sample blocks:
I have often heard quilters say that they find paper piecing confusing and terrifying. In my tutorial, I have broken down the process into four repetitive steps: Fold, Trim, Stitch and Press. I’ve included detailed photos and tips for each step. I also share numerous tips, aimed at the beginner, such as the one shown below on how to achieve perfect and secure points.
I’ve had lots of interest in this tutorial on Facebook, so I’ve put together a Booklet for those that wish to learn paper piecing but are not interested in doing the Delightful Stars quilt. The full tutorial IS included in Delightful Stars, so if you are doing that quilt, you don’t need purchase this separately. This booklet is available for purchase as a PDF file that you download right away.
Cost: $10.00 (USD)
Purchase here: Booklet: Paper Piecing Tutorial for Beginners
Next week, we return to making the delightful stars, which we will continue making until mid August. Here’s a sneak peek at next week’s lesson:
Want to join in the fun?
For more info and to purchase the DS QAL, visit the main Delightful Stars Quilt-Along page. You can join at any time and catch up at your own pace.
We’re also chatting and sharing our photos in the Facebook Group … come join us!
My First Paper Piecing Project
I thought I would share my first paper piecing nightmare. I really am surprised I came to love this technique despite my first experience.
I purchased a kit many years ago to make a dozen traditional blocks in miniature size. These blocks finish at 2″ square… or they would if I ever finished them. Here are the ones I completed:
I messed up the bottom three shown in the photo. The one on the left, the last row of triangles, I didn’t cut the patches correctly and they are too small to be sewn with sashing or to another block. The back of the other two are shown below:
These two had so many patches, that I guess I got confused and accidentally added a patches to the outside seam allowances. Once I discovered my error, I was so disappointed after all that work, that these blocks have remained tucked in the back of a cabinet and only saw the light of day recently for me to take the photos. They’ve been returned to their hiding place.
One day, I will re-draw the patterns and try again.
Give-Away
To celebrate worldwide quilting day, let’s have a give-away.
Answer the following: What was your first paper piecing experience like? If you haven’t tried it yet, why not? Share a photo, if you like, it’s optional.
Share below in the comments and I’ll pick two random winners on Wednesday (March 19th) to win one of my patterns or booklets of choice. If you’ve already purchased and win the give-away, I’ll refund you.
Winners
This give-away is now closed. Emails have been sent to the winners. Thanks everyone for entering and sharing your paper piecing experience and some photos.
My first paper piecing is still unfinished because it just doesn’t look right. Although I enjoyed what I did, I am frustrated with it and have just packed it away for another day. Would love to learn more techniques that would give it sharper points and the look it is supposed to have!
Thank you for this give-away!
I would really like to be better at paperpiecing! would love your tutorial!
I have never paper pieced before because I am just now starting to learn to sew and quilt. I have a feeling that I am going to love to paper piece so I can’t wait to get caught up on my Delightful Stars project!
It’s been a long time since my first paper-piecing experience, but it went pretty well. I did have a tendency to cut pieces to small at first, but I got over that and have little difficulty now.
From what I can remember of my first paper piecing experience, it was favourable and successful. I just thought that it wasted fabric to get what you wanted. I still paper piece today but it isn’t my first choice.
Many years ago, I saw a paper piecing demo at a quilt show on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Intrigued, I gave it a try. I took to it like a fish to water.
I remember being totally frustrated because the fabric was never the right size to cover once I sewed and ironed! But the angles now make more sense to me and I am better at it! I can’t say I love it, but it is very useful at times!
I had a bit of a rocky start with paper piecing trying to put together in my head how the steps should go. A local quilt store teacher helped me by giving me a handout and then, in less than 2 hours, I got the hang of it. There’s no turning back now – I love it!!! I’m attaching a photo of my first piece.
I paper-pieced a wall hanging with 9 different paper pieced blocks. I remember going very slowly, reading directions very carefully, and finishing without too much difficulty. Then we had a paper piecing lesson at quilt club–and that went very well for me, and I learned a few more tricks. I enjoyed the process but have preferred the regular piecing method, for the most part.
Granny Nannies were my first exposure. They were just too cute to resist. That project–who knows where it is now. I think maybe a table runner for a gift.
I’ve only done 2 paper pieced projects. My first was a crazy quilt (blocks) for a baby and my second was a round wall hanging for my mother in law. Lots and lors of tiny points! They both turned out well and I am looking forward to giving it another try.
Paper piecing scares me.
My first paper pieced is in the trash ! Ha Ha I have since learned and getting better.
My first paper pieced project was a pine tree at a free demo at a quilt store. It seemed hard at the time. Fortunately I’ve learned how to do more complicated patterns.
My first experience with quilting was making a paper pieced vest from Carol Doak’s book in 1996. I haven’t stopped yet. Whenever I see a block, I think “how do I paper piece that?”
I actually don’t remember what my first paper pieced block was. I only know that I love the process and have done many, many pieces since. I have even drafted a pattern of my own when I couldn’t find one that fit the project I was making.
I have done so many I don’t remember which was the first one I did! I remember doing a log cabin block for a quilt for my guild that was quite large and no one had figured finished size until I got to doing the math! We had to remove the last 2 rows on all the border blocks to keep the monster from being over 120 X 120! (Guess who got the primary job of ripping the squares with the smallest of stitches–me and my big mouth for speaking up!) But, it turned out beautifully and received quite a high bid at the auction for the charity we donated it to! All’s well that ends well!
I haven’t paper pieced yet, but my goal is quilts for Christmas!
My first paper piecing experience was a challenge. I kept cutting thru the paper and the fabric. I wasted several pieces of fabric. My BFF was very patient with me and I finally got it. Now when we do paper piecing mostly for baby blankets, I always take my time and still sometimes I still mess up.
The first time I tried paper piecing went really well. I found the process was easy as a matter of fact I liked it because I was having trouble sewing a quarter inch on the sewing machine. I was just learning how to use a sewing machine at the time. Sewing on the lines helped me a lot to get use to the sewing machine as well and the block I put together looked really nice. The seams were actually straight!! he he
My first paper piecing project was a Periwinkle Star. And I loved it. Every bit of it. After a couple tries to test it and figure out what paper piecing was all about…I was pretty much hooked! Using a template with lines helped me make perfect little stars!
My first paper pieced project was a Pineapple block and I was hooked on it from that moment on. I personally LOVE the technique for the accuracy.
my first PP was the head of a horse two years ago. There were many rip outs and lots of put away for now’s, but it finally came together. Sorry I just deleted the picture off my cell a couple of weeks ago. Argh poor timing here, LOL I put the horse in browns and tans. I used it as a part of a sewing machine cover for my sons fiancé. It was challenging, probably should have started with something not so difficult, but I learned a lot through it all and am totally hooked on PP now.
I think I must have bought the same ones as you! I didn’t have much luck with mine. I guess it was unclear instructions. I want to try again but just haven’t tried it.
hulseybg at gmail dot com
I tried a small 5 ‘ block,was ok but not really fun,,turned out ok . Need to do more before deciding if I like it but have seen so many pretty paper pieced patterns .I want to learn and try a few!
My first paper piecing experience was awesome. I had the best teacher who went slowly, step by step and by the end of the class I had a completed project and went back for more!
I enjoy the precision of paper piecing, but I still have a problem getting the first piece turned the right way. Even after thinking and placing it…it still will be wrong side out!
My first paper piecing, and my second, ended up in the trash. Always too many exposed raw edges!
I haven’t tried it yet, but I would LOVE to learn!!! Especially to learn stars!
The problem I had when I first tried to paper piece was that my fabric piece never seemed to cover the area it needed to when I had sewn it and folded it up. I was trying to be too stingy with the fabric, but it wasn’t worth trying to use a too small piece. I am still interested in using this technique because when I have done it with the right size pieces, it is amazing at how precise it looks.
So many techniques, so little time!
I am just beginning to learn the art of quilting. I tried it several years ago, but I was working full time and just couldn’t keep it up. I crochet, sew, embroider, and do all kinds of crafts. I swore that when I retired this will be my next thing to conquer. Here I am. I’ve been learning this mostly on my own….and it has been a challenge. But I’m sticking with it, learning something new everyday and I praise myself when I do. I’m like a sponge just wanting to soak it up. I appreciate any help from my experienced piers. Please let me win!!!!
I have always wanted to learn to paper piece but have been very intimidated by the whole process! I’m a self taught needle worker. I’ve even purchased a pattern and all required fabrics a couple of years ago. Yet I’m still lacking the confidence to start my project. Your book seems very informative and I think it would help greatly. I would like to be entered in your giveaway. I enjoy reading your newsletters this past year. please keep sending them!
My first paper piecing attempt was 2 blocks for my baby daughters quilt, which was also my first attempt at a quilt, and they didn’t come out too bad. I had done the 2012 BOM on Craftsy, and the video tutorials helped lots! My second attempt was for a pillow for my older daughter, which was very intricate and came out great!
My first paper pieced project was a block for a sampler quilt in a beginner quilt class and I was successful.
I have always liked paper piecing. I took to it easily I guess. I have made mistakes, but usually that pieces are small and I am using scraps, so I can easily grab another piece of fabric and continue.
I am making my first quilt and have never tried paper piecing. It is on my list to learn.
My first paper-pieced block was an easy block taught by an excellent (local) teacher and the block was a success. I am not addicted, but there are projects where paper-piecing is the only way to go and I feel very lucky that I know a frustration-free method like the one Michele teaches.
My first attempt at paper piecing was a class I took at a local quilt store. It was not a real good experience. The teacher was impatient if you didn’t keep up and even then only gave attention to a few of the students that already know how to do this. I did manage to make one block. I took another class in PP from another teacher when the store underwent a change in ownership. Pretty much the same experience. I have learned more from Carol Doak’s book and instructions than I have from taking regular classes.
I learnt to paper piece last year with quiet play’s bom. I loved it straight away
I needed one small block for a block of the month quilt about 3 years ago. I never finished that block after trying many times. Substituted a regular block instead. I just got a mental block. I really am intelagent.intelligent, awh not stupid Just me Donna B.
I first joined a bee, and did 12 blocks of a dog sitting inside a paper pieced dog house, so all the dogs were fussy cut to fit in the door, No Lesson, Just read some on internet and tried my hand at it. found some seams not all the way made and fixed those, and everyone in the bee loved them. Stars are my weakness.LOL
My first paper piecing adventure was the center star of a king size quilt. I finished the star but not the quilt. The inner square of the star was an 8 x 8 star which was 1/8 the size of the outer star. Some pieces finished no bigger than the nail of my pinky! It was daunting yet beautiful when done. The inner star in a square took me 40 hours which is how long it took to do the larger star with the larger pieces. Now I am hooked on paper piecing and love the results.
Hi, my first try at paper piecing involved a lot of unpicking and a few words! Lol… I was doing a lot of English paper piecing at the time, making houses blocks and I wanted to make a large pincushion to hold the thread catcher for my sister. Eventually I managed to finish it but I now wish to make the Farmer Wife Quilt using this method and a few tips and hints will be fantastic!
I was lucky – the first paper piecing I did was for the lighthouse QAL hosted by Faith at Fresh Lemons. Easy with lots of photos. If I had started with something harder I may have given up!
My first paper piecing project was a delightful wall quilt I believe called Crazy Daisy. Each square was paper pieced and then the daisy’s was appliqued on top…After I got the hang of it, Smiles, it turned out beautiful and hangs in my dining room over an antique buffet…Very Colorful…
I have tried Paper Piecing but I don’t like the waste of fabric.
I haven’t yet tried paper-piecing. My friend showed me a project she’s working on and it looked so complicated that I really felt I could never just take it up on my own. I’d love to learn along with your tutorial. Thanks!
Actually it went quite well even though I had no clue what I was doing. I was making a block to be included in a quilt as a gift.
I love paper piecing, I’m teaching it at the Minnesota Quilt show this June. It really isn’t hard and you get great results. Glad my sis and Mom showed me how much fun it can be.
Love to learn more about paper piercing.