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.
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