Texas Quiltery

 

First, check the supplies you will need: * Fabric * Scissors * Rotary cutter and mat * A small rotary ruler * Printed paper-piecing pattern * An iron Set your sewing machine stitch-length at 15-20 stitches per inch (1.5-1.0 mm).   Use a size 80 or 90 sharp needle.   Use a neutral color of thread (beige or gray).   Make copies of the pattern. Note: photocopiers often distort the image, so be sure to check the copy against the original for accuracy by putting one on top of the other and holding them up to the light.   Follow the numbering sequence. 1 = 1st fabric, 2 = 2nd fabric, etc.   The side of the paper without printing is the right side of the pattern. The first fabric is always placed right side up on the right side of the pattern. Pin in place.

 

Check to make sure the fabric covers the area plus the 1/4" seam allowances by holding it up to the light. I like to have extra all around over and beyond the seam allowances.

From the right side of the pattern, place the second piece of fabric right sides together over the first fabric.

Check to make sure the second piece will cover it's area plus seam allowances by folding the pattern over on the stitching line. You may have to shift the fabric piece around a bit to find the right position, and when you do, carefully unfold the pattern and pin the piece in place on top of the first fabric.

Now turn the pattern over to the printed side, and with the fabric against the feed dogs, sew on the line between the two areas. Sew approximately 1/8" before and after the end of the line, including stitching outside the seam allowance if there is one. Do not backstitch.

Flip the second fabric piece open to ensure it does cover the area + seam allowance + extra on all sides.   Now fold the fabric and the pattern back along the stitched seam so that only the seam excess is showing and trim to a 1/4” seam allowance.

Flip the fabric open over it's area. With your finger or a pressing tool, press the seam flat. Be careful that you don't distort the seam.

Place the third fabric in place, right sides together over the second fabric, and follow the same steps again.   When all the units are finished, sew them together. Line up the printed seam lines, matching intersecting lines and stitch through the fabrics and papers. Accuracy is important so go slow.   Press the seams open. You are probably not use to pressing open, but it is necessary to reduce the bulk. I find that I am pressing open more and more, even in regular piecing.   Remove the paper from inside the seam allowance only. Do not remove the paper from inside the units until all the blocks are sewn together into the quilt top.

HINTS: I like to measure each of the areas + seam allowances + extra on the pattern with a square ruler and then cut my fabric pieces into oversized squares or rectangles. Very seldom do I cut a triangle or odd shape... I have better luck making the pieces flip and cover the area if they are oversized squares or rectangles.   A good way to remember which line to sew on...the sewing line is always the shared line between the last piece and the piece you are adding.   An Add-A-Quarter ruler is a very handy tool. The lip on the edge hugs the paper and gives you a 1/4” guide to trim away the excess fabric along the seam.   To remove the paper from the seam allowance, I like to take an empty ball point pen and run it down the seam. This helps to loosen the perforated paper from the stitches...thus making it easier to remove.   I use a Wooden Iron to press the seam allowances open. It is a wood finger pressing tool with an angle on one end. Or how about that new Mini Iron? It looks like a curling iron but has a thumb size soleplate that is ideal for pressing open small seam. Always store your paper-pieced blocks flat...a clean, unused pizza box works great! Four excellent books by Carol Doak I would recommend are Easy Mix & Match Machine Paper-Piecing, Easy Paper-Pieced Keepsake Quilts, 50 Fabulous Paper-Pieced Stars, and Easy Paper-pieced Miniatures. © Copyright 2001 Margaret A. Callahan-Smith

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