What do you do if you want to make intricate quilt blocks with points that match every
time? Try paper piecing, of course! Hi, I'm Angela Walters. I'm going to show
you how paper piecing can help guarantee perfection when it comes to complex, and not-so-complex,
quilt blocks. Let's start with a few tips for getting started.
First, you need paper! For this project, I'm using thin foundation paper.
Any type of paper will work, but a thinner paper will be easier to rip out later. You'll
also need to print out your paper-pieced quilt pattern.
You'll need a copy for each block or portion of the block, depending on the pattern.
It will have numbers depicting the order the fabrics should be sewn on. The lines are your
sewing lines. You will be sewing directly onto the paper.
Place fabric 1 so that the wrong side of the fabric touches the underside of the pattern.
The fabric should overlap the section marked as #1 by about an inch.
Holding the paper and the fabric up to a light will help ensure that it is placed correctly.
Pin the fabric to the paper to keep it from moving.
Pick a scrap of fabric for section number 2. Make sure that it covers the section and
extends past the sewing lines. Place fabric for section 2 on top of fabric
1 so that the right sides are touching, re-pin on the paper side, holding both pieces in
place. This will keep them from shifting during sewing.
Remember shorten the stitch length on your sewing machine, 1.0 will make it easier to
rip out the paper later on. With the paper on top, sew carefully along
the line between section 1 and 2, beginning and ending a few stitches beyond the line.
On your cutting area, carefully fold the paper back along the line you just stitched
Using a rotary cutter and ruler, trim the fabric 1/4" from the paper
This is an important step, I left this out the first time I paper pieced and it was a
mess! Flip the block over so that the fabric is
on top. Using a dry, hot iron press the second fabric into place.
Rotate the block again so that the numbers are showing. Crease the line between #2 and
#3. Trim the excess fabric, adding the ¼" seam allowance.
Take your third fabric and align the raw edge with this cut edge, making sure it overlaps
into the next section. Sew on the line between the 2nd and 3rd section
Repeat the previous step of folding the paper back and trimming the fabric away 1/4" from
the seam. Press as before. Continue sewing the fabrics onto the block
in the order shown in the pattern. When all the sections are filled in, it's
time to press and trim the block. I like to spray the block with starch and
iron it with a dry, hot iron. This helps prevent distortion when removing the paper. If you
decide to use starch, be sure to let the block dry before trimming
Once dry, it's time to trim the block - including the 1/4" seam allowance. Before you start
cutting, check to see if the 1/4" seam allowance is on the pattern or not. Trust me, it's heart-breaking
to piece the whole block, only to trim it incorrectly!
To sew the blocks together line them up, pin and sew. Once you're sure the block will not
be sewn to another unit or paper pieced block, it's time to remove the paper. This is the
perfect chore to do while watching your favorite tv show.
Once you're sure the block will not be sewn to another unit or paper pieced block, it's
time to remove the paper. This is the perfect chore to do while watching your favorite tv
show. If the paper is tough to remove, you can lightly
spritz it with water. Or use a seam ripper to get the paper out of tight corners.
Whether it's a simple quilt block or a more complex one, knowing how to paper piece will
help ensure perfect points every time. Thanks for watching! Get expert quilting instruction,
free resources, and supplies for your next project by clicking the "i" in the top right
corner of this video.