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Easy and simple paper piecing for stunning results...

8/5/2020

26 Comments

 
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Did this happen to you before?
A stunning and cute quilt block catches your attention, you read the description,
and it says it's paper pieced, so you're like......
OH NO, I cant do that!
But I can assure you ( Obama style ) YES YOU CAN!
I've been there, and trust me confusion took over me and I thought to myself :
What do they mean, it's done on the reverse side? And how do I place the paper?
And why this and what that?

BUT first things first:
You want to master paper piecing once and for all?
You dont want to miss out on all those stunning quilt blocks that are paper pieced?
Then read this blog post slowly, with you pattern at hand.
You can also download this free pattern here to start practicing.
Or if you like this star pattern , then grab it here.
First and foremost, take your time to practice now and you'll be good to go for ever.

1. The pattern
the pattern usually consists of
a numbered overview, with letters and numbers on it.
a colored overview ( so you have some inspiration)
a blank overview ( this is for you to color yourself)
and your pattern segments, again lettered and numbered,
Each segment features only one letter, but has several numbers, this is the sequence of your sewing.
 
Think of your pattern as a puzzle, each segment is one piece of your puzzle.
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2. A few simple tips:
Place the numbered overview in front of you.
Cut out the pattern segments, along the dotted lines ( this is the seam allowance).
Place the segments beside your pattern acording to the numbered overview.
This is pretty obvious with the star pattern,
but it becomes really important and comes in super handy with more complex patterns.
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3. Reverse side or mirrored image:

As I mentioned before, foundation paper piecing is done on the reverse side of your paper.
This means your pattern is your sewing aid only.
Not as with 'normal' patterns,  where you cut the fabric according to the pattern.
I think this is the most important part about paper piecing, and can't be emphasised enough.

                              NOTE: The paper is just your sewing aid .

The paper is your base where you sew on, the lines of the pattern are your sewing lines. The block will emerge on the unprinted side of the pattern. And will therefore be a mirrored image of the numbered overview. 

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> numbered overview                                                       > finished block
4. Sart sewing
It doesn't matter which segment you sew first, you want to sew them all anyways,
so start wherever you want.
I will start with segment A here, just because I like starting from the right today :-)

> set your sewing machine to 1.5 stitches /cm or 16-18 stitches/inch this will make sure
   the stitces perforate the paper nicely, but are not too close, so they don’t rip the paper.
   This will also make it easyer to remove the paper after you finish sewing your block.
> Turn the first segment over so the wrong side (unprinted side) is facing you. Place the
   piece of fabric for section 1 right side up, onto the paper, making sure there’s  
   ¼ to ½ inch of fabric around the perimeter of section 1.
   Be generous in the beginning; once you are familiar with foundation paper piecing,
   you can cut your fabrics a bit smaller.

> Pin or glue this fabric in place. I prefer fabric glue. Everything stays nicely in place.

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> Turn the pattern segment over so the printed side is facing you. Fold the pattern on
   the line between section 1 and 2. ( I do this using a postcard, this gives you a
   nice straight and crisp fold)

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> Trim fabric 1 to a ¼” seam allowance using an acrylic ruler and rotary cutter.
   There is a specilty ruler for this, it's called ADD-A-Quarter-Ruler , which has a 1/4" lip and
   gives you a perfect 1/4" seam allowance. But any other ruler will work just as fine.
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> Choose the fabric for section 2 the same way you did for section 1, making sure the
   fabric covers the whole of section 2 and aprox ¼ - ½ ” around the perimeter of
   section 2.
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> Place fabric for section 2, right sides together with fabric 1.
   Aligning the raw edges of the two fabrics along the fold between section1 and 2.

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 > Now, stitch along the fold between sections 1 and 2, right on the line. The more precisely
   you sew, the easier it will be to align your segments! If the line that’s being sewn starts
   or finishes at the ¼-inch seam allowance, extend that line right through the
   seam allowance by sewing all the way through it!
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> Flip open fabric 2 so the right sides of the fabrics are showing and press with a hot iron
  (no steam, as this can distort your fabric and paper ).

Now you choose the fabric for section 3 the same way you did for the other two.
Folding now the pattern at the line between section 2 and 3 and so on.
You then sew each section the same way. Adding the fabrics in numerical order, as they appear on each segment.

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> When you're done sewing the segments, cut excess fabric along the dotted line.

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> Place the trimmed segments as they are on the numbered overview. This just
   makes your life so much easier when sewing the segments together.
> Now sew the segments together according to the assembly instructions in the pattern.
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> After sewing two segments together, remove the paper only from the seam allowance
   and press the seams open with hot iron (no steam) as flat as possible. (This is where
   the tailors clapper comes in very handy , see blog post about clapper here. ) This helps
   reduce bulk, especially when there are several layers of fabric. It also helps keep
   your overall size accurate.
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before tailors clapper                                                    after tailors clapper
> After piecing all the segments, remove the remaining paper and use the iron to press
   your finished block.
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And that's it .................. ALL DONE.
You can also watch a tutorial video here.
What do you think? Doable, right?
You will be a  paper piecing STAR in no time.

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26 Comments
Pamela link
7/9/2020 10:20:45

I’m trying to get the ifree star pattern but haven’t been able to do so

Reply
Ingrid Alteneder link
7/9/2020 11:56:52

Hey there,
are you looking for the Star pattern

www.joejuneandmae.com/store/p250/5_point_star_-_PDF_pattern___________.html

or the free pattern:

www.joejuneandmae.com/store/p127/Happy_Tree_-_PDF_pattern_____.html

I just restocked the free pattern, sorry it was sold out.

Happy Sewing
Ingrid

Reply
Judy
29/8/2023 17:48:21

Hi, I just purchased the Ludwig the Lion foundation paper piecing pattern and was hoping to practice before I attempted it. The free pattern is sold out and I am wondering if you could restock it again. Thanks so much.

Monica
21/11/2024 19:10:33

I was trying to obtain the free star pattern, is it still available. I really appreciate the opportunity to practice and learn more so I can take my quilting to the next level. Thank you so much for this amazing offer and for all you do to support the quilting community at large.

Petra Roche
25/1/2021 14:48:33

Hello,
I just recently purchased your amazing viva la Frida pattern! It’s definitely the most challenging FPP I’ve done to date but I’m doing it out of love for Frida. I’m in desperate need of a tailor’s clapper. Do you know where I can purchase one in Germany?
Thanks, Petra

Reply
Ingrid link
25/1/2021 15:31:54

Hey Petra,

thank you so much and yes Frida is a bit challenging, she needs some patience :-)
As for the tailor's clapper I ordered mine at Amazon.com - Jacksons-Woodworks
you can also get it at Amazon.co.uk they carry the same one and with shipping it's about the same price.
I haven't seen any store here in Germany that carry it... I hope this helps :-)
Best Ingrid







Sheryl
17/4/2021 10:07:34

I would like to have pattern for this star. Website isn’t working

Reply
ingrid link
19/4/2021 11:13:50

Hey Sheryl,
what seems to be the problem?
How can I help?

kind regards
Ingrid

ingrid link
19/4/2021 11:21:47

hey Sheryl,
just fixed the link :-)

Linda Williams link
13/11/2023 10:16:32

Hi I am trying to download the free star pattern nothing is working

Faye Burden link
9/10/2021 17:34:12

I would love to have your star pattern, please.

Reply
June Plunk
2/9/2023 15:35:32

I would like to get the free 5 star pattern Please! Fran

Reply
Julia
29/1/2025 16:44:03

Thank you! This is very helpful and you make it look easy.

Reply
Susanne Lost
15/1/2021 12:40:17

Liebe Ingrid,
leider habe ich deine schöne Anleitung nicht gefunden, bevor ich mich an deine süßen Cupcakes wagte. Ich brauchte drei Versuche, dann fiel der Groschen, und ich habe vieles mit meiner Näherfahrung intuitiv richtig gemacht. Als Foundation Paper gefiel mir Transparentpapier sehr gut, es ist leider teuer. Also, die Törtchen sind mir halbwegs gelungen. Einen Knoten im Kopf habe ich noch beim Finden des richtigen Winkels auf dem umgebenden Stoff (Segmente D,E,J,K,L. Wie ermittle ich die richtige Lage der Schnittkante bzw. Naht auf dem Stoff? Da wir ja spiegelverkehrt arbeiten, gelingt mir das nicht immer. Bei dir zeigt aber das umgebende Stoffmuster immer brav nach oben. Ich würde mich sehr über einen Tipp freuen, denn ich möchte gern mehr von deinen wundervollen Schnittmustern ausprobieren.
Herzliche Grüße
Susanne
( auf Instagram: susufish_ oder susufish🐠

Reply
ingrid link
16/1/2021 11:53:21

Hallo liebe Susanne,
Ich habe dazu einen Blog,über fussy cutting
geschrieben
https://www.joejuneandmae.com/blog/what-is-fussy-cutting
das trifft dann auch bei richtungsrelevantem Stoff zu.
du legst das Segment auf die Rückseite des Stoffes, so wie du ihn platzieren möchtest, und schneidest dann die Nahtzugabe an der Kante an der genäht wird.
Ich glaube ich mache dazu zeitnah ein YOUTube video :-)
Ganz liebe Grüße
Ingrid

Reply
Marion
2/5/2021 00:18:40

Deseó aprender esta nueva técnica 😊

Reply
ingrid Alteneder link
6/5/2021 05:43:16

Hey,
maybe you want to join me on my next online class

https://www.joejuneandmae.com/news.html

its always tons of fun and I am sure you will learn a lot.
best
Ingrid

Reply
Kathy
20/1/2022 15:54:19

Your star pattern is great!
I need some extra pictures with arrows to
more easily understand the turning around.
I HAVE DISLEXIA, so things get reversed in
my mind very easily.
I think I got it now, because of your explanations.
Thank you.

Reply
ingrid link
22/1/2022 07:36:19

Hey Kathy,

I am too happy that this tutorial helps, thanx so much for your feedback :-)

Best
Ingrid

Reply
polly
8/3/2022 19:15:39

Hi
The free star pattern it took me to site it said it was unsafe is there any way to get this star pattern.
Thanks Polly

Reply
ingrid link
9/3/2022 03:06:06

Hey Polly,
the link is fixed now, not sure what happened,
it was still linked to my old website.
So sorry this happened.
Btw the free pattern is a tree, not a star, just thought I let you know.

Best
Ingrid

Reply
Mary Lou Powers
8/7/2022 06:11:53

Love, love love these patterns and hoping you would be able to send me the Happy Tree pattern. The star ( or any other simple pattern) would be fine also as I am trying once again to learn paper piecing.
Thank you so much ! Your instructions give me new hope!

Reply
Nancy
9/4/2024 07:58:52

I want to make the 12” star. Is it broken up in pieces such that I can print on 8-1/2”X11 “ paper or will I need to take it to a print shop?

Reply
Matty
2/8/2024 00:16:11

excellent tutorial with detailed instructions. Thank you!

Reply
Jackie L Hiss
18/11/2024 09:28:54

I am looking for the free star pattern

Thank you...and appreciate the "free" so I can get familiar with paper piecing before purchasing a pattern

Reply
Cathy Moore
3/4/2025 13:35:11

I have a question.
My test square measures 7/8”
on Candy Stripe Heart.
Could you tell exact cutting dimensions of
A2 and A6
And A1, A 5, A9 triangles
I’m going to cut my strips and triangles first.
Thank you! Cathy

Reply



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