Paper piecing 101 A

You may know I’ve been working on some secret projects for Tonya’s shop

http://www.hillbillyquiltshop.com/

I wanted to show you what I did and HOW to do it, as I am surprised to see so many people don’t know how to english paper piece, let alone do it right! it’s SUPER easy.

on project #1 I had to add a hexagon border (could have done long strips instead) but it turned out cute!

You’ll need whatever paper pieces you want or need, either from paperpieces.com or Tonya’s shop for her AHHHH’s

-you’ll see more in a bit!

and then a glue pen like this

and don’t forget about refills!

DO NOT USE A SCHOOL GLUE STICK! it’s a mess and glues TOO well, so the papers won’t come off after it dries (ask me how I know?!)

Here’s my fabric ironed and steamed, I glued the shapes on the fabric right there on the board and rough cut out around it about 1/4” around, doesn’t have to be precise, but rather too much fabric than too little, especially on border pieces!

So with the glue stick I glue across the top of the paper close to the edge but not ON the edge, just a smidge off of the edge, it’s fine to go off the sides, that’s a matter of preference, some times you want the flaps to stay down, sometimes you need them to move out of the way as you sew

Then fold the fabric down right on the edge and finger press

do the same on the sides

and then the bottom

and VOILA! a whole stack!

Now lots of people thread baste, and I used to do that too.

But gluing is SO much faster and easier and you don’t damage the papers at all and the edges are more crisp and precise!

tomorrow I’ll show 101 B