English Paper Piecing

Paper piecing is very straightforward and so I thought I would demonstrate how to do this sweet little quilting technique. I love this craft because it is portable, uses up little fabric scraps, and is so cute and looks more complicated than it actually is.

There is more information in an awesome beginner craft book available from the library, titled "Beginner's Guide to Quilting"  by Elizabeth Betts. It is full of different ideas. I used a template from the back of that book for a little hexagon that measures 3/4" on each side.

Then I pinned this square to a scrap of fabric andcut out a rough hexy shape with about a 1/4" seam allowance.

I then folded the fabric around the form and sewed it to the paper with some big basting stitches in brightly colored thread.

I laid out the pieces on a flat surface in the arrangement I wanted.

I then placed the middle hex against an outside hex with right sides facing, and sewed them together with little whip stitches.

I sewed all hexes to the middle piece and then stitched the outside hexes together in the same fashion.

I pressed the rosette with a hot iron before snipping and pulling out the basting stitches and paper.

Then I pinned my little flower onto a piece of fabric in an embroidery hoop and quilted it.

Voila!

You can also slip stitch the rosette along the outside edge for less sewing.

This little craft is totally addicting! I cut out some more modern hexes and am now working on an applique for a bag. Fun!

Those little cuties stack up fast.

 I hope this gives you an idea of how to get started. Many other quilting blocks are made using this method, using little trapezoids, hexagons, or other shapes that piece together to form beautiful stars and wheels.

Happy piecing!