How to Paper Piece a Quilt Block

Paper pieced quilt block

Paper piecing a quilt block creates very crisp corners and sharper points. Paper piecing is an easy quilt block, even for beginning sewers. Every pattern is worked the same way, follow the numbers. Start by pinning the piece to the paper, check the alignment, sew, trim and press.

Each quilt block is made with four sections that are the same then sewn together. For this block, a clear plastic template was created and placed over the flower then cut.

To paper piece, copy the pattern onto computer printer paper. Trim the edges to a minimum of 1/4 inch past the outside boarder. Four pieces of paper are needed for one square.

Things You'll Need

• Paper pieced pattern
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Fabric
• Computer paper
• Cutting board
• Small ruler
• Iron
• Fabric cutter

Instructions

1. Make some rectangles. The pattern will tell you how many, the sizes and colors for each rectangle. Use your computers word processor to create some rectangles according to the sizes needed. Label them with the size, color and piece number. Cut fabric according to these rectangles.

2. Lay out the fabric pieces by numbers. Add a post it note with the number written on it for easy viewing. The cutting board should be on the left side with the iron and pad on top. Your sewing machine should be on the right.

3. Pin piece number one onto the back side of the paper with the right side facing out. Pins are on the front side.

4. Pin piece number two on top of piece number one, right sides facing each other.

5. Check the alignment before sewing. Hold the pinned piece up to the light. Fold back the new pinned piece to be sure it covers the area on the pattern

6. Sew on the line number. Backstitch to secure. Fold paper back and press seam open.

7. Use a small plastic ruler to trim fabric down to 1/4 inch.

8. Open fabric and press with iron.

9. Add piece number 3, pin, check alignment, sew, trim and press.

10. Continue the working the pattern following the numerical sequence. When all pieces are sewn together, the edges will need to be trimmed.

11. Sew four squares together to create the completed block. Remove the paper from the back.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results, follow the fabric suggestions.

• Purchase enough fabric to complete you project before starting.

• Wash fabric before cutting.

• Cut enough fabric to create one quilt square at a time.