Last week when I asked you guys and gals to tell me what you want me to post about, I got quite a few people telling me they want me to show some paper piecing techniques. The only problem with that is, I have no idea how to paper piece. I’ve never done it, and I’ve never seen it done before. So, does anyone have any suggestions on how to paper piece? I’m a beginner at it, so books that start at the beginning of paper piecing would be nice. I’m kind of nervous, but if you guys have faith that I can do, I’m sure I’ll do fine. I might just not post the first few I do! Haha. Just kidding, I’ll always keep my readers updated on flops and successes!
So, what book do you recommend?
Eric The Quilter 
I think it’s relatively easy to learn. Here’s one site with a video tutorial: http://ellisonlane.com/2013/08/beginningpaperpiecing.html; and this site offers a good basic of how to do it: http://www.beginningquiltingnow.com/Beginning-Quilting-Paper-Foundation-Piecing.html. Now, I’ve never done paper piecing myself, but the concept is pretty simple, kind of like paint by numbers. You position one piece of fabric over the “1” space (with at least 1/4″ to spare all around), then pin a piece of fabric on top of it that’s similarly bigger than the “2” space. Flip over, sew along the line between 1 and 2, then press the 2 fabric over. Repeat with 3, etc.
I highly recommend any books and videos by Carol Doak. She has a clear and concise system. If you learn to do it the way she teaches it, you shouldn’t have any problems. She has a website, and a huge Yahoo group, and recently she did a segment with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims on The Quilt Show. (No affiliation here – just a satisfied student/customer).
Hi Eric,
Give this video a watch, http://vimeo.com/14772488. I learned paper piecing at the beginning of the year and watched this to begin with. My first paper piecing projects are the Lucky Stars Block of the Month from Don’t call me Betsy. They are paid patterns but there are a lot of free ones available out there too. To begin make sure you pick some that only have a few fabrics per section just till you have wrapped your brain around the whole process. The one you have in your post would be a bit difficult for a first project. For the past 10 months i have moved onto complex pattern so it does not take a long time to get the hang of it. My one tip would be to use washable glue stick to attach fabric piece one to the paper (just a bit) it cuts the frustration down I find. Lots of people use pins but I find the glue is easier. Hope it helps cant’ wait to see how you go.