Monday, August 27, 2018

TIP: No Pins!

I'm working on piecing some blocks that have unique shapes, and am using a paper pattern for this. Here is how I do mine...no pins.


Instead, use clear tape (office variety) to tape the pattern pieces to the front of the fabrics. Leave about an inch of space between each piece.


Cut the individual pieces apart if you like, just so you can work with each then (make sure to cut where each will still have at least the 1/4" seam allowance intact.)


Then, use the ruler and rotary cutter to cut precisely 1/4" from the drawn line on the pattern piece.

There is just enough tape left on the edges to keep the pattern piece on the fabric until you are ready to sew the block together. Then, just lift the pattern and remove...easy! No pins to constantly remove, shift, re-pin as you trim up the patches.

4 comments:

Robbie said...

Good tip!!! Thanks!

Shirlee Fassell said...

Nice tip!

Susan said...

Fabulous idea, Kathy. I wish I'd read this before I created my paper piecing disaster on Saturday. I could have used the pattern as a template instead! Thank you.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I never would have thought of using tape, but I do use freezer paper a lot. It usually stays put until I'm ready to remove it and if it does happen to lift a quick touch with the iron will stick it down again.