Some of my favorite quilts are made with small, uniform geometric pieces. Because of their size and angles they are difficult to piece with precision. Mosaic patchwork, or English paper piecing, was a technique that began in England. Uniform pieces of a single shape were cut from a template onto paper. The papers were placed on the fabric and then cut with a quarter inch seam allowance. Pinned in place, the seams were then folded over and sewn to the paper to create a precision piece. These were then sewed together to form a pattern and then the papers were removed, but not always. Below are some of the paper shapes used.
I love this technique even though it is “as old as the earth”. I find it to be absorbing, meditative, and completely satisfying. For some, I understand it might drive them mad. However, my projects have been small, and I find that I am still sane. And I decided to use this age-old technique to make a turtle of all things. The turtle will be Japanese because I love the culture, and I am using Japanese fabric.
Below is the beginning of the shell.
In the next photo you can see the back and the way the papers have been sewn with the edges turned over the paper.
The shell is beginning to grow:
Several years ago I was inspired to make a tumbling blocks quilt, a pattern I have always loved. My goal was to use as many different prints as I could fit into the design. However, I should have used the paper piecing method. It would have been so much more fun and relaxing, but I cut countless diamonds and proceeded to sew each one hoping I would stay steady with the seam allowance. Of course it will never be completed, but I may convert it to another use…maybe turtle, phase II.
This last photo is the back side. As you can see there are no paper templates.
i use a similar method which i refer to as english paperless piecing. i iron the fabric around the template and remove the paper. so i only need one template and the seam allowance stays in tact. curves don’t usually work with paper piecing do they?
This seems like a more efficient solution, avoiding the need to take out stitches as well as paper. I had been using freezer paper ironed to the back side.
i use a paper stock similar to index cards. i had a pad of it printed up with graph paper on it so it is easy to design and cut templates. and the heavier paper wears well.
Found you via Jude and have enjoyed reading back over your posts. i enjoy paper piecing too – especially hexagons. i think a turtle will look wonderful in hexagons.
I am wondering if you like some of the older quilts that were done with this method. I will post the turtle when I finish it. It is rather a slow process, much like a turtle.
I found you via Jude, and have been enjoying reading back through your posts. I enjoy paper piecing too – especially hexagons. i think a turtle in hexagons is inspired – looking forward to seeing how it turns out.