Today I was paper piecing and thought I'd share some of the tools I use.
First I set up a TV try for cutting. It's just the right size for a medium sized mat. Then with my left drawer open, I set my small ironing mat on top (a board covered with a few layers of batting and fabric) Then it is on to sew, press, cut--then repeat.
This is a mini iron and it is as hot as a regular iron. When you unplug it stays warm for about 5-10 minutes. Every so often, I press my pieces with a real iron just for safe measure. I find it very important to press after adding every piece.
I like to use flat-head pins for paper piecing and keep them away from the sewing line. They don't seem to catch on anything and no need to remove as you go. The magnet pin catchers are best for me since I'm a pin tosser.
I use a dab of washable glue stick to keep the first piece in position. It easily comes off when removing paper.
Here's a "must have" tool for paper piecing. These sharp light weight scissors have a curved bottom.
Also necessary are both a seam ripper, tweezers and an empty house. This requiires concentration.
But a final reminder. Make sure you have enough fabric. I had to dive into my trash and scurry around on the floor to retrieve a few small pieces to complete one phase of my project. When paper piecing you may want to save your scraps until completed.
This is a mini iron and it is as hot as a regular iron. When you unplug it stays warm for about 5-10 minutes. Every so often, I press my pieces with a real iron just for safe measure. I find it very important to press after adding every piece.
I like to use flat-head pins for paper piecing and keep them away from the sewing line. They don't seem to catch on anything and no need to remove as you go. The magnet pin catchers are best for me since I'm a pin tosser.
I use a dab of washable glue stick to keep the first piece in position. It easily comes off when removing paper.
Here's a "must have" tool for paper piecing. These sharp light weight scissors have a curved bottom.
Let me show you how it works. When you slightly pull on the top thread, the bottom thread rises. Using these bent scissors clips both threads at once. Got it? One clip, two threads.
Also necessary are both a seam ripper, tweezers and an empty house. This requiires concentration.
But a final reminder. Make sure you have enough fabric. I had to dive into my trash and scurry around on the floor to retrieve a few small pieces to complete one phase of my project. When paper piecing you may want to save your scraps until completed.
Great tools and tips. That little iron is so cute. Great tip on keeping those scraps around. I've had the same thing happen to me.
ReplyDeleteI love your set up. I have that little iron in pink. What I do not have are those curved scissors. They look like a great tool. Thanks for all the tips.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI enJOY seeing sewing rooms and the tools used by other folks. Thanks for sharing. Found you at Freemotion.
ReplyDeleteHi! You have organized your Paper piecing well! How great to have everything just next to you!
ReplyDeleteGreat setup and I like those scissors! Thanks for sharing.
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Love those little snips! I like to use my Clover iron with the teeny tiny ironing surface when I paper piece. It gets just hot enough and enables me to iron only the last seam I sewed.
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