Fussy Cutting for Foundation Paper Piecing

One of my favorite methods to use when I Paper Piece designs is Fussy Cutting.

Fussy Cutting is using a motif in a fabric and cutting it to focus on the motif.

You can see how I used it on the waistband of my Apron picture above.  

I also use fussy cutting to position a print in a desired direction which you can see with the apple print.  The apples are running vertical and are centered on the front panel.  

I was able to achieve this by fussy cutting.

This is also a great way to conserve fabric since you are cutting only the amount of fabric you need.

*Here are some tips to help you with your next Fussy Cut Paper Pieced project*

1)  

Print out an extra copy of the pattern.

Cut out the section of the pattern you want to fussy cut.

In this example, I want to fussy cut the waistband on the apron - section A3.

2)

Place the pattern piece, Right Side Up, on the Wrong side of the fabric directly covering the section you want to fussy cut. 

Use a bit of fabric glue to hold the pattern piece in place.

In this example, I want the words "tag cotton" to be centered on the waistband.

3)

Using a C-thru ruler, mark 1/4" from the edge of your pattern.

Cut on the line.

OR

Use a rotary cutter and your acrylic ruler to cut around the pattern piece.

Remove the pattern piece from the back of the fabric.

You are ready to use the pattern piece!

I like to save the pattern pieces to be used again.  I keep mine in a sheet protector and file it in a binder with the pattern. 

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise

Row by Row Experience

Starting June 21st, quilt shops all across the Unites States and Canada will be participating in the "Row by Row Experience".  The idea is to visit your local quilt shops and pick up a FREE (yes Free) pattern for a quilt.  

Create a quilt using at least 8 different 2016 rows from 8 different 2016 participating RxR shops and be the first to bring it into a participating shop to win a stack of 25 fat quarters (6-1/4 yards of fabric). Use that shop’s row in your quilt and win a bonus prize. Click here for more details.

To find the participating quilt shops in your area click [HERE]

Months ago, Maria from Quilt Nuts in Oklahoma asked if I'd design an element for her Row by Row Pattern.

I designed this fun apron for Maria's row.  It is an easy beginner pattern with just two sections to sew together.  They are so fast to make I've already made two and am working on a third!

This pattern is only available until September in Maria's shop, but if you'd like to make an apron and can't make it to Oklahoma you can find my Vintage Apron Pattern [HERE]

One of my favorite ways to make my paper pieced blocks extra special, is to fussy cut motifs.

Check back tomorrow and I will be sharing a tutorial for an easy method for fussy cutting

motifs for this fun apron and any other paper pieced design you are sewing.

Happy Sewing : )

xo

Charise

Christmas Sewing - Round Potholder and a Tutorial!

I've been doing a bit of holiday sewing! I have lots of "orphan" paper piecing blocks and thought it would be fun to make something from them.  I've created a pattern and tutorial - my little holiday gift to you!!

Round Potholder Tutorial

by Charise Randell

 A fun take on the traditional potholder, this potholder is circular and has cute decorative trim on the pocket.  It can also be used as trivet or mug rug or to hang in your kitchen to add a bit of cheer  : )  It is finished with bias binding trim.

The paper piecing blocks can be found in my  Etsy Shop.
Or use an orphaned paper pieced block or quilt block of your own!
The Circle Template Pattern Link Is Here.

Supplies:

1 foundation pieced block or quilt block 8” or smaller

1 ~  9 ½” square Insul-Fleece or Insul-Brite insulated batting
1 ~ 9 ½” square batting
1 ~ 9 ½” x 7 ½” piece batting
1 ~ 9 ½” square Print fabric for the back of the potholder
2~ 9 ½” x 7 ½” pieces print fabric for Pocket
 30” - ½” wide double fold Bias Binding ~or~ ½ yard fabric to make your own (this includes the top of pocket binding and the hanging loop)
6” – ½” wide double fold Bias Binding ~or~ 6” length  3/8” to ½” wide ribbon for hanging the loop
9” – ½” wide double fold Bias Binding for top of pocket
Matching Thread
9” length of Decorative Trim, at least 3/8” wide - Ric Rac, Lace, etc…..
Basting Spray
1” bias tape maker if making your own binding (optional)
Walking Foot (optional)

 Making your binding – **If you are not using purchased binding**

1. Cut three lengths 20” x 1 7/8” bias strips.  Grain line should be 45 degree from selvage edge.

2.  Stitch the two of the strips together. The third strip will be used for the top of pocket binding and the hanging loop.
3. Make the bias binding:
  -a. Use your bias tape maker and follow the manufacturer directions
  OR
  -b. With the wrong side facing you, fold your bias strip in half along the long edge. Press.
Open the strip and fold the edges to the center crease and press.
4. Repeat step 3a or 3b for the third bias strip.

 Assemble your Block

1. Assemble your foundation paper pieced block or quilt block.

Add Borders so the block measures 9 ½”.

 Prepare the Potholder

1. Make a quilt sandwich with the block:
Place one square of the print fabric wrong side up.  Place one square of the batting on top.
Place the square of insulated fleece on the top.  Place the pp block right side up.
Baste all layers with basting spray.

 2. Quilt as desired.  I like to do an echo quilting design around my paper pieced blocks.

 3.  Using the circle template, center the template on the top of the quilt sandwich.  Trace around the template.

Stitch ¼” inside the line with a basting stitch.  Cut around the template line.

Prepare the Pocket

1.  Make a quilt sandwich:
Place one square of the print fabric wrong side up.  Place one square of the batting on top.
Place one print square right side up.
Baste with basting spray.

 2. Quilt the pocket as desired. I used a diamond stitch for mine.

 3. Place the pocket template on the quilted pocket piece and trace around the template.

Stitch ¼” inside the line with a basting stitch.  Cut around the template line.

 4. Mark a line ¾” down from the top edge. Place the the trim on the top straight edge, so that the bottom edge of the trim meets the line. Baste in place.
*Note, if you’d like more of the trim to show, mark the line lower than ¾”*

 5. Stitch the Bias binding to the top edge, placing the right side of binding to right side of pocket lining matching the raw edges at the top.

Stitch with a 3/8” stitch. 

Fold bias to the right side of the pocket.
Hand slip stitch or machine edge stitch the bias binding edge.

Finish the potholder

1. Place the pocket right side up on the back side of the potholder.  Match raw edges. Baste around the perimeter.

2.  Make and attach the hanging loop:
a. Fold a 6” length of the bias tape wrong sides together, Edgestitch.
~OR~
b. Fold a length of 6” ribbon together wrong side to wrong side.

~Place the loop, to the top center of the Back potholder matching raw edges at the top.
Baste in Place.

3. Attach Binding trim to the Perimeter to the potholder:
a. Fold one short side of the bias binding under on wrong side for 3/8”.
b. Place the folded edge of the bias binding on the pocket side at the center bottom, right side binding to right side pocket.
4. Stitch the binding to the pocket side of the potholder with a 3/8” stitch.  When you reach the starting point, overlap the binding over the folded edge by  ½”.
5. Fold the bias binding to the right side of the pothholder and hand slip stitch or machine edge stitch the binding to the outside potholder just covering the stitching.

Yay....your potholder is complete!!!!

I'd love to see your version.  Pls post pictures to my Charise Creates Flickr Group here.

xo

Charise