Monday 24 February 2014

Frequently Asked Questions

 I have been meaning to do a post about the questions I get asked the most. I figure if a couple of people are wondering, then there are probably a whole lot more wondering the same thing. So. Here I go. And if I’ve missed anything you’re wondering, please feel free to ask away in the comments and I will do my best to reply!

Oh and random pretty pattern sketch pictures added in to break up all the text (all patterns shown are available in my shop). And because it’s my blog and I can pic-ify it if I want to.

When paper piecing, do you backstitch?
Everyone is different on this one, but I personally do. I backstitch at the start and end of each line – yes even those tiny lines. For me, I feel that it gives the block a bit more integrity. Even though the stitch length is teeny tiny, I worry that the seams just might not hold. If you’ve ever had to try to repair a split seam in the middle of a paper pieced block, you’d understand my concern. So I take that extra second or two and back stitch.

Deer

How do you quilt paper pieced blocks?
Again – personal preference. Most often I tend to just outline the key parts of the block. That said, I have also done all over quilting on paper pieced blocks without any problems. The only area you might run into some trouble is if you have a block with a lot of sections all joining together at the same point. That can create quite a bit of bulk and you’re best to avoid that unless you want broken needles and much swearing.
Winterbound

Where is the 1” reference square on your patterns, damnit?!
Well rejoice my friends! I have finally figured out how to add an accurate 1” square block (to test accurate printing sizes) to my patterns. I have started adding it to the newer patterns. But with over 150 patterns in my shop, it might take some time for me to add it to allll of the older ones. I plan to. Some day.

Lady bug

So how should I print your patterns that don’t have the magic square?
When printing, check your printer settings. They all vary slightly. But you want to aim for “No scaling” or “Actual size” or “100%”. Now, please note, Aussie A4 paper seems to be a slightly different size to US paper. So I try very hard to make sure my patterns fit onto paper size, but sometimes I might be out just a little. Forgive me.

Also one of my lovely friends Susie found that with the longer pattern pieces, it was better if she rotated the way the page printed (i.e. landscape instead of portrait). Then it printed to size and stayed on the page. I don’t know how or why it works but it does. So that might help.

Unicorn paper pieced pattern in pink and purple

What paper do you use when foundation piecing?
I use the cheapest printer paper I can find and apologise to all the trees that I see. Cheaper paper tends to be a bit thinner which makes it easier to tear off at the end. I have also tried some super special Carol Doak Foundation piecing paper, which is very easy to tear off, however it’s not the most cost effective. I believe I paid $10 for 30 sheets with free shipping from Book Depository. So that’s an option for those who want to try it.

Paper Pieced Digger Pattern

How about your stitch length? Thread? Needle?
On my Bernina, I set my stitch length to 1.5. It’s small. It’s a pain in the behind to unpick, but it lets me tear the paper off easily. I use Rasant thread because it’s well priced and can purchase it locally. I use a universal needle – mostly because I’m lazy.

Sewing Sanctuary

What software do you use to design your patterns?
EQ7 my friends. I love it. It makes life so much easier. Well pattern design life. It’s a hefty investment but well worth it. I use it for both designing patterns, as well as trialling colourways on traditional blocks, quilt designs etc. There are probably a lot more features that I could use on it that I just haven’t tried out yet. I did start with using Quilt Assistant (free program) but EQ7 works better for me as a pattern designer.

gnome sketch

Can I use one of your patterns for a Bee block? Or to teach at a class?
If they are free patterns, then yes, please go ahead – but please make sure I am credited for the pattern design and a link is provided either to my blog or to my Craftsy shop. It would be nice to sell more patterns after all Winking smile

If it is one of my paid patterns, then you will need to purchase one copy per person involved. You can contact me for a discounted rate. You cannot just buy one pattern and then print it off umpteen times for whoever you like. That rips me off. And makes me sad. I put a lot of work into the patterns so would really appreciate it if you could keep that in mind.

beehive sketch

Do your patterns have y-seams in them?
Hell no. Y-seams are evil. I avoid them at all costs.

Fairytale Patterns by Kristy @ Quiet Play

Will you design a pattern for me?
Maybe. I do get requests, and sometimes I even make patterns based on them. It depends if the request inspires a pattern, if it suits my style, if it’s something I’m comfortable designing (I don’t like to do licenced images due to copyright concerns – I know I have LEGO patterns but I have permission to share those from the LEGO group) and most importantly, if I have time. If I can’t help you with your request, I will at least try to point you in the direction of a pattern similar to what you’re after.

Paper Pieced Knitting Needles by Quiet Play

Do you do anything other than paper piecing?! Seriously woman, you are obsessed.
Yes, yes I am. And yes, yes I do. I do like to do other types of sewing and quilting to. I just love how paper piecing gives me lovely crisp points, and the seams (mostly) line up, and I can make pretty pictures without applique. That said, not every block has to be paper pieced and I do understand that, believe it or not.

Housewife

There you have it. Questions. Answers. If you are dying of curiosity about anything else, drop me a line, leave me a comment and I will try to answer. Erm paper piecing related that is. I don’t know the meaning of life, I don’t know how to make oodles of money, and I don’t know why the sky is blue. Sorry.

15 comments:

  1. what a GREAT post!! I just figured out how to add the 1" thing too, I use WORD though for pattern writing and added a shape and made it 1" easy peasy :) love your patterns

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  2. I just wasted to tell you what I use for most of my paper piecing. I go to Hobby Lobby, in the kids school supplies and by the Kids' tracing paper. I use a 40 % off coupon. Bring the paper home and with a ruler and razor knife, trim it for my printer. It works like a charm.
    Speaking of charms, I make 1 1/2 inch charms using the paper piece method. I use regular cheap paper for those. I keep the paper on the back and when they are framed, you can see the backing.
    Sew on!

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  3. HAHAHA. "Hell no" to the y-seams! You're hilarious. Also, isn't the whole point of paper-piecing to avoid nonsense like y-seams?! ;o)

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  4. You missed the most important question Kristy, how do you find the time to create all of these brilliant patterns and still keep you and your kidlets fed and clothed??

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  5. Great info kristy!
    Can I also add that if I'm wanting to know if a pattern has printed correctly, I measure one of the outside seam allowance guides to make sure it's a true quarter inch. That might help some people :).

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  6. are you saying you don't like Y seams? :)

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  7. Thank you so much for this post, it's very interesting and informative. Your patterns are great, I've really enjoyed watching your shop and design collection grow :-))

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  8. I enjoyed reading these faqs. I must come back next time I get around to paper piecing. I'm actually amazed that you find time to do anything else :)

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  9. Hi thanks for these FAQ I'm about to embark on a Lego Star Wars quilt for my little one, I can't thank you enough for these patterns, so I came to have a search for some pointers before I go, I've done a bit of paper piecing but I think this is going to be epic. Off to my sewing room Far Far Away ..........
    thanks again

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  10. Thanks, this was really interesting. I have tried paper peicing for the first time tonight. My question is - when do I pull off the paper? Or do I never pull it off?
    E xx

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    1. I used to take the paper off after the piecing, but then converted to removing paper after joining the sections together. I find it keeps everything tidy and aligned (no stretching) doing it that way. It does mean a lot of paper removal once theblock is done! But worth it for straight blocks :)

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  11. I recognise those knitting needles! Thanks for getting me hooked on paper piecing :)

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  12. This was a great post! I do so admire your work. Still haven't tried EPP, but, one never knows!

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  13. You can buy newspaper paper from Ofc depot for about $6 a 500 sheet package or go to the dollar store and buy a tablet 8.5 by 11 of kids drawing paper. Both work wonderfully.

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