Monday 20 October 2014

318 Patchwork Patterns: How to Freezer Paper Piece

Welcome to the first stop on the  318 Patchwork Patterns: Original Patchwork & Applique Designs blog hop.  I have been a fan of this book for so long, first the original Japanese publication by Kumiko Fujita and the reissue and translated version reprinted by Zakka Workshop/World Book Media.  At the end of this post, there is a giveaway to win a copy of 318 Patchwork Patterns and all are welcome to enter, the winning copy will be sent anywhere in the world!


It is a book of few words but now I can actually read the brief text in the book!  More than anything else, it is a book to inspire!  It is a mix of paper pieced and appliqué designs. This blog post is going to cover two themes: firstly how to prepare and reproduce the small image in the book to make a 6" x 6" finished block; and secondly, how to sew the block using freezer paper piecing.  I am concentrating on block, #160, House on a hill and my 6" square block ended up as a small wall hanging.


The main construction method described  in the book for the pieced blocks is hand piecing but it is possible to machine piece the blocks using freezer paper piecing and even foundation paper piecing although some adaptations may need to be made on some designs.  If you want to follow the hand piecing method, Wynn has lots of hand piecing advice at Zakka Art.  You could even adapt some blocks for English paper piecing- the pin cushion block #15 from 'Sewing Goods' section would be a good example of a pattern that would work well using EPP- see Jessie's blog series English Paper Piecing Basics for this technique.

Preparing the Image
1. Enlarge: Method One, Photocopy
The majority of blocks in 318 Patchwork Patterns are 2 ⅜" x 2 ⅜" .  You can either use a photocopier to increase the size of the block by enlarging by 250%.  Technically- this will make the block slightly under 6" so if you want precisely 6", enlarge by 253%.  Now your block is enlarged.  If you want your finished block to face the same way as the drawing, the image needs to be flipped or mirror images in some way- we'll do this when we transfer the drawing to freezer paper.

2.  Enlarge: Method Two, Scan
I use a desktop scanner rather than a photocopier to reproduce the blocks and then some basic tools on my iMac to increase the image size.  I will also mention a method for a PC.  Firstly I scan the page I need.  My canon scanner scans at actual size and loads it to my desktop.  Alternatively, you could use a scanner app- I tried Cam Scanner on my iPhone and it worked fine.   Next, I use a programme called Preview that came with my iMac to isolate the design I want to use.  The scanned image will automatically open in Preview.  I choose Rectangular Selection from the selection tools.  This tool allows you to draw a border around the image that you want to select and it will show the size of the box so you can draw an accurate square or rectangle.


Once the square is drawn (shown as a dotted line around the chosen image) go to Tools and select Crop.


The image is now isolated and ready for you to 'Select All' and once it is selected, choose Copy.


You now have a picture that can be saved and is ready to paste into a document and resize.  I use a blank Microsoft Word document, paste it in and change the picture size to exactly 6" square using the right button on the mouse and choosing Format Picture and then the Size option.  I chose  6.01" to allow for the line around the block.  The advantage of using this method rather than photocopying is that there is now an option to 'flip' the image so that the design is reversed ready for piecing and the finished block will come out facing the same way as the original drawing.  In the Formatting Palette tools, you can then choose Rotation and Flip Horizontal.  


If you are using Windows, the equivalent to Preview is Windows Photo Viewer.  Choose Open from the menu bar and then Paint and you will see  rotation and flip options.

3. Trace and Number
The design is ready to number the pieces and then trace on to freezer paper.  There is no definitive method to number the pieces.  The designs in this book are too complex to be pieced in a single section, instead I usually eyeball the picture to work out how many sections there will be, give each section a letter, A,B,C etc and number the pieces.  There is likely to be a Y seam in most blocks so I keep an eye out for these too.  You can see my sections in this picture and I have numbered the top section and marked the Y seams on the chimneys/roof/sky.  You can also add tick marks to help match up tricky areas like diagonals- see section C where I have added them in blue.  There are no hard and fast rules here.  I could have sectioned the design a different way but the three horizontal sections seemed the easiest.


If the image has been flipped, you can lay freezer paper over the top so that the dull papery side is facing you and trace  transferring all the information.  If the image hasn't been flipped, lay the freezer paper on top with the waxy side facing you and use a sharp hard pencil to trace the image- then turn the paper over and write the piece numbers/sections information on the paper side- the image is now flipped.

4. Freezer Paper Piecing
i.  Once the pattern has been traced, I work on one section at a time and only cut out that section- so I don't lose any small pieces.  Each piece is cut out along the traced lined using a scalpel knife and quilt ruler.  Press the waxy side of the paper to the wrong side of your fabric using a hot iron and cut out allowing 1/4" eam allowance all round.  I use a generous 1/4" to allow for the space of the stitches, the important thing is to be consistent on all pieces.  This is all of section A prepared with seam allowances.


ii.   The first seam is straightforward. Pieces A1 and A2 are placed right sides together, I align the corners of the freezer paper templates on both pieces precisely using a vertical pin and this method, hold the pieces together and the stitch the seam from end to end.  I use a very small stitch, usually 1.5mm so that the stitches are secure and I don't need to secure the seam at the beginning and end.  Piece A3 is added in the same way.  The chimney area above the roof is complete.


iii.  The next piece involves sewing a partial seam in preparation for the Y seams when pieces A5 and A6 are joined.  When piece A4 is added,  the seam starts where the pieces of freezer paper meet together- see the photo below- and finishes where the freezer paper ends.  The seam allowances are left unstitched. For this type of seam you will need to secure each end of the seam.  Precision sewing is required!  Start by sinking the needle into the precise position by hand or using 'needle down' button, then lowering the foot .  Then sew slowly, three stitches forwards and three stitches back- counting each stitch!   If you prefer, you can hand crank this step. Then, sew forwards stopping exactly where the freezer paper ends and reversing to secure the seam.  It may help to mark the stopping point using a  pencil to give yourself a target to aim for.  If you go over by one stitch when you start or stop the seam you will need to unpick that stitch and sew it again.


iv.  Now, to sew the first part of the Y seam.   I like to sew from the intersection outwards as I find it gives better results and I have chosen to sew the shorter seam first between pieces A1 and A5.  As in the picture below, arrange the fabrics so that A4 is lying away from the seam and the needle is sunk where the intersection between pieces A1 and A5 starts.  As in step iii  above, sink the needle, lower the foot and sew forwards three stitches, backwards three stitches, and then sewing to the end of the seam.


 Repeat the same process starting at the intersection between A4 and A5 (see pic below) and sewing the seam outwards.


The completed Y seam can be seen in the picture below. You can press the seams how you wish.   When I trim the threads from each seam, I like to leave 1/2" of thread tails which discourages any unravelling and stop little bits of thread poking through.


Repeat with piece A6 for the other side of the roof using the Y seam technique in step iv.  That completes section A.  The remainder of the block is sewn by sewing the remaining sections B and C adding the pieces in numerical order using standard seams.   The sections are then sewn together to match the picture.  With freezer paper piecing, aligning the sections precisely when you stitch them together makes for a much better looking block so use the pin technique as before when matching the roof to the house, house to the hill and trunks to the trees. You can even use a little glue basting to get the alignment spot on!


 I added 2 ½" wide sashing around the block and then I hand quilted the block onto wadding.


I added backing and hanging corners and stitched in the ditch around the block.


I used a wide single binding, 2 ¼" wide and sewn on with a ½" seam allowance for a picture frame effect.  You can find my single binding tutorial  here


If you have any questions about freezer paper piecing, email me and I will do my best to answer!  Meanwhile, enjoy the beautiful makes on the blog hop!  You can find the blog hop details below and for those who like to sew along, Al is hosting a 318 quilt-along here.
GIVEAWAY TIME!  To win a copy of 318 Patchwork patterns, comment below saying what you would like to see featured in a paper piece design?  A cat? A hair dryer? A steam train?  Anything you like!  If you are a blog follower you can have an extra entry- just state how you follow in your second comment.  I will need to be able to contact you by email.  I will announce the winner on Friday 24th October.   Giveaway is now closed.
Here are the other hop dates:

318 Patchwork Patterns Blog Hop

·      October 22nd  Penny Layman from http://sewtakeahike.typepad.com
o   Project: Gardening apron with blocks from Vegetables collection
·      October 24th Angela Pingel from http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com
o   Project: Wall hanging or bunting from Halloween collection
·      October 27th Amy Sinibaldi from http://nanacompany.typepad.com
o   Project: Tote bag with appliqué blocks
·      October 29th Amber Carrillo from http://oneshabbychick.typepad.com
o   Project: Blocks from Christmas collection
·      October 31st Latifah Saafir from www.thequiltengineer.com
o   Project: Baby blanket from At the Circus collection
·      November 3rd Charise Randell from http://charisecreates.blogspot.com
o   Project: Make up kit and shoe bag from Girls’ Night Out collection
·      November 7th Amy Friend from http://duringquiettime.com
o   Project: Table runner with blocks from Fruits collection
·      November 5th Leila from http://wheretheorchidsgrow.blogspot.com
o   Project: Tea Cozy from Tea Time Collection
·      November 12th Caroline from www.sewcanshe.com
o   Project: Tote or pouch with appliqué block
·      November 10th Faith Jones from www.freshlemonquilts.com
o   Project: Mini quilt from Vehicle Collection
·      November 14th Rashida Coleman-Hale from http://iheartlinen.typepad.com

sib blog

137 comments:

  1. I would like a Topapz sailing boat so I could make it for my daughter who sails.

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  2. I'd love to see more cars, or anything more suitable for men.

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  3. I follow your blog with Bloglovin'

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  4. I would love to see characters from the cartoon Adventure Time. Both my kids love it and it would be a fun quilt to make :)

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  5. Such a sweet little house block! A paper pieced teddy bear?

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  6. And I follow you on Bloglovin' too

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  7. I'd love to win this. Thanks for the great tutorials. I always have problems enlarging patterns! Never tried freezer paper. I will pin this to my handy how tos board! Cheers. X

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  8. Oh! I'd love to see a paper pieced Dachshund. Preferably a wirehaired one with a nice beard!

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  9. I follow your blog with great admiration! Thank you for writing!

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  10. I still count your freezer paper piecing class at the first FQly Retreat as the one that I learned the most, and utilised afterwards the most too. Thanks!

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  11. For me it has to be animals, I'd love to see more cat and dog blocks :D This tutorial is really helpful, I use a mac and have never thought of using preview like that.

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  12. I follow with Bloglovin', thanks for a chance to win a copy!

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  13. love your house! (i have the book so you can leave me out of the drawing. ;) )

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  14. I follow you on bloglovin.

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  15. I would like to see the alphabet.

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  16. I follow you a variety of ways:
    Bloglovin, instagram

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  17. A wiener dog would be fun or some woodland animals - deer, turtles! thank you!

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  18. Thank you for the tutorial and I follow on bloglovin

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  19. Thanks for the Cam Scanner link, I'm off to check it out as otherwise I was thinking that I would photograph the block and then scale as you suggested.
    I love paper pieced birds and lighthouses....

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  20. I would love to see some Geeky/ Nerdy subjects done such as pi, or the Firefly spaceship, and the Star Trek spaceship. Dr Who items like the Tardis, The sonic screwdriver and a fez would be a lot of fun. I'm sure some quilts have been done along this line, but I do'n't think I've seen paper piecing patterns along this line. Your book looks fantastic!

    Thank you,
    Beth. Magistra13 at yahoo dot com

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  21. I follow you on bloglovin.

    Beth
    Magistra13 at yahoo dot com

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  22. Great book! I love any blocks that feature animals.

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  23. Yeah, I tried to find a copy of this book a couple of years ago. I'm so happy to hear that is being reprinted and in English! Whew hew. I would love to see some home themed paper piecing.

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  24. I follow your bog in bloglovin

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  25. I would like to see a really cute cat and a horse!! Thank you!!!

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  26. I follow you via Bloglovin! Thanks!!

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  27. Lovely tute, Kerry! I'd like to see more pp fruit!

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  28. love coffee and espresso drink designs

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  29. I'm following via bloglovin:)

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  30. Thank you for the tutorial -- this makes me want to give paper piecing another try after putting my freezer paper aside some time ago. I'd love to see a pattern of a desk with books on it, theoretically not hard to design but beyond my skills right now. :)

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  31. One of these days I'm going to try freezer paper piecing instead of foundation paper piecing, I think it might be easier on my hands!

    There's only one answer to your question: Archie! (What else could you possibly want in a PP design?!)

    P.S. You can print straight onto freezer paper, if you have an inkjet printer...

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  32. I would like to see some camping themed paper piecing.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  33. A paper pieced dragonfly pattern would be nice!

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  34. Following on Bloglovin

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  35. your house is gorgeous! I'd like to see a dragon.

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  36. Brilliant post - you've made freezer paper piecing so clear.
    I'm not sure what I'd like to see as a paper piecing pattern - possibly a robin on a branch (I like the idea of a blue tit on a milk bottle, showing my age!)

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  37. This is fabulous Kerry! I was going to go over y-seams in my post on Wed, but it doesn't look like I need to after reading your instructions! Great post!

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  38. I love it. I would love to see lots of applique projects.

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  39. i follow by email and bloblovin

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  40. I'd love to see a holiday themed block, like one for Halloween or Christmas. Great tute!

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  41. I follow you through Bloglovin'!

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  42. beautiful, and such great instructions, thank you :)

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  43. Kerry I follow on bloglovin

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  44. I would like to see more floral designs

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  45. I would like a festive pattern like a Christmas tree or snowflake! I love your house block. Thank you for the tips :)

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  46. I follow your blog on Feedly.

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  47. Something beachy like the ocean and shore - could be interesting with different blues and whites for the water.

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  48. I love japanese zakka! Thanks fornthe tutorial, i never thought of using freezer paper:). I'd like to see piano design or cricket bat. Since both my sons are playing, i'd like to make something for them.

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  49. I'd like to see a pattern for a circus parade.

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  50. So excited this book is in print!!! It would be fun to see insects....butterflies, dragonflies, lady bugs....that sort of thing.

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  51. I'd love to see animals or bugs like dogs, ladybugs or foxes. Thanks for the giveaway and tutorial!

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  52. Gosh, what a hard question... how about a paper-pieced tube of toothpaste, with some of the paste oozing out! A bit random, but it would be fun I reckon ;)

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  53. Great tutorial Kerry and it looks like a lovely book! I'd like paper-pieced patterns for mythical animals like unicorns, dragons etc

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  54. Hi. I would love to see a pattern tractors and farm machinery.

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  55. I would like to see a sewing machine block.

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  56. A kitty with a couple of balls of yarn or laying on a quilt (which is what my kitties do).
    Love your block and thanks for the tutorial on freezer paper sewing. I know about it but never tried it ~ you took the mystery out of it for me!
    Thanks for the giveaway too ~ I've got a friend who'd love the book!

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  57. I follow your blog via email ~ I'm an ardent fan!

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  58. Wow Kerry. Just wow. Thanks so much for this - it's a primer perfection for foundation piecing. Thanks too for an opportunity to get my hands on this book which I have coveted forever.

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  59. I am following you via bloglovin

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  60. Hmm I would love to see a beautiful cross commemorating Jesus death on the cross.

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  61. How about a bee? or an oak tree? or a fleur de lis?

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  62. I'd like to see a helicopter

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  63. A motorcycle that resembles a harley or an indian or the front grill of a 1952 ford pickup

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  64. I would like to see a Spitfire aircraft paper pieced as my Son is very interested in the aircraft.

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  65. What a great book. I love any thing with boats.

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  66. Great tutorial Kerry - thanks! I would love to paper piece a trumpet for my husband as he was a trumpet player.

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  67. Winnie the pooh characters for me. Thanks for the chance.

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  68. I have you in my feed reader

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  69. I"d like some butterflies!

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  70. I am a follower with bloglovin'

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  71. I would like to see a paper pieced cow.

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  72. I really love super-detailed paper pieced blocks - the kind of block that will only work if it's paper pieced. Thank you for the giveaway!

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  73. A dragonfly.

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

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  74. Hi Kerry!
    I would like to see an old-fashioned-style oil lamp with a flame as a PP block!
    Thanks so much for the giveaway,
    Jacqueline in Pitt Meadows

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  75. Hi Kerry,
    I follow you via email and Bloglovin'.
    Thanks so much for the giveaway,
    Jacqueline in Pitt Meadows

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  76. Flowers...roses in particular
    love paper piecing!

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  77. Thank you for your very clear and easy to understand instructions

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  78. My daughter is butterfly mad so a butterfly pattern I guess?

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  79. Thanks for the great tutorial and book giveaway! My favorite color is aqua so I would love to see a mermaid block

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  80. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel! I'm sure our Winston will be pleased :)

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  81. I follow you via Bloglovin and on IG too

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  82. Loved your review and example of the book!

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  83. Would love to win this book ... foundation is wonderful!'m Your follower!
    Nina Dias
    ninadias61@hotmail.com
    Brasil

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  84. I would love to see anything Christmas related.

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  85. Thanks for the great mac preview instructions for resizing - I'm excited to try them out!

    I would love to make a quilt with all sorts of different fruits and veggies on it so maybe peas, or strawberries.

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  86. Hmmm... anything? How about fast food french fries? Why? Because I don't think I have ever seen it. But I bet someone out there has... thanks for the chance!

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  87. I live in the North woods and would love to see a moose!

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  88. I would love to see a Texas Lone Star (if it can be done). Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link

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  89. I follow you on Bloglovin. Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  90. I have seen so many paper-piecing patterns, I can't think of one that I haven't been able to find, but I'm sure there is something! These designs are so adorable - would love to win the book!!

    Liz
    boltonia55@yahoo.com

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  91. ......and..... I follow!!

    Liz
    boltonia55@yahoo.com

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  92. I would like a Kung fu ninja for my daughter!

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  93. what a great tutorial - really looking forward to following along with this blog hop - thanks for the chance to win the book! I'd love to see a large ladybug !!

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  94. I would love to see a cat. I can never get enough of those.

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  95. I follow you on Feedly.

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  96. I would love to see any animal, but especially chickens.

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  97. I'd love to see a guinea pig! :D

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  98. I follow you in my rss reader! :)

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  99. I would love to see a PP row of fairies. Thanks!

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  100. I follow you by email. cdahlgren at live dot com

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  101. I follow you on bloglovin too 😊

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  102. So, so many patterns available that I can't think of a new one. Thanks for a great giveaway.

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  103. A would like to see a sewing machine

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