Giant Pincushion Sew Along Step 2

Step 2: Cutting and Preparing

English Paper Piecing

<<Go! Cutter Method>>

Cut 6 hexagon shapes.

To cut my hexagons, I used my 5" Go! cutter Hexagon die. That provided me with just a snidge over 1/4" seam allowance and it took me 30 seconds to cut them using the accordion method.

 <<<<<Rotary cutter method>>>>

 Cut {6} 5" squares and lay your template on the wrong side and draw a line around each, add 1/4" to 1/2" seam allowance and cut out the shape.

Your pieces should look like this.

Next cut the 6 point diamonds.

Again, either use a Go! cutter or trace your template and add 1/2" seam.

In this case, I didn't have the 6 point diamond Go! die ( which I now HAVE to have) so I cut using my rotary cutter and ruler.

Cut 12 rectangles 3.5" X 3". That would be 6 of each star color.

Lay the paper piece on it as shown.

then use a rotary cutter and ruler...

trim to 1/2" on all sides.

Fold and glue fabric to paper.

 I used my Sewline Glue pen to adhere the fabric to the paper.

You can use any method that works for you.

Here's how I do that:

place glue onto the fabric....and fold it over, pressing firmly. Continue on all sides.

Continue to glue your fabric to the paper for all 18 shapes.

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Machine Piecing?

Here's what you can do.

Using your #42 Marti Michell template or the template you made, cut 6 hexagons from your 5" strip.

Next, cut 12  #44 shapes out of your 2.25" strips to make the 6 point diamond pieces.

Here is what your pieces might look like if you use Marti Michell's templates:

It took me twice as long to cut with pieces with a template but the shapes are extremely accurate.

 

Next week I am going to demonstrate piecing by hand and machine, plus how to piece in the correct order to achieve success.

Please don't hesitate to ask me questions about these steps. I have made this 3 times! so I might leave out important bits of information.

p.s. I do not gain monetarily for the information on the Sewline glue pen, English paper pieces, or the Marti Michell templates. I just happen to like these items. I always find that other quilters might have a better technique or tool....I am as happy to share my ideas as they are.