Saturday, August 06, 2011

Tutorial English Paper Piecing Applecore shape Part 1

This project is the inspiration for this tutorial. I love the applecore shape and I started this some time ago not realizing how complex it could be to sew curves.
Here is what you need to start your own English Paper Pieced Applecore tablerunner.
This will measure about 10 1/2" X 32 1/2".

Sewline Glue Stick
1 Charm pack of Ruby or other fabric line
batting 12" X 36"
backing fabric 12" X 36"
Basic neutral thread
thimble
sewing needle
{30 papers} 1-2 packs of 4" Applecore paper pieces from Paper Pieces
(they are sold in 25 or 150 pieces per pack)
or make your own with this template --->

You can download the applecore pdf template HERE.


I am going to make this small project right along with you and I chose Ruby by Moda for my feature fabric.
 I might add some Bliss too, I am not sure on that :)
A charm pack of Ruby or charm pack of any fabric would be adequate for this project.

You will need at least  4" X 5" rectangles.
*note that my applecore has 'holes' in it. I originally sewed through the papers BEFORE I started using the glue stick technique.

Place your paper piece onto the rectangle and mark with a pencil a 3/8" seam allowance.
I have found that a 1/4" is too small for my comfort level with this project so I used 3/8".
After I made 2 or 3 I just eye balled the seam allowance.
It is up to you if you would like to mark them all.
Pin your paper to the wrong side of the fabric and cut out along the seam allowance.

Next you need to make small 1/4" cuts in the seam allowance to help you form the fabric to the paper piece.
BE CAREFUL not to cut too deeply into the seam allowance.
Take your Sewline glue stick and place about 1/2 swipe of glue onto the paper piece edge.
Fold the seam allowance over as shown.
Continue to do this for both 'inner' curves.
Then clip the 'outer' curves and glue and fold.

When you get to the corners you must manipulate the fabric and glue by gluing fabric to fabric.
I wasn't worried about the neatness of the back of the paper....just the 'tightness' of the point of the applecore.
Remove the pin.
Here is the first finished applecore.
It goes pretty quickly since you do not have to sew through the papers.
Repeat 29 more times.
Part 2: How to sew english paper pieced applecores together.
will be posted next week to give you some preparation time.
Leave me a comment if you might participate...
I'd like to know what fabric line you will use or if just scrappy.
I look forward to your combinations.

8 comments:

Linda P in IL said...

this looks like fun, sign me up.

Unknown said...

Thank you for this tutorial. I printed out the template!

The Rogue Quilter said...

i don't know if I can wait till next week to get this sewn together. I love your demo of how to do this.

Anna @FreshDewDrops said...

Fun! Thank you for putting this tutorial together. Will the piecing be done by hand? I don't know if I can wait until next week for the sewn part either. I've been wanting to try apple core piecing, and after working with my young daugther learn working with a needle doing cross stitch, I really want to try something that I can do while she and her sister our stitching. Can hardly wait for part II. I'm ready!

paulette said...

Hi Vickie!!
Just the girl I wanted to talk to...I just blogged about this very topic!! The Sewline Glue Pen...how is it for removing the template from the fabric once it has dried?? I guess that comes with the next tutorial..?? Can't wait for the next installment!! Thanks for the tutorial!
P

Janice said...

Your method with the glue stick looks like a lot of fun. Can I use a regular glue stick (UHU or Pilot for example)? I haven't seen the brand you mention in this country. I've done one English paper-pieced quilt using hexagons. No curves to worry about there, but that basting was so time-consuming. Count me in.

Janice said...

I've been told that you only clip on the concave or convex (I can never remember which) curves, but I see you clip on *both.* Does that help with making the fabric lie flat or what?

Andee said...

I ordered some of these cores from Paper Pieces a few years ago but found them difficult to start with and went on to hexagons. Thanks for the tutorial, I will give them a try again!