Patchwork Piecing Methods
English Piecing
Fabric is cut around paper shapes and tacked to the papers. The pieces are then joined together by hand sewing and the papers removed before making the layered quilt. Usually hexagons (Grandmother’s Flower Garden) or diamonds (Tumbling Blocks).
American Piecing
Fabric patches are cut out around templates and then sewn together by hand or machine. Used for many traditional block designs - Pinwheel, Broken Dishes,Churn Dash, Ohio Star, Bear’s Paw …...Rotary Cutting
A time-saving option. Quick cutting without the need for templates. Used in conjunction with quick piecing techniques for joining larger pieces or strips and then cutting into the required patches before assembling into the finished blocks.
Foundation Piecing
Block design is drawn onto a background material. Fabric is placed on the background and sewn in place along the drawn lines. Only works with certain blocks designs such as Log Cabin, Pineapple, Flying Geese; but gives very accurate results.
Other Patchwork Piecing techniques
Appliqué
Pictorial shapes cut out and applied to a larger background piece. There are many different appliqué techniques for you to try.
Cathedral Window
Folded squares of fabric with small scraps applied on top. Multiple layers of folded fabric means no wadding or backing is required.
Stained Glass
A design consisting of irregular shapes is drawn onto a background. Matching fabric shapes are cut out and then held in place with narrow strips of bias tape.