Ladybug Layouts Weekend Retreat

2011 Retreat Dates

June 3-5 (CANCELLED due to location issues)
October 21-23, December 2-4 (BOTH CANCELLED due to family committments)

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Today's Tip!

Outlining a Paper Piecing, the fool proof way!


If you're like me, you have unsteady hands, and the can't draw a straight line to save your life. One trick I've found for making a beautiful piece is to make my outlines BEFORE cutting.

Using a light box, trace your pattern on your paper using a black or white pen (whatever color fits your piece) SLIGHTLY within the lines of the pattern… then when you cut the piece out, cut slightly outside the lines. You can also use stitch marks if you prefer them instead of a solid line.

If you are using a dark color, and can't see the pattern through the paper, simple place your paper on a self healing mat (or other soft surface) and place the pattern on TOP. Using a stylus, and light pressure, trace the pattern like you normally would, and BEFORE cutting, go over the grove your stylus left with your pen!