Tutorial: Convert standard piecing templates into paper-piecing templates

Recently it was suggested that I write a tutorial on how to convert a traditional standard piecing template for a quilt block into a paper-pieced template. You might want to do this if the quilt block in question has lots of weird shapes or Y-seams (aka set-in seams). The block we’re going to work with for this tutorial is one I just whipped up.

You can see there are some Y-seams in there. I would definitely want to convert this pattern to a paper-pieced template.

So here’s what you need for the tutorial –

1. The original traditional template pieces for this pattern. Download them here.

2. Download and install the Quilt Assistant Application from Cosman.nl.  Come back here when you’re done. This software is legit, I use it all the time, and it’s great. No worries! If you’re not super handy with a computer you might want to follow the quick tutorial here just to get rolling.

3. A ruler.

4. A calculator.

5. Your wits.

Here’s the original assembly map for the traditional piecing.

I spent absolutely hours writing this out in text and pictures, and it was just taking forEVER and honestly I don’t think it was very easy to understand. So I just did a video tutorial instead. Just make full use of the play/pause/position controls and replay whatever you missed as you go. Make sure you view it full screen and click the little gear to change to maximum HD quality.

Here are some free PDF printing utilities for Windows.

• PDF Creator
• PDFLite
• doPDF

And here are the standard DPI’s for your Quilt Assistant preferences.

• Older Macs and cheaper monitors – 72 DPI
• Newer Macs, some current PCs and more expensive monitors – 109 DPI
• Retina display Macs – 144 DPI

Chances are your display uses one of these numbers, so try them first and see how they work before you deal with fiddly calculations.

Here are some quilt patterns I’ve tested and know they work well using this method.

• Marcelle Medallion by Alexia Abegg (Just need to add one extra seam line, similar to the block in my video.)
• Fireworks by Thimble Blossoms. Look below for how I converted this.
• Swoon by Thimble Blossoms. Look below for how I converted this.

My Marcelle Medallion

My Fireworks Block

Here’s the top right corner for the fireworks pattern, so you can see how I cut it for paper piecing.

My Swoon Block

If you want to convert the Swoon pattern yourself, here’s how I cut the top right corner. Hope it helps!

This tutorial came about due to a slight mishap on my blog last week, and Alexia Abegg was kind enough to offer a copy of her book for me to give away! Her Marcelle Medallion pattern would be an awesome traditional piecing pattern to convert to paper-piecing!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED. THANKS FOR PLAYING!

Got a question about the tutorial? Leave a comment here and I’ll answer it, I promise, even with all the giveaway entries!