Paper Piecing 101

What is paper piecing?


Paper Piecing is a scrapbook technique which uses patterns to make scrapbooking embellishments. This type of scrapbooking embellishment is extremely versatile because you can cut the patterns in any color to perfectly coordinate with your project. You can easily run patterns thru your printer and manually cut each piece. There are wonderful programs like Sure Cuts A lot (SCAL) have automated this process and allow you to easily change the size to match your needs.

Where do I get paper piecing patterns?

Paper piecing patterns can be made by using color books or they can be purchased from many online outlets. Many companies, such as:

*crabbycakesstudio.com
* treasureboxdeisgn.com
* myscrapchick.com
*www.etsy.com/shop/ScrapAMemory

These online stores make patterns specifically for paper piecing and most paper piecing patterns are compatible with programs like the SCAL.

What supplies do I need to make a paper piecing?

• SCAL program (or one like it) or your favorite pair of scissors!
• Cricut (if you are using SCAL)
• Cardstock and/or patterned paper
• Adhesive
• Tracing Paper
• Pop dots (we prefer to use 1/16” for most applications)
• Colored Pencils, watercolor pencils, or watercolor paint
• Chalks or ink pads (my current favorites are Colorbox Cat's Eye Chalk Ink Pads and VersaColor Cube)
• Black Pens (like a Micron – .005 - .05 tip size)
• White gel pen for highlighting

How do I make a paper piecing using SCAL?

Step 1:
Open up your SCAL program and turn on your Cricut (you’ll need to put in a Cricut cartridge in order for SCAL to work).

Step 2:
In SCAL click on the SVG icon and select the file you want to cut.

Step 3:
Cut all your pieces one color at a time.

Step 4:
Chalk or ink the edges for added dimension.

Step 5:
Use acid free glue and pop dots to adhere your pieces together.

Step 6:
Adhere your finished paper piecing to your scrapbook page!

How do I make a paper piecing without using SCAL?

Step 1:
Trace your pattern using your tracing paper. Be sure to trace your paper with your pencil!

Step 2:
Once your pattern has been traced, choose your paper you want to use. Simply turn your traced pattern (pencil side) to the back side of the paper.

Step 3:
Firmly trace your pattern again, this will transfer your pencil pattern to your paper!

Step 4:
Cut your patterned pieced with your scissors. We like to use small detail scissors for this type of cutting.

Step 5:
Chalk or ink the edges for added dimension.

Step 6:
Use acid free glue and pop dots to adhere your pieces together.

Step 7:
Adhere your finished paper piecing to your scrapbook page!

What is a SVG file?

Recently we received an e-mail from Katherine C. (DE) asking what a SVG file is. This got us thinking that this would make a great blog topic! We are sure there are many other people who do not know the benefits of using SVG files.

According to Wikipedia, the definition of a SVG file is:

Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) is a family of specifications of an XML-based file format for describing two-dimensional vector graphics, both static and dynamic (i.e. interactive or animated).

Well – you‘re probably reading the definition and saying to yourself – “well that’s great Christine, but I still don’t understand what a SVG file. Why it would be important to a scrapbooker or cardmaker?”

So let us explain why an SVG files are the newest and greatest thing to the paper crafting world…

1. no more manual hand cutting of your paper piecings
2. time saving
3. precision cutting
4. accuracy every time
5. flexibility by creating the size you want
6. quicker cutting time

How? Using the amazing program of Sure Cuts A lot 2.0 and a CricutTM – you can cut anything you want.

What is Sure Cuts A lot (SCAL) ?- "Sure Cuts A Lot" is an easy to use software to cut your True Type fonts, SVG files, images, and various shapes on your CricutTM Machine. No special cartridges required. Works with your installed True Type fonts on your computer. (Information from the Craft Edge Website). The programming that the SCAL uses is the same programming that is used in the CricutTM cartridges.

Why spend the money on SCAL?

We would like to point out that We fought purchasing the SCAL program (approx $74.95). We thought we have CricutsTM to cut our purchased cartridges and we own scissors for my paper piecing patterns why do we need to spend another $75.00?

The answer was very clear after Christine spent 3 days cutting out the pieces to create 16 Santa’s for holiday cards. Countless hours on chalking the edges adding the little line details that she discovered that her brilliant idea to copy the pattern using Microsoft Paint resulted in the pattern coming out in 3 different sizes!

AHHHH – that was all it took! Christine was the first to break down and purchased the SCAL program. Crabby Cakes Studios has never regretting the investment of purchasing this program.

Owning the SCAL allows you to cut any pattern, font, image that is a SVG file with your CricutTM. You can purchase SVG patterns from sites like Treasureboxdesign.com and MyScrapChick.com. Most patterns come in a variety of formats including SVG so you can easily use other cutting machines other than the Cricut as well. You can also Google “Free SVG files” or “SVG files” and find thousands of files out there just waiting for you to download to become an unique one-of-a-kind embellishment on your latest scrapbooking page.

There is also a program called Inkscape that will allow you to create your own SVG file – but that is for another day and another blog….