Cutting out the Fabric for English Paper Piecing
Preparing Patches for Mounting on Papers in English Patchwork
Before even touching the fabric with scissors, it is worth thinking about the way in which the paper template will be laid on it for basting. Most cotton fabrics used for patchwork are woven with warp and weft threads. The warp threads are those which were strung onto the loom and drawn tightly onto the roller before the fabric was woven. They run along the lengthwise grain of the fabric.
The weft thread is that which was placed on the shuttle which passes back and forth between the warp threads to weave the fabric. Fabric pieces cut either parallel to the warp or parallel to the weft threads can be considered to be with the grain.
All other directions on the fabric, other than parallel to the warp or weft threads, can be considered on the bias; true bias is at a 45 degree angle to the warp threads. Bias is always stretchy and needs handling with care.
Lay the Patchwork Template in the Same Direction as the Warp
For the purposes of this discussion it is important to note that although the warp and weft threads are not always at perfect right angles, it is better to look for the warp thread and lay two opposing sides of the hexagonal template in line with the warp threads. The reason for this is that the warp threads are drawn out a little tighter than the weft threads, and will fold over the paper template much more easily. In most cases the fabric will therefore be cut this way.
Fussy Cutting Fabric Pieces with the Window Template
There may be occasions when the worker wishes to select a part of the fabric pattern using the window template. This might be a stripe where the template will be placed so that the same part of the stripe appears on the patchwork piece each time. Any fabric with a large repeat pattern can be treated similarly; flowers, animals and all sorts of things can be selected. It is then possible to use the fussy cut pieces to create additional patterns within the patchwork, which can be very effective when done well.
For obvious reasons the template may not always be laid parallel to the warp threads when doing this. However, if there are bias edges on all sides of the patchwork piece a little care will be needed when basting it to its paper template. This will not create any serious problem in the patchwork as areas in which patterns are used in this way are likely to be fairly small and will be surrounded by pieces that are cut normally, so will not pull out of shape too much.
Drawing out the Patchwork Shape on the Fabric Before Cutting Out
This is not strictly necessary unless fussy cutting, and it does take extra time. However if fabric is limited it might be a good idea.
Most of the time, however, the paper templates can be laid directly on the fabric and the worker can cut round them fairly roughly. Since the seams will not be seen, this should not have an impact on the finished patchwork.
Paper Template for Patchwork
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Window Template for Patchwork
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