Removing Papers from English Patchwork
How to Remove English Paper Pieced Backing Patches
Sep 23, 2009
In English Paper Piecing once the patchwork has been made the backing papers can be removed and the patchwork top prepared for quilting. This can be time consuming and messy, especially if a large piece has been made. Papers and basting threads do have a distressing propensity to fly about the room and organisation of the area is essential before beginning..
Preparing Bins for Papers and Threads
Many areas now recycle papers and if the patches are not being used again in a future project it will be essential to have a box or bag ready to receive them so that they don't have to be sorted out from a mess of threads prior to being disposed of. Some areas, certainly in the United Kingdom, provide special bags and bins or specify how recyclable items should be prepared for disposal in order to care for the environment. Don't let paper that can be recycled go to the landfill sites!
Another bin will be required for loose threads. These again can very easily become extremely messy and get everywhere.
Tools Required for Removal of Patchwork Basting Threads
At this stage not much is required, but if the no-knots method of basting has been followed it's a good idea to use a crochet hook or knitting needle to lift the threads out of the patches. If knots have been used during basting then it is a matter of grabbing the appropriate knot and pulling the thread out. As fingers can get quite sore if a lot of papers are being removed, basting without knots is preferable.
Removing the Patchwork Backing Papers
Shaking the patchwork to allow the papers to fall out by themselves once the threads have been removed is not a good idea. It's far better to lift the papers out individually. The reason is that some of the papers inevitably will have been caught in place by the sewing and may be a little tricky to remove. It is much better to take the time to check each paper individually and make sure all have been removed. If one or two have been missed and are found in the work during the quilting process, there is not much that can be done about it.
Care of Patchwork Following Removal of Backing Papers
Once the backing patches have been removed, it is a good idea to re-baste the seams of the edge patches in place, especially if the backing fabric is going to be pieced directly to the front, or the patchwork is to be appliqued to another fabric. Once this has been done, the work should be washed (and as it will probably be cotton, it can go into the washing machine). Finally, the front and back will need a careful press and the work is then ready for finishing and mounting as required.
Change in Appearance of the Patchwork Fabric
During removal of the patchwork papers, the first major change will take place in the appearance of the fabric. With the stiffening of the papers gone, it suddenly becomes soft and pliable and for the first time the feel of the work once it has been mounted can be observed. It is a tremendously exciting moment, only surpassed by the final appearance of the patchwork once mounted and quilted or tied as desired.
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