Tuesday 22 October 2013

WIP Wednesday: how to glue baste EPP diamonds

Well quilty friends, you asked for it - how do I glue baste my English paper piecing?  So here's the low down. Although I warn you now, I took the photos after work in the evening, so they're not very pretty!

First though, here are some blocks I've sewn in the last little while. I've got back into the swing of these - first because Hydeeann's EPP link up party made me do some basting, and secondly because hubby is painting the lounge and Bernie has been unplugged (first world problems).  The outrage, right?! So it's hand sewing or nothing. To be fair, some nights it's been nothing. 

Gingham - you're almost as cute as spots

Liberty stile and vintage cards

But here's the important stuff.  You need to gather your fabric, your glue pen and your template. I use the lovely precut ones which are a nice thick quality. I don't know if glue basting would work well on thin paper. 

One 2" diamond, one piece of yucky fabric and the magic pen

Put a thin line of glue on the edge of the fabric - on opposite sides. You don't glue near where you'd sew, because that will make it hard to sew. And you do opposite sides so the fabric doesn't stretch unevenly. 

For the avoidance of doubt - the blue is the glue.  It drys clear.

Fold the fabric over and stick it down. Then glue the other two sides. 

15 seconds later - half way done.

Stick them down. 

And done.  That's it.

Repeat a million billion times and then sew together to make a beautiful quilt. Then send me your gifts for improving your EPP experience. And before you ask, yes, the papers just peel out and can be reused. 

Lots of diamonds.  Remember to wag those "tails" the same way each time

I hope that's helpful. Linking up to all the mid week linky parties (links on my linky page) and to Hydeeann's party. Howdy visitors!

splish splash stash







14 comments:

Michelle Bartholomew said...

Thanks for posting this! I was really hoping you would!!! Mind blown.

hydeeannsews said...

you are going to party until I shut it down, aren't you? ;) another great link! and I still say you should be getting sales commission on the pens.

poor, lonely Bernie! but you are getting some great epp done. how many blocks have you completed now? a few dozen?

Tiffany said...

It amazes me that people can make these! They're so perfect and exact!
It's something I'm dying to try, however I have too many projects on my plate at the moment. Good tutorial though, I'll come back to it later :)
The gingham is my favourite!

Janet said...

So where does one get the pens? My LQS says they are no longer available for them to bring in...

Leonie said...

easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Susie said...

You make it look so easy. Still yet to try it.

Serena @ Sewgiving said...

That's very cool :)

Jenn said...

Too easy :). Thanks for sharing it :).

Cheers,
Jenn from Mellycoddle :).

Sewing Mom said...

Wow, that's really nice! I would never have thought to baste glue and what a cool pen. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Innovative idea! Thanks for sharing!

Sabrina said...

How cool! This really would save time and be a lot less stressful.

Joanie's Trendy Quilts said...

Great looking EPP! I purchased a paste pen but yet to use it. I purchased Fons and Porter at JoAnn Fabrics. I have some hexies I would like to use it with!

sarah elizabeth :: {no} hats said...

Brilliant! And it makes EPP'ing seem so much more approachable ;) Thanks for the tip!

Lucy | Charm About You said...

ok that glue pen is definitely on my list of things to buy!!