Getting Started Tutorial

Getting Started Tutorial

Introduction to "Picture Piecing"

The "Picture Piecing" technique,was developed by Cynthia and is characteristic of all of her patterns. Many are surprised to learn that these designs are not "Foundation Pieced" or "Flip and Sewn". The numbering sequence is not designed for foundation piecing. If you were to piece this block using foundation piecing, the pattern would be reversed.

Please note: the instructions given in this Getting Started Tutorial for the "Engine" block sample pattern are more detailed than those you'll find in our Intermediate and Advanced patterns. With the exception of the photos, these instructions are more characteristic of our Beginner patterns.
 

A few differences between Picture Piecing and Foundation Piecing:

  • Ironing is on the right side of the fabric, not the wrong side. This enables you to use the fabric to the best advantage. For instance, if you have a directional fabric or stripe fabric in foundation piecing, you have to guess which way to flip it. In Picture Piecing there is no guessing. By ironing the freezer paper directly onto the area you want to 'see' in the quilt, you have complete control - what you see is what you get.
  • There is no fabric waste in Picture Piecing. You cut out exactly what you need.
  • You are looking for any two pieces to sew together in Picture Piecing. This enables you to "chain stitch" within a section making construction faster.
  • Cheating is allowed! If you do not sew close enough to the template pieces, simply reposition the freezer paper template as described on Troubleshooting Hints.

Try creating our free "Engine" block pattern, using the instructions over the next few pages, and see how easy it can be to create Cynthia's detailed block designs. The detailed instructions include step-by-step photographs, to help quilters learn Cynthia's Picture Piecing technique.

Start by visiting our Free Patterns page to download the "Engine" Block pattern, shown below. Then, we recommend that you print each page of these tutorial instructions and keep them handy as you work on the block.

When you've finished this tutorial, test your skills further by trying the Ice Cream Cone pattern, also available on our Free Patterns page.

"Engine" Block Pattern

Finished size: 8" x 8"

This pattern is an example of the beginner pattern series. The block is entirely machine pieced. There are only straight seams, no "set-ins".

In case you have Cynthia's Baby's Favorites book, you'll be happy to know that this block is a companion to the sixteen other baby blocks in that book. (Sorry that book is no longer available.)