Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Free Snowflake Pattern

I recently discovered that the quintessential tool for paper-piecing, the Add-A-Quarter Ruler, has evolved. What do I mean? Now it has a plus version with a tapered edge, which means you can dispense with the previously obligatory rectangle of template material for creating an edge to fold over the top of. 
As you know, every great gadget deserves a great project. Enter my awesome snowflakes!
If you're a seasoned paper-piecer, you have to do a little self-talk as you adjust to the "Plus" factor. Lay the tapered edge of the Add-a-Quarter Plus ruler along the line with the lip facing upwards; fold the paper over the top. 
When you find your right hand flailing around your cutting mat attempting to locate a wayward chunk of template plastic, it's time to talk to yourself. Say, "Self, slide out the ruler. Flip it over like a pancake, and trim."
Isn't that awesome? The Add-a Quarter Ruler was already a must-have notion, but the updated version is twice as useful.
If you're new to the paper-piecing scene, don't fret. I've have a play by play for you.
Adding the First Two Pieces
For increased efficiency, I have cutting instructions for you.
Snowflake Fabric
Piece 1: 2 1/4" x 3 1/2"
Pieces 4 & 5: 1 1/2" x 5"
Pieces 8 & 9: 1 1/2" x 3 1/2"
Background
Piece 2: 2 1/4" x 4"
Piece 3: 2 1/4" x 6"
Pieces 6 & 7: 1 1/4" x 3 1/2"
Adding the Third Piece
For each piece, align it along the trimmed edge of the previous piece, right sides together.
Shorten your stitch length and sew on the line, starting and ending in the seam allowance.
Press. Lay the Add-A-Quarter Plus on the line, fold the paper over the top of it, slide it out, and trim. Once you have the sections completed, remove the paper and piece them together.
Adding the Fourth and Fifth Pieces
Perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself. You're going to need to download a pattern to get you started. Each snowflake is composed of six identical units. It's very important to set the scale to 100% and the number of copies to 6 for each snowflake you'd like to make. The pattern also includes a template for setting triangles.
I added rectangular chunks to my blocks until the limits of my fabric allotment were met. I'm excited to take advantage of the negative space in this beauty.
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46 comments:

  1. I have never used this ruler but I think I need one. Your snowflakes are wonderful.

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  2. I have never used this ruler but would love to give it a go. Beautiful job x

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  3. I have never used this ruler, ( we also don't get everything available in the U.K.) but would love to try it. x

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  4. Nope, i've never tried this ruler, i've never even seen one! I hadn't heard of the plus ruler either but if it helps paper piece angles then i want one!

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  5. I haven't used an ad-a-quarter ruler, but it's on my wishlist. I hadn't heard of the plus version either.
    jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

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  6. I've never used an add-a-quarter ruler, so I think starting with the new and improved version is the way to go! Until today I didn't know such a thing existed.

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  7. I love my add-a-quarter ruler (& my add-an-eighth ruler). This is the first that I've heard about the new plus version. Thanks.

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  8. I tried the regular add a quarter ruler once in a class but didn't know about the updated version. I do a lot of paper piecing and your play by play makes me think I ought be using this regularly.

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  9. I have never used anything like this and would love to try it out!!!

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  10. I have not used it nor heard about them! I love the snowflakes! thank you for the tutorial!

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  11. I have read a bit about this ruler before, but I have not tried it. I haven't gotten into paper piecing yet, although I love your snowflakes. (some stuff just looks funky in PP)

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  12. Fun snowflakes! The batik is a perfect fabric choice. I'm currently paper piecing Farmer's Wife blocks with the original Add a Quarter ruler. I like the new process you've outlined with the paper folding and the new ruler's tapered edge. Thanks for sharing.

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  13. I would love to try this ruler!

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  14. I had never heard about nor used such a ruler before.. I would love to try it out.. Love ur snowflake quilt.. Wish I could make a similar one :)

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  15. I use two rulers to accomplish this, so I guess having one ruler would be better?

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  16. Oh this looks so neat! I love the snowflakes!

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  17. I've done paper piecing, but I have not used the special ruler.

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  18. I have not heard of it (or used it) but I also haven't done any paper piecing before either!

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  19. Your snowflakes are just fantastic.I love paper piecing patterns and done it and it`s the first time I see this ruler and would be fun play with it.

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  20. I have done a little paper piecing, but don't have the ruler. The Add-A-Quarter Plus ruler looks to be a tool to add.

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  21. I just did some paper piecing this week, not a usual occurrence. This tool would have been great. I have seen the Add a Quarter, but not the Plus.

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  22. I have the Add a Quarter and also the Add an Eighth rulers. Using them really makes paper piecing much neater for me. I have not seen the new ruler yet, but it is intriguing. I love the Snowflake pattern.

    anndunn24(at)gmail.com

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  23. I have yet to try paper piecing, but plan to try it at least once (hopefully this year!) This looks nifty, I'm sure it would be a big help for a paper piecing newbie. :)

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  24. I have never used one but have been told i need to try it.

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  25. I have never used this ruler. I would love it for my paper piecing. Thank you for sharing the information and how to use it.

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  26. Never used this type of ruler. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  27. I have never used this type of ruler, for that matter I hadn't seen one before. I would love to try one though. dawnm1993(at)gmail(dot)com

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  28. Hello,I've never used an add-a-quarter ruler, so I think starting with the new and improved version is neat! Thank You for your blog+giveaway too! msstitcher1214@gmail.com

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  29. Usually use a small quilting ruler to measure 1/4". The AAQ ruler is on my 'to purchase' list. Need to update it now to the AAQ Plus!
    fabricstasher24@gmail.com

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  30. Afton, I have heard of the add-a-quarter ruler, but have not use it or owned it. The "plus" ruler is a new one to me....would love to give it a try!

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  31. Awesome Afton Snowflakes, that's what I call 'em.
    Yes used the add a 1/4 ruler once, as a friend was giving my first paper piecing lesson to me.
    Didn't know there was a revised version, looks easy.

    schimmel(dot)db(at)gmail(dot)com

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  32. Your snowflakes are gorgeous! I've never used an add a quarter ruler, but it looks so handy! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  33. This is the first I've heard of this ruler. Must be on the lookout for it.

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  34. I've heard of the add a quarter ruler, and I've done my share of paper piecing, but never had a chance to use it. This new one looks amazing!

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  35. I have not seen this ruler before, but it looks really handy!!!

    debbygrawn at yahoo dot com

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  36. I've always just "made-do" before, but this ruler looks great. I'd love to win, but is someone from the UK eligible?

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  37. I use the add a quater ruler. I love it! I love to paper piece! I did not know about the add a quater plus. I'm glad I found out. I hope I win it. I could really use it. Thank you for sharing!
    Dmac5958ataoldotcom

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  38. This is the first I have heard about the Add a Quarter + ruler. I have a "regular" add a quarter ruler. I will have to be on the look out for this updated version.

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  39. Am new to quilting and have never used the Add a Quarter + ruler but would love to learn.

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  40. Am new to quilting and have never used the Add a Quarter + ruler but would love to learn.

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  41. I've seen the Add a quarter used in a class, but didn't know about the plus version! It looks great!

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  42. I have never seen this but I'm also a new Quilter.

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  43. I have not used the ruler and did not know about the plus version.

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  44. I haven't heard of this ruler but would sure love to try it!
    hrddiana556@gmail.com

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  45. I have never used it before, but my mother in law has told me about it.

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  46. I've never used it or heard of it before.

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