Help with May Finishing Instructions 
(Paper Piecing Instructions to Make a Bear)

*IMPORTANT CUTTING INFO!*
Under the Bear Paw Directions for the May Block, for Fabric #9, 
you only need to cut ONE square 2-7/8" x 2 7/8", not two per the directions.

NOTE: For April and May, Do NOT sew the four 6" blocks together!

You will probably want to make a sample first!
Trace the Bear paper piecing pattern onto lightweight foundation paper or tracing paper. Label with the numbers.

Cut pieces of fabric into smaller pieces, using the diagrams on the instructions as a guide. Label each piece as you cut! (I would have used masking tape with numbers and letters if I could have found my masking tape.)  :-)

You will paper piece in alphabetical order and numerical order. This paper pieced black bear will be pieced in three separate sections, which will then be sewn together.

1) Start with section A. Pin the WRONG side of Fabric A1 to the WRONG side of paper piece A1 so that it completely covers the paper, including seam allowances. 

2) Place fabric piece A2 right side together to fabric A1, aligning so that after you sew the seam between A1 and A2, and flip the fabric back, section A2 will be completely covered by fabric A2, including the seam allowances.



3) Sew the seam between A1 and A2, flip back and press well. Again, make sure that all of section A2 is covered by A2 fabric. 





4) Repeat with fabric A3.



5) Trim around completed A section using the outside line as a guide. Do NOT cut off seam allowances!

 

6) Repeat steps 1-5 with section B, starting with B1. Repeat steps 1-5 with section C, starting with C1.



7) Sew section B to section A, lining up the edges as shown on pattern. (You're going to line up the bear's back leg and his "be-hind".)



8) Sew section C to sections A and B. (I used a pin through the seams to try to line up the bear's legs better.)





9) Sew piece D onto the edge of the bear as in the diagram. Flip and press well. Trim so that the edges are straight. Repeat with E and F.









10) Applique the bear’s nose, ears and tail using the fusible applique method as described in previous months’ applique instructions. The ears and tail are made from black scraps and the nose is from brown.

11) You will need to trim the completed piece so that it is 8-1/2” x 12-1/2”. Some people find it easier to do this by cutting a piece of tracing paper or template plastic to 8-1/2” x 12-1/2”, centering it over the bear and cutting around it.

NOTE:  If you want to see another tutorial about paper piecing, CLICK HERE for another example from last year's $5 Quilt Club.