Got Paper Plates?

by Nicole

I learn something new with every guild meeting that I go to. At the last meeting, we talked about our favorite quilting tools and gadgets. One person brought in a stack of paper plates.

I wondered, “How are paper plates a quilting tool?”

She explained that she uses them to keep her blocks in order as she sews.

Since I’m working on a quilt that must be assembled in blocks, rather than rows, I thought I’d give the plates a try. I laid out my quilt and then chose 12 plates, one for each block. I numbered the plates 1 to 12 and then put the pieces for each block on its plate.

Here they all are stacked and waiting for me.

This is one tip that I didn’t know about when I wrote my top 7 list, but is definitely a keeper.

Have you tried using paper plates like this?

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23 comments

Lynn June 18, 2012 - 2:57 am

Clever!! I'm trying this! Thanks!

Jenniffier Kramer June 18, 2012 - 3:00 am

That is a very interesting idea…. I am sure I would do something silly like knock them over, but I do see how it could help organize someone

Hilachas June 18, 2012 - 3:07 am

What a great idea. Funny how the simplest things work so well. Thanks for the tip.

Megan June 18, 2012 - 3:34 am

Great idea – they look like they stack up really neatly and perfect that you can write on the plate too.

Valerie June 18, 2012 - 3:39 am

So bummed I missed our meeting! But this plate idea is brilliant!

Ella June 18, 2012 - 4:14 am

Great idea! I tend to use numbered plastic bags, as my cat would have a field day with these.

Barbara Konkle June 18, 2012 - 4:50 am

That is a great idea! I usually use printer paper and label it but the plates might have another use very soon!

Heidi Staples June 18, 2012 - 5:13 am

Genius! I'll definitely tuck this one away to use later!

Debbie June 18, 2012 - 5:18 am

clever and fun!

Mhairi June 18, 2012 - 5:50 am

What a great idea – and with the range of plastic boxes available you could carefully drop them into a box, seal the lid and put them on a shelf without having to worry about losing bits – genius idea, thanks for sharing.

Gra June 18, 2012 - 12:05 pm

OMG! What a cool idea!!!!

meg June 18, 2012 - 12:18 pm

That is a neat idea~ I can definitely see where it would help with some patterns. Thanks for sharing~ 🙂

Taryn June 18, 2012 - 2:24 pm

Fantastic idea! I have been using printer paper, but paper plates would be so much more sturdy and easy to deal with.

Jen June 18, 2012 - 2:37 pm

I've been using paper places for this very purpose for the pat 10 years. It's so helpful and a great way to organize pieces for blocks.

Kmcassie June 18, 2012 - 2:58 pm

I'm with Ella…I haven't tried paper plates, but I use ziplock bags ALOT!

Katy Cameron June 18, 2012 - 7:54 pm

I don't use paper plates, but I've used sandwich bags and binder clips, depending on what I'm working on :o)

Cherie June 18, 2012 - 9:02 pm

Very interesting idea. I use mini bulldog clips with numbers on them to hold block pieces =D

Ali June 18, 2012 - 9:13 pm

Oh brilliant! I'm working on a project that would be much more organized if I do that, and then I can cut out the rest of the blocks instead of doing them one at a time. Yay!

Kelly June 18, 2012 - 9:41 pm

Such a cool idea and far better than scraps of paper 🙂

Sara June 18, 2012 - 10:39 pm

I use bits of masking tape on my blocks.

Jess June 19, 2012 - 12:25 am

Oh I am seriously doing this instead of using ziplock bags. Thanks for the tip!

CitricSugar June 19, 2012 - 6:35 am

That is too cool! Thanks for sharing it. I have a lettered bead and safety pin set but I always worry about the holes in the fabric. This would definitely stop that!

Leslie July 3, 2012 - 2:39 pm

this is such a clever idea…..i would never have thought of that.

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