General Instructions for Foundation Paper Piecing
Things you will need:
Fabric: 100% Cotton fabric is recommended. Using your fabric scraps is REALLY recommended! :o)
Sewing Machine: Of course!! Any straight stitch machine will work just fine. Use a smaller stitch length than
normal. 15-20 stitches per inch is a good stitch length. This will perforate the paper and allow it to tear away
from the fabric easier.
Paper for foundation: If the pattern you have is not saved to your computer, you will want to make a copy of
the original. Use very cheap typing paper because it is see through and will tear away very easy. Or you could
go and buy specialty paper from your quilt supply store. But let me tell you, CHEAP typing or copy paper
really does the trick!
Rotary cutting equipment: Self-healing mat, rotary cutter and acrylic rulers.
Good Lighting: To see through the paper.
Thread: Cotton thread is best, cotton wrapped polyester is okay. Stay away from all polyester threads or less
expensive thread. They are trouble makers! :o) Neutral thread such as cream, light gray are best.
Pressing: Finger pressing is good or a mini iron works GREAT!
Seam Ripper: Well, you know
. We all make mistakes
. :o)
Sewing with paper foundations:
1. You will need one paper foundation for each block or for each unit of a block. The marked side is the
sewing side the numbers are your piecing order and the lines are your sewing lines. The reverse side
is where the fabrics will be placed. Cut the foundation pattern on the outside line. The inside line is ¼
inch from edge. This is the seam allowance.
2. You may also want to use colored pencils or crayons to color the pieces on the paper so you will
remember what fabrics you are using.
3. Locate number 1 on the foundation paper. With the printed side of the foundation towards you, place a
scrap of fabric wrong side to paper over #1 on the unmarked side of foundation paper. Make sure
the edges of the fabric extend well beyond the sewing lines. In general, BIGGER IS BETTER and will
save you from a HEADACHE! :o) You can pin this in place or use a dab of glue from a glue stick to
keep it in place. You will get good enough that you wont need either the pin or the glue. Practice
makes perfect!
4. Using a 3 x 5 card, fold the paper pattern on the line between #1 and #2. Cut the fabric that extends past
this to ¼ inch. Now you are read to place fabric #2 with right sides together. Use a straight edge of #2
fabric.
5. Fold the paper back out and sew on the line between #1 and #2. After this is sewn, press fabric piece #2
out with your finger or mini iron.
6. Now you are ready for piece #3. Repeat step 4 and step 5 using the line between #2 and #3 on the
foundation paper.
7. Continue in this manner until you have all the numbers covered.
8. Now trim all the edges around the edge of the pattern. This will give you a ¼ edge to sew your blocks
together, add a border or sew a back and batting to. Check you handiwork! You did it!
9. It is best to remove the paper AFTER you sew all other pieces together. If you are sewing it to batting
and/or backing fabric, leave the paper on until this is done, then remove the paper before turning it
inside out. The paper helps to stabilize the fabric.
