Foundation Piecing - Paper Piecing
Benefits of paper piecing over traditional piecing.
It is a great way to use up scrap fabric.
Saves time measuring and rotary cutting lots of pieces of fabrics.
Has built in stabilizer.
Easy way to have a quilt precision pieced.
Great for beginners to learn how to quilt and have good results.
What would you use the paper piecing technique to make?
The possibilities are limitless. You could use the paper piecing/foundation piecing technique to make quilt blocks, blocks for a wall hanging, table runner, place mats, pot holders, purses, clothing, etc.
Paper piecing suggestions and tips:
Tips to make foundation piecing easier and have great results.
- When cutting fabrics or using scraps do not be a fabric miser...cut a piece large enough to hold both of the sides so it does not fold over on you and get stuck in the feed dogs. Also, if you are stingy with the fabric cut when you fold it over it may not cover the entire piece of the block...ask me how I know that...
-Always make copies of the block pattern. Never sew onto your original. Once you sew on it then you will not be able to make more blocks- many patterns require that you sew several blocks and put them together to make the project. Note- we are not saying that you should make copies of a pattern to share with your friends or to sell them. We are suggesting that you make copies for your own personal use.
-Reduce your stitch length to 1.5 to make the paper rip from the back easier later.
-Use a size 14 needle for easier perforation of the paper.