Foundation piecing is a traditional method of quilting that is often called "paper piecing", but should not to be confused with English piecing! Originally, this technique was used for miniature quilts but it works equally well for creating standard-sized quilt blocks. Foundation piecing has become quite popular in recent years as it allows you to create almost "perfectly" pieced blocks, making it ideal for the beginning quilter. In addition, it is a very easy and accurate method for constructing more complicated patterns. The "foundation block piecing" technique involves sewing pieces of fabric onto a pre-printed piece of paper or fabric that is an exact replica or template or the quilt block you plan to construct. This foundation paper piecing technique requires that each new piece must be able to be joined to the foundation with a single, straight seam. Therefore, not all block patterns will work using this method unless you Each piece of the block is "numbered" to indicate the order in which the fabric pieces are to be joined to the foundation block. For machine piecing, There are several sources for foundation pieced block patterns: pre-printed paper patterns, photocopies or traced images from foundation piecing books and computer transfers. For pre-printed foundation paper pieces I highly recommend those produced by Bobbie Deans - The QuiltMouse! Read the article about her Foundation Block Packs, Foundation Piecing Accessories and Workshops. Please note: It is far more difficult to describe foundation piecing than it is to actually do it. So, I encourage you to make one simple block like that shown below with some scrap fabric and I'm sure you'll find it's one of the "easiest" techniques you've ever tried.
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STEP B: Cut out your fabric pieces. Remember, the only seam allowance on your template is the one around the outer perimeter of the block so when you cut your fabric you must add a min of ¼" to every edge of each piece.
STEP C: Purchase an "Add-a-Quarter" ruler and make a "folding card" out of a cereal box that is approximately 20cm x 10cm or 8" x 4". (All pre-printed foundation paper packs from The QuiltMouse come complete with a "Flip'n'Fold" card.)
IMPORTANT NOTE: The fabric pieces are stitched to the back (blank side) of the foundation template. It helps to use a lightbox or window to assist in positioning the fabric.
NOW -- FOLLOW THIS STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO MAKE A FOUNDATION PIECED BLOCK...
STEP ONE: Start with the printed side of the template down. Then begin with the piece of fabric for area 1 and position the fabric right side up, onto the back of the foundation pattern. Tape the fabric in place with Scotch Magic Tape or Masking Tape, keeping tape clear of your stitching line.
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STEP TWO: Place your pattern on a cutting mat and fold the template back along the line to be sewn. Place your "Add-a-Quarter" ruler along the folded edge and trim with your rotary cutter. Re-open the folded template and lay flat again. Note: When piecing small miniature blocks, a one eighth of an inch seam allowance should be used.
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STEP THREE: Flip your work onto the fabric side. Next take the fabric patch for area 2 and place with right sides together and seams matching. Tape into position.
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STEP FOUR: Turn your work back so that the template side is up and stitch along the line. Begin stitching 4-5 stitches before the line starts and stop stitching 4-5 stitches after the end of the line. If using a paper template, adjust the stitch length on your machine to 1.5 and use a size 90 needle so the paper will tear away easily.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: When you paper piece, your needle becomes dull as it passes through extra layers including the paper. Change your needle before each new project, sooner if necessary.
STEP FIVE: Snip your threads, remove the tape and flip your work so the fabric side is up. Finger-press the seam open and then press with an iron.
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STEP SIX: Flip your work back to the template side.
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Repeat steps 2 through 6, stitching the pieces in numerical order, until all pieces have been joined to cover the template.
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Flip and trim, flip and sew, flip and press for each piece!
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Remember -- flip and trim, flip and sew, flip and press!
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You'll have it down pat by now -- flip and trim, flip and sew, flip and press!
STEP SEVEN: When the block is complete, turn it template side up. If using paper you will find that it becomes quite tattered and worn by the end. You may wish to remove the paper template at this point or if you prefer, the paper can be left in the blocks until the blocks have been set together. Removing the paper is very easy, it simply pulls apart like a postage stamp.
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STEP EIGHT: Trim your block leaving ¼" seam allowance on each edge of the block. Join your blocks together and "wallah" -- your perfectly pieced quilt is complete!
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Why not give it a go and have some fun with FOUNDATION PIECING!
As you can see, the use of foundation block piecing allows you to create very neat and accurately pieced blocks for a quilt. I hope these tips will inspire you to try this rewarding piecing technique. Who knows -- it may
just become your favorite!
I hope you've found this information on foundation piecing and foundation paper piecing useful.
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