Foundation Paper Piecing: Love It or Hate It?
- Kanitta
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Foundation Paper piecing is one quilting method that truly divides opinions. Some quilters adore it for its precision, while others find it tedious and time-consuming—I'm definitely in the second group!
My biggest frustration with paper piecing is dealing with paper removal. Honestly, shredding bits of paper from fabric is not my idea of fun. However, I must admit, sometimes paper piecing is unavoidable, especially when working with very small or intricate patches that include sharp angles or tiny points. In these cases, precision matters, and traditional piecing simply doesn't cut it.
For instance, the Framed X Block can be pieced together normally, but aligning the triangles perfectly in the center can be tricky once the units are sewn together. That's when paper piecing becomes incredibly useful. With this technique, achieving perfect matching points is effortless.
You can download the foundation pieces below; each unit finishes at 4"x4", and when four units are joined, they create a beautiful finished 8" block.
Thankfully, modern quilting notions have made paper piecing less painful. Watersoluble foundation paper, for example, is a total game-changer. Just finish piecing, soak your block in water, and the paper magically disappears—no shredding required!
Similarly, there are new papers specifically designed for easier removal, tearing away without struggle.
Another handy tool that's made my occasional paper piecing projects smoother is the specialized ruler designed for folding and trimming fabric neatly. It significantly reduces the hassle, making the entire process quicker and more precise.
While paper piecing will never be my go-to method, these innovations definitely make it more manageable. I’ll continue using it sparingly—but gratefully—whenever my quilting calls for ultra-precise points or tiny details.
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