Where Can I Find Paper-Piecing Patterns?

Use paper-piecing patterns to create a quilt.

Paper piecing may also be called foundation piecing. It is a method of sewing or basting fabric around templates made of paper when putting together the pieces of a quilt. Paper piecing is often recommended for beginning quilters because the templates make it easier to cut, sew and piece the parts of a quilt accurately.

How Does Paper Piecing Work

Fabric is cut in roughly the same shape as the paper template, leaving a seam allowance. The fabric is then folded around the paper template and basted in place. Then the fabric is pressed, which helps it retain the desired shape and keeps the rough edges folded in as desired. At this point, the basting stitches can be removed and the paper template kept for later use.

Pre-cut Paper Piecing

Pre-cut piecing templates can be purchased from a number of retailers. These are often called English paper pieces and the templates can often be re-used. Pre-cut templates can be purchased as part of a larger kit or quilt pattern or can be purchased individually by size, shape and quantity for more customized quilts.

Make Your Own Paper Piecing

There are also paper-piecing patterns available that provide a template of shapes for you to trace and cut out on your own paper. These patterns are available in books, magazines, kits or as downloadable PDFs. There are many free paper-piecing patterns available on the Internet.

References

• Quilt.com: Foundation Block Piecing
• Straw.com: Paper Foundation Piecing

Resources

• Quilters Cache: Start Quilting 3