How to Paper Quilt

Paper piecing or foundation quilting utilizes a foundation fabric or paper for the base of the quilt's composition. Strips of fabric are then sewn onto the fabric in clockwise or counter-clockwise fashion to complete the pattern which is drawn on this foundation. Perhaps the most well-known form of paper piecing or foundation quilting is the Log Cabin quilt block.

Things You'll Need

• One strip each of the following in a light fabric: 1 1/2 inches x 4 1/2 inches, 1 1/2 inches x 5 1/2 inches, 1 1/2 inches x 6 1/2 inches, 1 1/2 inches x 7 1/2 inches, 1 1/2 inches x 8 1/2 inches, 1 1/2 inches x 9 1/2 inches
• 4-inch square fabric for center or "hearth"
• Straight edge
• Pencil
• Thread
• Sewing machine or hand needle
• One strip each of the following in a dark fabric: 1 1/2 inch x 5 /12 inch, 1 1/2 inch x 6 1/2 inch, 1 1/2 inch x 7 1/2 inch, 1 1/2 inch x 8 1/2 inch, 1 1/2 inch x 9 1/2 inch, 1 1/2 inch x 10 1/2 inch
• 10-inch square foundation tear-away paper or fabric

Instructions

1. Draw a 4-inch square in the middle of your foundation piece using your straight edge and pencil to start.

2. Measure 1-inch from the top of your square and draw a parallel line from left to right of the square. Draw 2 lines to create a rectangle. Continue this process in a counter-clockwise fashion.

3. Start the sewing process by top-stitching your "hearth" piece over the traced center square as close to the edge of the fabric as possible.

4. Place the smallest light fabric strip right sides together with the center square or hearth and stitch along the top edge. Use a hot iron to press the fabric up and into place as the first "log" in your log cabin.

5. Continue the process of stitching "logs" or strips of fabric, using the light color fabric on the top and left side of the square and the right for the bottom and right side.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash your fabric before you start to quilt. This will prevent shrinkage in later washes.