How to Foundation Paper Piecing Instructions

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By all4quilt
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Foundation Paper Pieced Postcard

Foundation Paper Piecing is a fun and relaxing way to use up those fabric scraps you have accumulated from year to year.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Foundation paper piecing pattern.
Colored pencils
Fabric scraps
Glue Stick
3 x 5 card
Rotary Cutter
Rotary cutting mat
Ruler
Mini iron (convenient but not essential)
Scissors
Sewing machine
Thread

Step 1

Using colored pencils to color numbered areas of Foundation Paper Piecing

Make a copy of the foundation paper piecing pattern. This will allow you to use the pattern over and over. Select the desired fabric from your stash of fabric scraps to complete the foundation paper pieced pattern.

A helpful hint is to use colored pencils to color your chosen foundation paper piecing pattern to color each numbered area to coincide with the fabric colors you have chosen.
Step 2

Fabric glued to BACK of paper pattern

Cut a scrap of fabric to cover the number one area of your foundation paper piecing pattern. Make sure the fabric piece is 1/2 to 1 inch larger than the area to be covered.

Place a small amount of glue on the wrong side of the fabric and glue it to the BACK of the paper pattern. Holding it up to the light will help in placing the fabric correctly.
Step 3

Fold paper pattern to expose fabric scrap. Trim to 1/4 inch seam allowance

Take a 3 x 5 card and place it on the line between #1 and #2. This is the sewing line. Now, fold the paper along the edge of the card. This will expose the fabric, allowing you to trim the fabric scrap to 1/4 inch.
Step 4

Place piece number 2 against piece number 1 with right sides together

Cut another piece of fabric that will GENEROUSLY cover the number 2 area of the foundation paper pattern. Place this piece of fabric with RIGHT side facing right side of previously trimmed fabric for area number 1.
Step 5

Sew on line between are #1 and area #2 on paper pattern

Carefully fold out paper pattern and sew along the line between area 1 and area 2 of paper pattern. Put stitch length of sewing machine to about 15 stitches per inch. This will help to perforate the paper for easy tearing when finished. Turn paper over when finished sewing. Fold fabric piece #2 out and press on seam line. Do not use steam. The mini iron is an excellent tool for pressing these small seams.
Step 6

Finished Foundation Paper Pieced block.

Continue with previous step until all areas are covered and pattern is complete. If you are sewing a border or adding more blocks to this Foundation Paper Pieced Pattern it is better to leave the paper intact until you have completed the border or quilt block. Then you may tear the paper away from the fabric.

Now you are ready to use this foundation block to make what ever your creative mind desires.