Essentials to Foundation Paper Piecing

Foundation paper piecing is a great way to be able to accurately piece quilt blocks that are made up of many small pieces. Ashley Hough shows you how to create a small version of a basic log cabin block using a foundation paper piecing method.

Template

When foundation paper piecing, you will need a foundation. This is normally in the form of a template printed on either paper or lightweight fabric. If using a paper template, the template can be easily removed after the block is stitched, whereas a fabric template can be more difficult to remove or can simply be left in place. Ashley shows a paper template for a log cabin block and explains what the markings on it mean. Most templates will use either numbers or the alphabet and Ashley explains how you use those to know what order to sew your pieces together for the block.

Stitching

Once you understand all of the markings on the template you can begin stitching on your pieces. Ashley shows you how to start with either the number one piece, or the letter A piece. She explains what side of the template the fabric should be stitched to and why and gives tips on how to temporarily attach the first piece to the template.

From there Ashley shows how to work your way through the template, attaching, trimming and pressing each piece as you go. Flipping, folding and trimming your fabric as you go is an easy way to be able to know where to line up the next piece of fabric.