Paper Piecing is known by many terms. This technique is also referred to as "Foundation Piecing" or "Foundation Paper Piecing". It differs slightly from the English Paper Piecing technique, however, and should not be confused.

Paper Piecing involves the use of a foundation upon which fabric pieces are sewn in a particular order. Most often, this means a paper pattern where each shape is numbered. Historically, however, muslin was also used as a foundation.

Paper piecing involves stitching fabric pieces to each other through the paper or muslin foundation. Once the quilt block is complete, the paper is torn away to remove excess bulk. For this reason, thinner paper may be a better choice. Quilters use anything from freezer paper or newsprint, in addition to printer paper, for this technique. It really is a matter of personal preference.

This is typically not a technique for beginner quilters, although many basic patterns are available online. Because some understanding of quilting methods is often assumed, beginners should master basic skills before moving onto Paper Piecing. More experienced quilters will find Paper Piecing to be a convenient choice for working up blocks quickly and accurately.

Why Paper Piece at all?

There are a number of benefits to Paper Piecing, convenience being the most obvious. With this method, measuring fabrics or creating templates is unnecessary.

Accurate piecing is very easy to achieve with this method. It is a very effective choice for piecing either intricate or simple designs. Quilters can create sharp points consistently without the headache of matching corners. Patterns such as Flying Geese that typically involve cutting bias angles are much easier to create using Paper Piecing, too. Any odd shapes or angles are also simpler to handle because the foundation stabilizes them as you work.

Since the foundation stabilizes the block, Paper Piecing is also a good choice when working with stretchy, slippery or delicate fabrics. Overall, this method strengthens the fabrics, making it easier to achieve beautiful results even with the most uncooperative material.

Although the technique is the same, there are some cases where muslin makes a better base for your blocks than a paper pattern. For random sewing projects such as Crazy Quilts or String Piecing Quilts that use fancy or difficult fabrics, a stronger fabric foundation is the best choice. Since piecing these designs does not involve a set order, the numbered pieces of a paper pattern are unnecessary. In addition, difficult fabrics are better stabilized by a sturdy foundation.

Materials

Paper Piecing does not require a huge investment of time or equipment. It makes use of materials commonly found in any quilter's possession.

- fabrics for block construction
- scissors or a rotary cutter and mat
- hot iron
- foundation paper with pattern printed upon it

Procedure - How to do it

Before starting, make sure your sewing machine is properly set up for Paper Piecing. A smaller stitch length of around 12-18 stitches per inch will give the best results. Also, choose a needle sturdy enough to perforate both fabric and paper without leaving a gaping hole. A 90/14 sewing needle is usually a good choice.

Paper Piecing patterns usually include directions, but the technique may be summarized in the following steps.

- Cut a larger piece of fabric than necessary for the pattern's first piece.
- Holding the pattern to the light, place the fabric, right side up, over the first shape to check the size and pin in place. NOTE : your pattern and fabric's reverse side should always touch.
- Fold the paper along the line pieces 1 and 2.
- Cut fabric with quarter-inch seam allowance from this fold line.
- Cut a piece of fabric large enough for the second piece and a seam allowance estimate.
- Pin the second piece to the first with right sides together.
- Open the fabric over shape 2, and hold the foundation up to the light to confirm the fabric includes adequate seam allowance. Trim if needed.
- Close the fabric back up so it again lies over the first piece with right sides together.
- Flip the block over so that the paper pattern faces upward.
- Machine stitch these pieces together through the paper, following the pattern's sewing line.
- Remove pins.
- Flip the foundation over to trim and press seam allowance.
- Repeat these steps for the remaining pieces in numerical order, be sure to trim and press seam allowances after each seam.
- Tear away the paper foundation after all pieces are sewn.

Related : More Quilting Techniques - English Paper Piecing - General Piecing Info