Foundation paper piecing, called FPP for short, is an accurate and precise quilt piecing technique that enables quilters to piece complex designs easily. For this reason, many of the quilt patterns I design are constructed by foundation paper piecing. FPP does take a bit of patience and practice, but once you understand and remember the basics you’ll be making beautiful blocks in no time!

When foundation paper piecing, fabric is first sewn to a printed paper pattern. The lines on the paper are a guide for your sewing machine. Once all of the pieces are sewn, the paper is removed and you have a quilt block!

There are a number of ways to approach FPP. Over the years, I’ve developed a process that works really well for me and my students.

Check out my video tutorial/mini-class for foundation paper piecing tips and tricks:

Supplies I recommend:
• Pacon® Plain Newsprint (easier to rip out than basic copy/printer paper, 20#)
• (alternative to basic newsprint or copy/printer paper): Carol Doak’s Foundation Paper
• water soluble glue sticks: Fons & Porter or Sewline
• CM Designs Add-a-Quarter Ruler
• Aurifil 50wt Cotton Thread
• sewing machine, I love my Janome 6700p
• Oliso mini iron
• Precision Quilting Tools wool pressing mat
• Havel’s ultra pro seam ripper (you will inevitable use it and that’s okay)

Foundation Paper Piecing patterns
(all available in the Whole Circle Studio shop):
• Sew Many Colors mini quilt (FREE!)
• Andra Tutto Bene mini quilt (FREE!)
• Around the World Block of the Month
• 6 Foot Ruler quilt
• Best in Show quilt
• Apple Turnover quilt
• Typecast Fast quilt blocks
• Citrus Slices quilt
• Paws Up! quilt
• Love at First Sight quilt
• Patchwork Petals quilt
• Sew Speedy mini quilt
• Butterfly Bunch mini quilt
• Ladybug Loop mini quilt
• Dragonfly Dance mini quilt
• Up and Away mini quilt
• Shutter Snap quilt
• Deco Daybreak quilt
• Celebration Candles quilt block
• Shoreline Sweets quilt blocks