Hello quilting friends! Today, I’m excited to share an alternative approach to Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) that will transform your piecing experience. In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through the art of FPP using freezer paper, a game-changing technique that eliminates the hassle of removing paper and allows you to reuse your templates effortlessly.

Why Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP)?

Foundation paper piecing (FPP) is a piecing technique that enables the creation of intricate and precise quilt top designs. By sewing fabric onto a paper foundation, quilters can achieve accurate shapes and sharp points, making seemingly complex designs achievable. It’s one of my favorite quilt-making techniques!

Introducing Freezer Paper Piecing

The drawback of traditional FPP is the sometimes tedious process of removing paper at the end. That’s where an alternative method, using household freezer paper comes in! This method not only saves time but also allows you to reuse your templates multiple times, making it a FPPer’s dream come true.

Getting Started: Supplies You’ll Need

To get started, gather your supplies:

• FPP pattern for your block (see below for my favorite quilt patterns to use with freezer paper)
• Pencil, Acrylic Ruler, and Masking Tape
• Lightbox (my favorite is Daylight Wafer) or another light source like a window
• Iron and pressing surface (my favorites are the Oliso Mini Project Iron and Oliso Multi-Mat Felt Pressing Pad)
• Add-A-Quarter Ruler (optional but super helpful)
• Basic sewing supplies (machine, thread, fabric, rotary cutter, and cutting mat)
• Reynolds Freezer Paper (This is what I used in the tutorial. It is inexpensive, but it SHOULD NOT be used in printers) If you’re looking for freezer paper that you can run through a printer, check out these products—but be sure to read the manufacturer recommendations CAREFULLY as to which types of printers they can be used with—typically these specialty papers can only be used in inkjet printers: Quilter’s Freezer Paper Sheets, June Tailor Ink Jet Printable Freezer Paper, The Gypsy Quilter Freezer Paper

Choosing Between Freezer Paper and Regular Paper

For me, deciding between whether to use freezer paper or regular paper depends on two factors: repetition and complexity. If I plan to make the same block multiple times or if the pattern has fewer intricate sections, freezer paper is the ideal choice. For highly detailed patterns or blocks I’m going to make just once for a quilt, using regular paper is usually more efficient. My favorite paper to use if I’m not using freezer paper while foundation paper piecing is Pacon® Plain Newsprint.

My Favorite Patterns to Foundation Paper Piece (FPP) using Freezer Paper:

All of them have repeat blocks, making them great to use with freezer paper!

Dual Directions PDF Quilt Pattern (Buy now)	Love at First Sight PDF Quilt Pattern (Buy now)	Sew Speedy PDF Quilt Pattern (Buy now)
Shutter Snap / PDF Quilt Pattern (Buy now)	Citrus Slices PDF Quilt Pattern (Buy now)	Apple Turnover PDF Quilt Pattern (Buy now)

The Freezer Paper Piecing Process

Be sure to review the video above for a detailed step-by-step walkthrough of the piecing process using freezer paper. Here are the highlights:

• • Prepare Your Freezer Paper Template: Trace the pattern onto freezer paper using a pencil and ruler.
  • Sew Numerically: Position and sew fabrics following the numerical order, similar to traditional paper piecing.
  • Skip Sewing Through Paper: Unlike regular paper piecing, do not sew through the paper. Sew as close to the folded line as possible, avoiding the freezer paper.
  • Effortless Removal: Once all sections are sewn, trim the fabric, and easily remove the freezer paper template, ready to be reused.

3 Benefits of Freezer Paper Piecing

1. No need to rip paper out when your block is complete! Simply peel away your freezer paper.

2. Use your freezer paper over and over again. No need to print or photocopy multiple copies of the same tempate.

3. Piece using a longer stitch length that traditional foundation paper piecing. Because you won’t be ripping paper out at the end, you can use the same stitch length as traditional quilt piecing. A longer stitch length also means that it’s easier to remove stitches should you make a mistake. (Because we’re all human and need to use a seam ripper from time to time!)

Let’s Get Paper Piecing with Freezer Paper!

I hope this tutorial inspires you to explore the world of foundation paper piecing with freezer paper. 

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Happy stitching and quilting! Until next time!
Sheri