FOUNDATION PAPER PIECING TUTORIAL

Are you interested in mastering Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) or looking to discover my favorite method for achieving precision and ease in FPP projects? In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through the essentials of FPP, including tips that make this technique more enjoyable and accurate. Plus, don’t forget to download the free pattern included below to start practicing!

Download Your Free Foundation Paper Piecing Pattern!

Download Your Free Foundation Paper Piecing Pattern!

As you follow this step-by-step Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) tutorial, you’ll create a simple, quick, and fun pattern that introduces you to the FPP technique.

This beginner-friendly pattern is available in four versions: English and Spanish language options, plus paper sizes to match U.S. Letter or A4. Just choose the version that works best for you, and start stitching!

Origami Bird - English _ Letter
Origami Bird - English _ A4
Origami Bird - Spanish _ A4
Origami Bird - Catalan _ A4

Basic concepts of FPP

What is Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP)?

Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) is a quilting and patchwork technique that involves stitching fabric pieces onto a paper foundation, which has a printed guide to help you accurately join the fabrics. This method allows quilters to create intricate shapes and designs with ease and precision.

FPP differs from English Paper Piecing (EPP), where each fabric piece is individually wrapped around a paper template and sewn by hand. In contrast, FPP uses a continuous paper guide for sewing machine assembly, resulting in detailed patterns and complex shapes.

In this tutorial, we’ll use FPP to create an Origami Bird design. The pattern includes the paper foundation you’ll need, which you can download in the previous section.

BASIC CONCEPTS

Before diving in, let’s go over a few essential concepts to keep in mind as you work through an FPP pattern. Some of these ideas might not make sense right away, but they’ll become much clearer as we go through each step in the pattern.

1. Inverted Drawing

One key concept to understand in Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) is that the drawing on the paper is inverted or mirrored. This is essential because we sew the fabric pieces onto the back of the paper. Once we remove the paper foundation, the design will appear in the correct orientation.

Remember, all FPP patterns feature an inverted drawing, so this is a standard aspect of the technique. Embracing this concept will help you achieve accurate and beautifully pieced designs.

2. Sections

In Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP), we use paper as a reference base to join fabric pieces together. For simpler patterns, a single piece of paper is often sufficient, but more complex designs may require multiple paper pieces.

We refer to these individual paper pieces as SECTIONS.

For this tutorial, I’ve chosen a pattern that includes several sections to help you learn how to navigate them in future projects. Our pattern consists of two paper sections, labeled A and B. Within each section, you’ll find various shapes drawn, representing the different fabric units we will join together.

Each unit is marked with a letter and a number: the letter indicates the section (A or B), while the number specifies the order in which to place each fabric piece. For example, “unit A3” means this fabric will be the third piece added in section A. Additionally, the numbers inside boxes—1 or 2—indicate whether it’s the background fabric [1] or the fabric for the unit, such as the BIRD [2].

3. Paper Components

In the pattern, you will find two groups of paper pieces:

  1. Fabric Cutting Templates: These templates are designed for cutting the fabric pieces needed for the pattern and come with a larger margin of 1/2” (1.3 cm). While not all FPP patterns include these templates, I wanted to provide them here to familiarize you with their purpose and how to use them effectively. You can find these templates at the top of the photo.

  2. Section Papers: These are the pieces of paper for the sections, featuring a 1/4” (0.64 cm) margin, as seen in the lower part of the photo. We will use these papers to sew the sections together, allowing us to attach multiple fabric pieces to each section.

4. Sewing the Fabrics

  1. Place and sew the fabrics on the unprinted side of the paper—the reverse side.
  2. Position the fabrics with the right sides facing up; the back of the fabric should be in contact with the paper.
  3. To join two fabrics, stitch along the line of the drawing that separates the two units. This stitch line will serve as the connection between the fabrics.
  4. Ensure that the paper remains on top while the fabric pieces are positioned underneath during sewing.
  5. Begin your stitching a couple of stitches before the start of the line and finish a couple of stitches after the end of the line where the two fabrics meet. Keep the stitch length small (approximately 1.5–2 mm) to facilitate easier paper removal after sewing.

Preparing the material

1. Cutiing the papers

The first step in your Foundation Paper Piecing project is to cut the papers for the sections and the templates used for cutting the fabrics.

  1. Cutting Instructions: Trim the paper pieces along the dotted line surrounding each one. The space between this line and the fabric shapes represents the margin that should not be cut, serving important purposes:
    • For the Sections (1/4″ or 0.64 cm margin): This margin allows us to join the sections together seamlessly.
    • For the Templates: The margin provides extra fabric for joining the pieces. While the theoretical margin is also 1/4″ (0.64 cm), I’ve increased it to 1/2″ (1.3 cm) to ensure you have enough fabric.
  2. Recommended Tools: The best tools for cutting the papers are a rotary cutter and a ruler. Using these will speed up the process compared to scissors. Remember to change the blade for cutting paper and keep a separate blade for fabric to maintain cutting precision.

In the accompanying photos, you’ll find all the paper pieces you should have. The templates are located at the top of the first and second photos, while the section papers are in the lower part of the first and third photos.

2. Jonning the papers

As you’ve noticed while cutting the papers, each piece includes a legend, for example: BIRD 9” – Section B-a) (A-B) – Glue to B-b.

This legend provides important information:

  • Pattern Name: BIRD 9” (PAJARITA 23 cm).
  • Section: Corresponding to this paper (Section B-a).
  • Total Sections: Indicated by (A-B), which means there are two sections in this pattern.

When a lowercase letter appears in the legend, it indicates that multiple pieces of paper must be glued together. For example, Section B consists of B-a and B-b, which need to be joined where it states “Glue Edge # no.”

In our pattern, both Section A and Section B consist of two papers each that must be assembled. Therefore, you will need to join A-a with A-b and B-a with B-b.

Instructions for Joining Papers:

  1. Glue the papers together at the indicated edges: Glue Edge #2 for Section A and Glue Edge #1 for Section B.
  2. After applying the glue, hold the papers up to the light to ensure the lines from both sections align perfectly.

I’ve included photos showing the papers before and after joining the two sections for your reference.

Note: In this pattern, it is not necessary to join any paper for the templates.

3. Cutting the fabrics

The next step is cutting the fabrics. To cut the fabrics, we will use the paper templates we have for this purpose. We could also cut the fabrics without the templates, taking the sizes of every piece inside a section and cutting one by one.

To cut the fabrics with the paper templates, follow the next steps:

3.1. Separate templates by fabrics

Each piece of paper has an indication on the edge: SectionNumber [number] (e.g., A6 [1]).
  • SectionNumber: This number tells us which figure is in the section. In the example, A6 refers to piece 6 in Section A.
  • [num]: This indicates the fabric type. In this pattern, we have two fabrics:
    • [1]: These papers are for the background fabric.
    • [2]: These papers are for the figure fabric.
We need to create two groups of papers:
  1. Group 1: Papers with the number [1], designated for the background fabric.
  2. Group 2: Papers with the number [2], designated for the figure fabric.
By organizing the templates in this way, you can easily identify and access the pieces needed for each fabric type during the Foundation Paper Piecing process.

3.2. Cutting the fabrics

IMPORTANT! These templates are inverted, just like the papers of the sections. Therefore, we need to cut the fabrics from the wrong side, which means placing the paper on the reverse side of the fabric.

  1. Prepare the Fabrics: Lay out your fabrics with the good side (the side that will be visible in your finished project) facing down. This orientation ensures that when you cut the fabric, the correct side will be on the outside once you flip it over after sewing.

  2. Position the Templates: Place all the template papers over the fabric. Arrange them side by side, minimizing the space between each template as much as possible. This will help reduce fabric waste.

  3. Secure the Templates: If desired, you can use small pins or a temporary fabric adhesive spray to hold the templates in place while cutting. This will prevent any movement that might lead to inaccurate cuts.

  4. Cutting: With the templates secured, use a rotary cutter and a ruler for precise cuts, following the edges of the templates. Make sure to cut along the dotted lines indicated on the templates, maintaining the margin as specified earlier.

  5. No Need for Exact Cuts: It’s important to note that you do not need to cut the fabrics to the exact shape of the templates at this stage. In the following steps, we will trim the fabric pieces to the exact size needed. This allows for easier handling and reduces the chance of cutting errors.

3.3. Naming the fabrics

Before separating each piece of fabric, it is essential to label them with the corresponding Section number. For example, you would write A6 on the appropriate fabric piece.

  1. Labeling Technique: Write the Section number in a corner of the fabric piece that will be discarded, as this area will not be used in the final project. This ensures that the marking does not interfere with the visible part of your work.

  2. Important Note: Keep in mind that you are writing on the wrong side of the fabric. This practice is particularly helpful when using plain fabrics, as it allows you to easily identify the right side (the side that will be visible) when you begin sewing.

3.4. Sorting the fabrics by sections

Now that all the fabrics are cut, it’s time to organize them by Sections.

  1. Create Two Piles:
    • Section A: Gather all the fabric pieces designated for Section A into one pile.
    • Section B: Gather the fabric pieces for Section B into another pile.
  3. Order by Number:
    • For easier access during the sewing process, arrange the fabric pieces within each section by their corresponding numbers. This way, you’ll have everything organized and ready when it’s time to place them in the pattern.

Now that we have all the materials sorted and ready, we’re set to start assembling the pattern!

Assembly

Assembly

The assembly of the Sections is the most entertaining part since you can see how the figure is growing while you are sewing. This assembly will consist of joining the fabrics using the paper as a basis, following the numerical order provided by the pattern.

Materials Needed:

  • Sewing Machine
  • Cutting Mat
  • Rotary Cutter
  • Ruler
  • Needles
  • Pins

Section A: A1-A2

1. Placing the fabrics

  1. Prepare the Paper:
    • Hold the paper up to a light source to see the outlines of the figures.
  2. Position Fabric A1:
    • Place fabric A1 behind the paper, on the non-printed side.
    • Ensure the right side of fabric A1 is facing away from the paper (the back of the fabric should touch the paper).
    • Confirm that fabric A1 completely covers the outline of figure A1.
    • Leave at least 1/4″ of excess fabric around the outline for a secure seam.
  3. Secure Fabric A1:
    • You can either:
      • Hold it with your hands (for smaller pieces).
      • Use pins or specialized fabric glue for larger pieces.
  4. Position Fabric A2:
    • Without moving fabric A1, place fabric A2 on the back of the paper.
    • Ensure the right side of fabric A2 is also facing away from the paper (the back of the fabric should touch the paper).
    • Confirm that fabric A2 completely covers the outline of figure A2.
    • Leave at least 1/4″ of excess fabric around the outline.

2. Flip A2

  1. Fold the Paper:
    • Fold the paper along the line where you will stitch the fabrics A1 and A2 together, keeping the fabrics inside the fold and making sure they don’t move from its place.
  2. Position Fabrics:
    • Open the paper, allowing fabric A2 to lay over fabric A1, aligning their right sides together.
  3. Maintain Position:
    • Ensure the fold of fabric A2 stays in place while flipping it over A1.
  4. Adjust Fabric A2:
    • Turn over the smaller part of fabric A2 that remains underneath the larger part.
    • Keep the larger part stationary, ensuring that the folds of fabric A2 align with the folds of fabric A1 and the paper.
  5. Secure the Fabrics:
    • Fix the fabrics in place with a needle, or proceed to the sewing machine directly, ensuring the fabrics remain in their positions.

3. Stitiching A1 – A2

  1. Sewing the Fabrics:
    • Create a stitching line along the paper where A1 and A2 join, keeping the fabrics on the underside.
  2. Start and End Points:
    • Begin sewing slightly before the start of the line and finish slightly after the end.
  3. Stitch Length:
    • Use a short stitch length (1.5-2) to make it easier to remove the paper later.
  4. Check Alignment:
    • Flip fabric A2 back into place with the right side facing up.
    • Check against the light to ensure A2 is stitched correctly to A1.
    • If the alignment is off, carefully unpick and redo the stitching.
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4. Cutting excess fabric

  1. Prepare to Cut:
    • Fold the paper along the stitching line, allowing the excess fabric to be on one side and the papers and larger fabric on the other.
  2. Position the Ruler:
    • Place the ruler parallel to the seam you’ve just sewn.
  3. Cutting:
    • Cut the excess fabric to 1/4″ from the seam. This will leave a 1/4″ seam allowance.
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5. Press the seam

  1. Open the Paper:
    • Remove the fold of the paper to open it up.
  2. Fold Fabric A2:
    • Fold fabric A2 along the stitching line, ensuring the right side is facing up.
  3. Flatten the Union:
    • Smooth out the seam where A1 and A2 join to make it flat and stretched. You can use an iron, a roller, or your fingers for this.
  4. Final Position:
    • Fabrics A1 and A2 are now in place.
  •  

Section A: Adding A3

Now we will add fabric A3 to the already joined A1 and A2, following the same steps used to join A1 and A2

1. Placing A3

  1. Position Fabric A3:
    • Place fabric A3 on the back of the paper, with the right side facing up so that it aligns with unit A2 on the paper.
  2. Check Coverage:
    • Ensure that fabric A3 fully covers unit A3 on the paper, with at least 1/4″ of excess fabric evenly distributed around the edges.

2. Flipping A3 over A1-A2

  1. Position Fabrics:
    • With the fabrics arranged as in the previous step, fold the paper and fabrics along the line where A3 will join A1-A2, keeping the fabrics inside the fold.
  2. Place A3:
    • Open the paper so that fabric A3 lays over A1-A2, aligning the right side of A3 with the right side of A1-A2. The fold of fabric A3 should remain in place, but now turned over.
  3. Adjust Fabric A3:
    • Flip the small portion of fabric A3 that is underneath the larger part, ensuring that it matches the fold of A1-A2 and the fold of the paper.
  4. Secure the Fabrics:
    • Fix the fabric to the paper with a needle or, if confident, proceed to the sewing machine without shifting the fabrics from their positions.
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3. Stitching A3

  1. Sewing the Fabrics:
    • Create a stitching line on the paper along the line that joins A3 with A1-A2, keeping the fabrics positioned underneath.
  2. Start and End:
    • Begin sewing slightly before the starting point of the line and finish slightly after the endpoint to ensure a secure seam.
  3. Check the Stitching:
    • With the right side of the fabric facing up, check against the light to confirm that A3 has been stitched in the correct position.
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    •  
  •  

4. Cutting excess fabric

  1. Prepare for Cutting:
    • Fold the paper along the stitching line to expose the excess fabric on one side, while keeping the paper and larger fabric on the opposite side.
  2. Trim the Fabric:
    • Place the ruler parallel to the seam and cut 1/4″ away from the stitching line. This will leave a 1/4″ seam allowance.
  3. Final Touches:
    • Ensure that all excess fabric has been removed, maintaining a clean edge for the next steps.
  •  

5. Press the seam

Press the Seam

  1. Unfold the Paper:
    • Carefully remove the fold in the paper, allowing it to open fully.
  2. Fold Fabric A3:
    • Fold the fabric A3 along the stitching line, ensuring the right side is facing up.
  3. Flatten the Union:
    • Smooth out the seam where the fabrics join to ensure it lies flat. This can be done using an iron, a roller, or your fingers to gently press the seam.

At this point, fabrics A1, A2, and A3 are now in place and properly pressed.

Adding A4-A5-A6 and Assemblying B

You’ve already learned how to join the first three fabrics. Now it’s your turn to finish Section A by yourself by adding fabrics A4, A5, and A6. After that, assemble Section B, which consists of three fabrics: B1, B2, and B3.

If you encounter any difficulties while incorporating these fabrics, feel free to reach out, and I can provide photos or additional guidance. However, I encourage you to attempt this on your own first to assess your understanding of the process.

Once you’ve completed Sections A and B, your work should resemble the examples shown in the photos.

Joining the Sections

We position the two sections according to the diagram provided on page 3 of the pattern. This diagram serves as a helpful guide for this process. In this instance, we are only dealing with two sections, but when working with multiple sections, this reference becomes invaluable.

Carefully flip the two sections with the fabrics on top. You’ll notice that the figure of the BIRD is already taking shape!

We flip one section over the other, aligning the right sides of the fabrics and ensuring that the upper and lower edges coincide perfectly. Hold everything in place with tweezers or needles if tweezers are unavailable.

Next, create a stitching line along the margin indicated on the section. Start sewing slightly before the beginning of the line and finish slightly after the end. It’s crucial to check that the stitching aligns with the line on the paper of the lower section; this precision is essential for the accuracy of the design! If it doesn’t align, you’ll need to unpick and sew it again.

Removing the Paper

After sewing the two sections, open the fold of the paper and fabrics, turning the seam allowance to one side. I always consider how the design looks and choose the side based on the appearance I prefer. Some patterns may indicate which side to press the seam allowance.

As you can see, the BIRD is oriented according to the drawing on the cover of the pattern, not inverted like in the section diagrams.

Now it’s time to remove all the paper from the back of our BIRD. This task may be a bit tedious, but it’s often a favorite among children!

Finally, give your creation a good press with the iron, and voilà—your Origami BIRD is complete!

Now comes the fun part: think about what to do with it! Whether you want to create a tote bag, a backpack, a square, or make more BIRDS for a quilt, the possibilities are endless. I’m sure you’ll surprise me with your creativity!

I hope this tutorial has inspired you to explore the wonderful world of Foundation Paper Piecing! Don’t hesitate to mix this technique with other methods, such as curves or appliqué, to create unique and stunning designs.

I would love to see your creations, so be sure to share your results by tagging me on Instagram @quiltilus. Happy sewing!

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