Make Time Sew-Along: Week 5 Foundation Paper Piecing
Welcome to week 5 of the Make Time Sew-Along. This week we are looking at Foundation Paper Piecing.
I am nothing if not predictable…I love Foundation Paper Piecing so very much so it felt only natural that the blocks I designed for the Make Time quilt featured this great technique.
I have three blocks that feature in the design, plus there’s the BONUS Faithful Friend block (that you can use if you’re not so much of a cat fan!)
Foundation Paper Piecing Top Tips
I know that as part of the Make Time sew-along that you have already heard from Jo Westfoot and Lou Orth, but here are my top tips for Foundation Paper Piecing.
I also share with you lots of great tips in the demo video
- Check that 1″ test square. I know you’ve heard this before, but it’s so very important for checking your printer settings. Remember to print at 100% or ‘Actual Size’.
- Treat fabrics with starch, Best Press or similar before using. This is particularly useful if you are using a seam roller, rather than an iron
- Start with a fresh needle in your machine…and then replace it when you are done! Sewing through all that paper can really dull your needle.
- Use an add a quarter ruler to trim seam allowances accurately before adding the next piece. If you are working on a more complex section with smaller pieces, consider using an add an eighth ruler instead.
- Shorten your stitch length. This makes it easier to remove papers once you’re finished sewing.
- Make sure your iron is super clean. As sections get more complex it becomes less flat. Any dirt on your iron is guaranteed to make a mark on the area that sits most proud!
- Trim up sections (before joining together) using an older rotary blade. I keep old blades specifically for this purpose!
- Remove the paper from the seam allowances once sections have been sewn together. It helps you get a super flat seam.
- Join sections together carefully, matching up any seams that are important for the flow of the design. There are illustrations in my instructions that show you with green circles where these points are. You can also try the pin technique (see from 42:09 on the demo video below).
Need some supplies?
If you’re after a few bits to help with Foundation Paper Piecing, then I can highly recommend the products below.
(these are affiliate links. I will earn a small commission if you purchase, but you still pay the same price)
Make Time Quilt Pattern Bundle
The Make Time quilt is a collaboration from four British designers that really focuses on making time to do the things that make you happy. There are blocks themed around spending time in nature, pursuing creative hobbies, spending time with friends and family and taking time for a little self-care.
To accompany the project there are a whole host of blog posts and tutorials that will help you in the making of this great quilt.
Click below to buy a copy of the Make Time quilt pattern bundle
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