Foundation Paper Piecing techniques I wish I had learned sooner
I fell in love with Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) about 10 years ago. I have gravitated to large and complex patterns that have small pieces and many sections. For example, the airplane quilts I design use blocks pieced via FPP. There are a few hints I’ve learned through trial and error that have made my FPP quilting more successful.
Hint 1: Newsprint
I like to use newsprint when using a digital pattern that I print at home. I can usually find a ream of 500 sheets of newsprint online for between $10 – $20. However, newsprint is much thinner than regular printer paper so make sure you configure your home printer to a “thin paper” setting. I have found that using newsprint with normal printer paper settings runs the risk of jamming. Additionally, newsprint is great for FPP because it is less bulky and tears easily.
Hint 2: Thread
For years I used standard 50wt sewing thread and things were fine. One day I decided to try some DecBob 80wt thread that I happed to have on. What a game changer!! The 80wt thread made a world of difference; my seams were flatter and had less bulk build up when sections were sewn together.
Hint 3: Stitch length
I started sewing FPP patterns with a standard 2.5 stitch length. Little by little I started using a smaller and smaller stitch length. Currently I use between 1.5 and 1.6 stitch length. The smaller stitches create tighter seams, and also perforate the pattern paper with more holes making paper removal easier/
Hint 4: Seam paper removal
I read about this hint in a comment on an FPP Facebook post and it has become a regular practice. After sewing two separate pattern sections together I remove the seam allowance paper on both sides of the seam before ironing. This helps remove bulk from the seam and also prevents creating hard to reach areas for paper removal at the end of the project.
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