Start Foundation Paper Piecing

Class Preview

Learn essential paper piecing skills to create intricate blocks with ease!

Introduction

Meet longtime quilter Elizabeth Dackson and learn about the techniques covered in your class. Elizabeth explains the difference between foundation paper piecing and English paper piecing and discusses the kinds of paper you can use.

Planning Your Block

Understanding how foundations work is key with paper piecing. It can be very confusing! But Elizabeth will walk you through the process step by step. Then play with fabrics and colors to plan out your blocks. Learn which types of solids, prints and color combinations will work best to show off your piecing. You’ll cut and organize your fabric using the provided cut list, or make your own list with Elizabeth’s handy tips.

Sunray Block

Get started paper piecing with Elizabeth’s fun and friendly Sunray block. Elizabeth discusses the stitch lengths you’ll need to use, then demonstrates how to position your fabric pieces under your paper template using a sunny window, lamp or light box. Sew them together on the lines and you’re on your way! Complete the block with Elizabeth’s guidance and see how to get your seams and points lined up perfectly.

The Vortex Block

Sew like the wind along along with Elizabeth as you create the Vortex block, which combines two different triangular templates. Elizabeth discusses fabric choices and shows you how to chain piece to speed up the sewing process. Learn how to handle this block’s acute angles and finish the block. You can turn just four of these blocks into an adorable mini-quilt!

The Starflower Block

Irregular foundations and directional prints will pose no problems when you have Elizabeth’s tips for tackling them! Practice with your own fabrics to sew the Starflower quilt block. Using a basting stitch to match points means it’s easy to rip out just a few stitches if they’re not perfect, rather than the entire seam.

Monarch Block

Build your confidence by sewing the more intricate Monarch block along with Elizabeth. You’ll construct four templates, then sew them together to create one quarter-block — yes, that’s 16 templates in the completed block! And you can do it!

Pictorial Blocks

Working with many smaller patches can give you the illusion of curves in your piecing and gives you the opportunity to create pictures and letters. Elizabeth demonstrates with the letters S, E and W and walks you through the trickiest bits. You’ll be able to sew any pictorial design you like with your foundation paper piecing mastery!