Foundation Paper Piecing
step-by-step tutorial, templates + bonus video
BY SWEET CINNAMON ROSES
So, you're ready for foundation paper piecing?
Let me be your sewing buddy!
You want to learn how to make a quilt block, over and over again. At exactly the
same size? Staying super precise - no more mismatched blocks? Then foundation
paper piecing (or FPP) is for you.
In the instructions below, I’ll show you how to piece a very traditional economy
block from start to finish. Piecing for all skill levels really. And then I’ll show
you what you can do with your blocks (hint... it doesn’t have to be a full-sized
quilt).
At the very end of the pattern, you’ll find the economy block template in three
sizes. Print them out and get started straight away.
And finally. If you you a visual learner or feel you need a little extra help? Check
out the bonus video tutorial over on my Sewing Blog. I slowly guide you through
every single step.
WATCH THE TUTORIAL HERE
But for now, let's start to make your ecomony block together. A fabulous piecing
technique you’ll want to master!
You ready? Let's go.
Laura xo
SWEET CINNAMON ROSES 2/11
Let's get started. Shall we...?
Paper Piecing the easy way!
This is what you'll need:
quilting cotton
thread
basic quilty notions such as a rotary cutter, cutting mat, and ruler
templates (see page 9 and 10)
CLICK HERE FOR THE MATERIAL LIST
And here are a couple notes:
Secure your seams by backstitching at the beginning and end of every seam.
Make sure to reduce your stitch length to 1.5 when sewing on paper.
Let’s talk about printing.
The pattern format is A4 and not letter size (mostly used in the US). So if there are
any issues printing them out, make sure to consider that. If in doubt, contact your
local copy shop and I am sure they can help you out. Most modern printers at
home can be easily adjusted though…
In your pattern. you will find a 1" test square*. Measure it to make sure to get the
sizing right.
*Now - my slightly contentious take on this (and I know the quilty police won't agree with me).
But let me explain. Printing at the right size does not really matter as long as you always print
using the same settings! Ok. I know I might get some stick for this. But if your final block finishes
at 2" or 2" and 1/8" - nobody will know. Same for the seam allowance. As long as you always
print using the same settings - nobody (and I mean that), will ever know your printer didn't play
ball. Trust me. It happened to me so often. As I used all kinds of different printers and forgot to
check the format. As long as you print the entire project using one setting - everything will work
out just fine! So please don't sweat if your test square is slightly off. Just keep sewing. Nobody
will ever know.
Now, please find detailed measurements for both sizes on the next page!
Copyright by Laura Cunningham, 2023. All Rights Reserved. Please do not redistribute this pattern.
SWEET CINNAMON ROSES 3/11
FOUNDATION PAPER PIECING
precise piecing not only for quilters
A pattern by Laura Cunningham - find me on IG and FB (@sweetcinnamonroses) or [Link] for more!
Get your fabric (or fabric scraps) and template and
place them in front of you. Make sure all fabric pieces
overlap their designated paper section by at least 1/4"
on each side.
WATCH VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE
1 2
Flip over your template, right side facing down. Now
place your fabric for section 1 on top, right side facing
up. Make sure your fabric is overlapping each side of
section 1 by at least 1/4".
If you’re planning to fussy cut, make sure to place your
motif inside section 1 and move it around until your
happy (still making sure it’s overlapping each side of
section 1 by at least 1/4").
3 4
Take your piece of fabric for section 2 and place it on
top, right side facing down. Aligning the long edge of
your triangle with the line between section 1 and
section 2, overlapping that line by at least a 1/4".
Carefully flip over your paper fabric sandwich without
moving any of your pieces. Shorten your stitch length
to 1.5. Now sew over your line, starting and stopping a
couple stitches before and after.
Tip. It helps to hold your paper fabric sandwich near a
light source, checking all layers are in place.
5 6
Your paper piece should now look like this.
Fold over the paper along the sewn line. Making sure
the section with the higher number (here it’s 2) is
facing down on the lower one (here it’s 1). Trim down
the fabric along the edge to 1/4".
7 8
SWEET CINNAMON ROSES 4/11
FOUNDATION PAPER PIECING
precise piecing not only for quilters
A pattern by Laura Cunningham - find me on IG and FB (@sweetcinnamonroses) or [Link] for more!
Flip over your paper piece and it should look like this.
Press the seam and fold over the fabric for section 2,
and give it a good press again.
9 10
We are now adding section 3.
Take your piece of fabric for section 3 and place it on
top, right side facing down. Aligning the long edge of
your triangle with the line between section 1 and
section 3, overlapping that line by at least a 1/4".
Carefully flip over your paper fabric sandwich without
moving any of your pieces. Now sew over your line,
starting and stopping a couple stitches before and after.
Your paper piece should now look like this.
11 12
Fold over the paper along the sewn line. Making sure
the section with the higher number (here it’s 3) is
facing down on the lower one (here it’s 1). Trim down
the fabric along the edge to 1/4".
Flip over your paper piece and press the seam. Fold
over the fabric for section 3 and give it a good press
again.
13 14
And now “rinse and repeat”.
We are now adding section 4.
Place your piece of fabric for section 4 on top, right side
facing down overlapping your line by at least 1/4". Flip
your paper and sew in place. Fold over your paper
(section 4 on top of section 1) and trim down the seam
allowance to a 1/4". And press.
15 16
SWEET CINNAMON ROSES 5/11
FOUNDATION PAPER PIECING
precise piecing not only for quilters
A pattern by Laura Cunningham - find me on IG and FB (@sweetcinnamonroses) or [Link] for more!
We are now adding section 5.
Place your piece of fabric for section 5 on top, right side
facing down overlapping your line by at least 1/4". Flip
your paper and sew in place. Fold over your paper
(section 5 on top of section 1) and trim down the seam
allowance to a 1/4". And press.
17 18
We are now adding section 6.
Place your piece of fabric for section 6 on top, right side
facing down overlapping your line by at least 1/4". Flip
your paper and sew in place. Fold over your paper
(section 6 on top of section 1, 2 and 4) and trim down
the seam allowance to a 1/4". And press.
19 20
We are now adding section 7.
Place your piece of fabric for section 7 on top, right side
facing down overlapping your line by at least 1/4". Flip
your paper and sew in place. Fold over your paper
(section 7 on top of section 1, 3 and 5) and trim down
the seam allowance to a 1/4". And press.
21 22
We are now adding section 8.
Place your piece of fabric for section 8 on top, right side
facing down overlapping your line by at least 1/4". Flip
your paper and sew in place. Fold over your paper
(section 8 on top of section 1, 2 and 5) and trim down
the seam allowance to a 1/4". And press.
23 24
SWEET CINNAMON ROSES 6/11
FOUNDATION PAPER PIECING
precise piecing not only for quilters
A pattern by Laura Cunningham - find me on IG and FB (@sweetcinnamonroses) or [Link] for more!
We are now adding section 9.
Place your piece of fabric for section 9 on top, right side
facing down overlapping your line by at least 1/4". Flip
your paper and sew in place. Fold over your paper
(section 9 on top of section 1, 3 and 4) and trim down
the seam allowance to a 1/4". And press.
25 26
Your paper piece should now look like this. You’ve
sewn over all the lines connecting your fabric sections.
Now trim your paper piece along the dotted lines.
27 28
And that’s your first economy block all done.
“Rinse and repeat” to make a whole bunch of them. You
can totally make a full size quilt - I prefer to only make
a handful and use them for a smaller project.
29 30
Piece them into a larger improv panel. Making one
project super special.
And after you’re done piecing your panel - it’s time to
carefully remove all the paper pieces on the back.
Tweezers might come in handy!
IMPROV PIECING TUTORIAL
31 32
SWEET CINNAMON ROSES 7/11
FOUNDATION PAPER PIECING
precise piecing not only for quilters
A pattern by Laura Cunningham - find me on IG and FB (@sweetcinnamonroses) or [Link] for more!
Then, you can turn your panel into anything you like.
With me, that will most likely be another bag or zipper
pouch...
Here I turned my paper pieced improv panel into an
Anyone Can Make This Bag. Scrappy happy meets Bag
Making. Always my favourite!
ANYONE CAN MAKE THIS BAG
33 34
Celebrate!
Please share your new economy blocks over on social media using the #sweetcinnamonroses! And please don't forget
to tag me, so I can see what you came up with. Y-A-Y!
That was easy, right?
Foundation paper piecing doesn’t have to be tricky or complicated. In fact... it’s super relaxing and might even
replace your yoga classes. Yay!
Ohh and if you would like to get in touch - I am only an Email away (laura@[Link]). Or stay
updated via Instagram and Facebook (@sweetcinnamonroses for both platforms)...
Are you ready for more...?
If you fancy learning a new skill but like to keep it easy - the Quilted Boxy Pouch would be the perfect next project
for you. Scrap- and beginner-friendly and made in no time at all. And a great project to use your new economy blocks
on. Sounds good, eh?
MORE ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT
Laura xo
large
mini
medium
Quilted Boxy Pouch - comes in 3 sizes
SWEET CINNAMON ROSES 8/11
6 2 8 6 2 8
1"
test
4 1 5 4 square
5
3" finished
3" finished
9 3 7 9 3 7
6 2 8 6 2 8
SWEET CINNAMON ROSES
4 1 5 4 1 5
3" finished 3" finished
9 3 7 9 3 7
6 2 8 6 2 8
4 1 5 4 1 5
3" finished 3" finished
9 3 7 9 3 7
9/11
1"
test
6 2 8 6 2 8
square
4 1 5 4 1 5
2" finished 2" finished
9 3 7 9 3 7
6 2 8 6 2 8
4 1 5 4 1 5
2" finished 2" finished
SWEET CINNAMON ROSES
9 3 7 9 3 7
6 2 8 6 2 8
4 1 5 4 1 5
2" finished 2" finished
9 3 7 9 3 7
6 2 8 6 2 8
4 1 5 4 1 5
2" finished 2" finished
9 3 7 9 3 7
10/11
6 2 8 6 2 8
1"
4 1 5 4 test 5
square
2.5" finished
9 3 7 9 3 7
6 2 8 6 2 8
SWEET CINNAMON ROSES
4 1 5 4 1 5
2.5" finished 2.5" finished
9 3 7 9 3 7
6 2 8 6 2 8
4 1 5 4 1 5
2.5" finished 2.5" finished
9 3 7 9 3 7
11/11
