If you’re looking for a fun and precise way to expand your quilting skills, paper piecing quilt patterns is a great way to go. It’s perfect for creating detailed quilt blocks with accuracy, even for beginners!
I’ve always enjoyed how foundation paper piecing patterns make it so much easier to get those crisp, sharp points without stressing over seam allowances or wobbly edges.
Whether you’re using pre-made paper templates or drafting your own paper pattern, the process is straightforward once you get the hang of it.
I remember when I first tried paper piecing with a foundation paper-pieced block—it felt like opening a new book of quilting possibilities!
The satisfaction of peeling away the foundation papers to reveal a perfectly stitched quilt block never gets old.
The key is to stitch directly on the stitching line, using a shortened stitch length on your sewing machine to make the paper removal easier later on.
For beginners, starting with simpler quilt kits or free paper patterns is a great way to dip your toes into this technique.
There are so many free pdf patterns available for personal use that you won’t run out of options!
Grab your foundation papers, fabric pieces, and sewing machine, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of paper piecing!
Key Takeaways for Easy-to-Sew Paper Piecing Quilt Patterns:
- Paper piecing is a great way to achieve precise quilt blocks with crisp points.
- Shorten your stitch length to around 1.5mm for easier removal of foundation papers.
- Use freezer paper or regular lightweight copy paper for your paper foundation.
- Trim excess fabric after each seam to keep your quilt block neat and aligned.
- Test with free patterns and quilt kits to build confidence before tackling larger projects.
- English paper piecing and foundation paper piecing are both excellent techniques for accurate and detailed quilting.
- Use quarter rulers and straight edges to trim seam allowances accurately.
- Foundation paper piecing patterns offer endless creative opportunities, from simple blocks to intricate designs.
Tips & Hints for Paper Piecing Success
- Use a shorter stitch length – When you sew along the seam line on your paper foundation, set your stitch length to around 1.5mm. This helps perforate the foundation paper, making it easier to tear away when you’re done.
- Trim excess fabric – After each seam, trim the excess fabric from behind the paper pattern using quarter rulers or any straight edge to keep your quilt block neat and tidy.
- Try freezer paper for stability – Freezer paper can be a great alternative to regular foundation papers, as it sticks to your fabric pieces without pins. This is especially handy for more complex patterns, like the La Passacaglia quilt.
- Test with free patterns – Download free pdf patterns to practice before diving into larger projects. It’s an excellent way to get comfortable with the process while working on something for personal use, like a small wall quilt.
Easy to Sew Paper Piecing Quilt Patterns
Sew all year long tracking the weather with a temperature quilt. This free quilt pattern features the rocky road quilt block.
Although the Pineapple Block may look complicated, you really are just sewing straight lines so it’s a great block to learn the technique of paper piecing with. And the fabulous part is, the Pineapple Block makes a beautiful secondary pattern when you sew the blocks together.
Most of the scraps I was playing with were tiny little bits and so I designed a little, fat kaleidoscope block to make this quilt. A tiny paper pieced block allowed me to get accuracy with my piecing while being able to do some fun fussy cutting…find the mini Kaleidoscope quilt pattern here.
The blocks are very time-consuming, but I love the finish so much!! I prep all little pieces before sewing them in chain piece 4 at a time. Fabrics are various scraps from my stash. Full mini pineapple quilt block pattern here.
Celebration Wreath
I designed this little quilt for the Carol Doak Quilting Group back in 2008. It was a real hit! Change the colors to celebrate the seasons such as Fall colors, Christmas Colors and Spring colors. The Sample Photo was the quilt top made by Anita. It finishes 34″x 34″. Enjoy, Carol
It was so relaxing to pick through my box of scraps to find the perfect fabric for each block. ‘Cause that’s how quilters relax. We play with fabric! And these triangles are the ultimate in fun, relaxing foundation paper piecing.
it’s a great beginner-friendly paper piecing feather pattern and a great scrap buster!
This block is a great way to use your scraps on! Gather those up and in no time you’ll have yourself a bunch of blocks that will make a super cute quilt pattern.
Sew up quickly this 5 point star – great for any summer party and occassion.
This mini quilt is feisty and playful, so can you please welcome Winifred to my free pattern family.
Choosing a name for this design was easy. She’s named after Winifred (Winnie) Sanderson from the Hocus Pocus movies. The original movie is a must watch for me in October, along with Practical Magic, The Craft and The Witches of Eastwick – there’s a bit of a theme there! 😉
“Sugar Baby” Free Paper Pieced Quilt Block Pattern designed by Nicole from lillyella!
Say hello to Cricket, Gidget & Pepper, the Butterfly Charm Blocks!
These little paper pieced blocks measure 5.5” after piecing and can be used as a 5” finished square or trimmed to 5” for a 4.5” finished square, making them perfect for mixing with 5” charms.
This X block is designed to coordinate with my Love Story pattern.
Directions on how to foundation paper piece are not included, but the pattern is beginner friendly.
Unravel the mystery of the Dutchman’s Puzzle quilt block! This captivating design is a riddle wrapped in fabric, just waiting for you to decode its secrets.
Paper piecing streamlines the piecing process, reducing the amount of trimming, and minimizing a bit of the bulk created where the Flying Geese meet.
Super cute star bock, mod log cabin, pumpkins and heart paper piecing printables.
This cute flying kite is really quilt simple and a great block to try this technique out.
Don’t forget about the water paper piecing pen! This is soooo handy when it comes time to picking off all the paper when you are done sewing everything. Check it out (in video too) and see how it can help your paper piecing doesn’t have to be tedious!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I use inkjet printers to print my foundation paper piecing pattern?
Absolutely! Just make sure to print your paper templates on lightweight paper (I use 70gsm), so it’s easier to tear away once you’re finished. - What stitch length should I use for paper piecing?
A smaller stitch length, around 1.5mm, is perfect for securing the paper foundation and fabric pieces without damaging the paper. - Do I need special foundation papers for paper piecing?
While there are specialty papers made for this, you can also use regular copy paper or freezer paper. The key is making sure it’s lightweight and easy to tear. - How do I ensure my fabric is in the right place?
A great tip is to hold your block up to a light source or window before sewing. This way, you can check if the fabric covers the entire pattern piece and seam allowances.
Coats & Clark Paper Piecing Thread~
- How to use: Thread it through your machine. Make sure you adjust your stitch length to a 2.0 or smaller, so the paper is easier to remove. I used it in both the top thread and the spool thread. Sometimes if I don’t, the sewing machine has a fuss and things get all crazy. Plus, if one is thin and the other is not, it kind of defeats the whole purpose of sewing with it in the first place.
- What color of spool is it? Coats & Clark color code their spools- the paper piecing thread is light purple.
- Description: Explore paper piecing technique to make unique quilt blocks with the Coats & Clark Dual Duty XP Paper Piecing Thread 225 Yds. Made of 100% polyester, this paper piecing thread is very fine and offers durability to your quilting projects.
- Where to get it? Amazon or a local sewing machine shop. Comes in a 6 Pack
- Why use it? It prevents bulking on the seams and allows paper to be cut easily without distortion.
- A few more notes: I also have used this hand stitching when sewing hexagons together. Because the thread is thin, it nestles right in and makes the tacking and stitching super nice. Plus, with the color assortment, you can find what you need when sewing with hexagons.
Paper piecing truly opens up a world of creativity and precision. Whether you’re making a detailed wall quilt or just experimenting with quilt blocks, the process is both satisfying and fun. Don’t worry if your first few blocks aren’t perfect—it’s all about practice!
One of the best parts of foundation paper piecing is that it forces you to slow down, plan, and enjoy the stitching line by line. And with so many free patterns, quilt kits, and resources available, there’s no shortage of inspiration.
If you’re a fan of English paper piecing, then you already know the joy of working with paper templates, but foundation paper piecing adds a whole new twist. The versatility of this technique allows you to create anything from classic quilt blocks to intricate designs like the Ice Cream Soda or La Passacaglia quilts.
And remember, it’s not about having the perfect quilt from the start—it’s about enjoying the journey. So, pull out your fabric stash, grab some foundation papers, and start stitching your next masterpiece!
More Quilting Fun
- How to sew a string quilt – similar to paper piecing but you are using fabric as the foundation instead of paper.
- How to use add a quarter ruler – this is sooo handy when it comes to paper piecing! A must have notion.
- 10 beginner quilter friendly patterns
- 5 best resources when you are ready to learn a new quilt technique
- Best needle threaders for quilters
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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