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Why we love quilting with foundation paper piecing patterns

by 31 Comments

Quilter extraordinaire Johanna Felberbaum explains why foundation paper piecing is the answer to all of your precision problems as she breaks down the basics of this flying geese quilt pattern!

Flying Geese are super popular in quilt patterns because the motif is so versatile that each project can be completely unique based on fabric selection.

Plus they can be either modern or traditional depending on layout and construction. They can pop off the wall or blend in casually with the right color scheme.

No brainer, right? This is why everyone loves them!

There’s kind of a catch, though – precision is absolutely key to the Flying Geese block. Because the effect of the block relies on high contrast, if the points aren’t perfect, it will be quite noticeable.

Luckily an easy way to achieve your perfectly perfect points is called Foundation Paper Piecing.

You may have heard of English paper piecing.

This is not that.

Here are the top 3 differences :

Foundation Paper Piecing vs. English Paper Piecing

  1. English paper piecing is a hand sewing technique, while foundation paper piecing usually uses a machine.
  2. Rather than stiff paper around which fabric is wrapped and finger-pressed, foundation paper is lightweight and will tear away easily after all the seams have been sewn.
  3. The templates in English paper piecing are individual shapes that are all incorporated to form an arrangement. But foundation paper templates are full block designs which are essentially traced over with the sewing needle.

They are both effective methods to avoid worrying about getting y-seams just right, and for achieving those precise points that are so essential to Flying Geese blocks.

Benefits of foundation paper piecing include:

  • Increased accuracy
  • Saving time in the measuring, cutting and stitching stages
  • Making your own designs into templates by hand drawing or printing them out
  • Being able to use scrap fabric from your stash
  • Being able to use a variety of textiles, even very delicate ones
  • Easily fixing mistakes with a seam ripper

Of course this technique is not limited to Flying Geese, but is especially useful for blocks with small pieces that would otherwise be very difficult to piece together accurately. It also lends itself well to fussy cut and irregular-shaped pieces.

Now not all blocks will be compatible with paper piecing, but tons of them are. The most inspiring thing is to know you can be creative and make your own templates – even your own patterns – and rely on the accuracy of having a foundation to work from.

Precision with ease – what more could a quilter ask for?

Let us know if you’ve tried foundation paper piecing and what you love about it in the comments section!

About Pamela Seniza

Comments

  4. Pamela Dikeman says

    I love paper piecing! I’ve found no better way to tackle an intricate pattern and be proud of the results!

  6. Joyce says

    Learning the paper-piecing technique, tho years ago, I remember to have been as exciting as learning to read

  9. Robin Massey-Crozier says

    I have been a fan of paper-piecing for years! I love the accuracy of the finished quint. For those who have never friend it I would encourage you to do so. Robin

  10. Miriam says

    I have done just a couple of sample pieces, would to learn more so it becomes more natural & so I could them think out my own designs.

  11. Trudy says

    I have been foundation piecing for several years. I have done several English paper pieced quilts also. I do miniature quilts. Paper piecing is the secret to small pieces

  13. Jules says

    I usually use paper piecing when I quilt. It does give you excellent points. I’m a beginner and can’t wait to try this

  14. Debbie says

    New to quilting would luv to no how to do more patterns and cutting shapes many thanks

  16. Cindy Herndon says

    Live the foot samples I got for my sewing machine. I have learned so many new techniques sewing quilts and other stuff has become even more enjoyable doing.
    Thank you

  17. Shirley says

    I enjoy paper piecing, but at 64 years old, it is so much harder to see it well. Hand stitching isn’t what it used to be when my eyes were perfect!

  19. Elaine Hart says

    I did a quilt with foundation paper piecing a few years ago and I loved it! It turned out great, better than I thought it would! I haven’t done a Flying Geese pattern yet amd didn’t know it was done on paper piecing …..

  20. Linda Payton says

    I have done paper piecing, tho it’s been a while. I have a project waiting for me that will require paper peicing.
    Will be referring back to the videos for a refresher before I start. Discipline requires that I finish my current project although excited about my paper piecing projject.

  21. joyce spires says

    I love paper piecing! I live the intrucut patterns I can achieve with this technique.

  23. Miss Cindy says

    I have never had the time to try this paper pieced quilting design. But now I live by myself, my husband has passed on, my kids don’t seem to mind what or where I am so I am going to spend my time in my sewing room. I have just moved so I will have to spend some time down sizing. Wish me good Luck 🍀

  26. Kare Ann says

    I have never done a quilt but would love to learn to. I have sewn clothes and blankets.

  29. Pam Long says

    Please do you have a quilt pattern made from men’s neckties? My dad passed an I would love to do a memory quilt with his times. They’re the religious ones an so colorful.

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