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Foundation Paper Piecing – Try Something New Every Month

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foundation paper piecing economy block

This is my July attempt to Try Something New Every Month for 2015; you can see my other past projects and read more about TSNEM here. I have a round-up of free patterns and tutorials for foundation paper piecing too, see it here.

A few months ago I tried english paper piecing, and when I was digging around on Pinterest I realized that there were two different styles of paper piecing! I really had trouble wrapping my head around the concept of sewing on to paper, on the other side, but once I actually tried it instead of just reading about it, it went pretty quickly.

Amy Butler Paper Piecing

I tried a video tutorial first, with accompanying pattern, from 3 and 3 quarters. I ended up watching the video on my phone, so I could turn it upside down and “follow” with my hands instead of looking at the mirror image. I didn’t have to seam rip anything, but cut it a little too close on a few of the corners. It’s hard for me to use a bigger scrap when I think (incorrectly) that a smaller one will do! I was pretty excited at how the finished product looked, especially for a first try.

You might recognize the Amy Butler fabric – I used it first in giant book floor pillow, from a Challenge Create sewing competition!

Green and blue quilt blocks

It went so quickly I decided to try at least one more, and the next day I used the 5″ paper pieced economy blocks from Sewing Lab. Fabrics are Alison Glass in Sunprint / Grove Green & American Made Brand in Dark Aqua. I love how they turned out, I’m going to back them with felt and make coasters.

I want to try a more complicated one, especially an animal, but I’m having trouble choosing what to try next! I’d love to hear any favorite paper piecing designers or patterns, if you have any.

See What Other Bloggers Tried:

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Meriel A

Sunday 12th of July 2015

Isn't it fun?? FPP gave me fits the first time I tried it but once you get it, it makes so much sense! And the finished product is so satisfying!

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Sunday 12th of July 2015

Soo satisfying!

Toya

Thursday 9th of July 2015

I'm really enjoying this series, this is yet another one I want to try...

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Friday 10th of July 2015

I love the stuff you make Toya, so yes please try it so I can see :)

Ajaire

Wednesday 8th of July 2015

I love paper piecing, but also find myself cutting it close sometimes :) It's great scrap busting though!

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Friday 10th of July 2015

I love scrap busters, and I know you do too. I thought of you today when I saw a Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery thingy in our LQS!

Kristy

Monday 6th of July 2015

Isn't foundation paper piecing awesome?! I have finally gotten to the point where I just use way-too-big scraps so I'm not cutting it so close since my brain doesn't entirely wrap around the angles and how the piece unfolds quite yet. It's one of my new favorite things though since trying it for TSNEM!

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Tuesday 7th of July 2015

It is awesome, and I know exactly what you mean. I need to suck it up and use too big scraps too!!

Pam @Threading My Way

Monday 6th of July 2015

Great going not having to unpick anything, Stephanie. I enjoy Foundation Paper Piecing, but I always end up having to unpick something. The Tartankiwi has some great patterns. I don't think she gives instructions, just the patterns, but sounds like you won't need them anyway. http://www.thetartankiwi.com/

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Tuesday 7th of July 2015

Just followed her on IG, that zebra is amazing!! Thank you!

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