26 Quilts & More | WINTER 2020
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HOW TO FOUNDATION-PIECE
- On the unmarked side of
the foundation paper, place the
position 1 fabric piece right side
up over the position 1 foundation
area; pin (Photo 1). Turn over
and use a light box or window to
ensure that fabric completely covers
position 1 area, with about ½ "
extending past all lines (Photo 2). - With marked side of foundation
paper facing up, fold paper back
on line between positions 1 and 2.
(Because the paper is folded over,
it will look like the unmarked
side is facing up.) Line up ruler
so that ¼ " of fabric extends
past folded edge of paper; trim
fabric (Photo 3). Unfold.
Often called paper piecing, foundation piecing involves stitching
fabric to a marked foundation paper to easily make accurate blocks.
- On unmarked side, align edge of
position 2 piece with edge
trimmed in Step 2; pin. Turn paper
over and stitch on line between
positions 1 and 2, beginning
and ending a few stitches past
marked line (Photo 4, marked
side; Photo 5, unmarked side). - Fold back paper on line between
positions 1 and 2, and trim so
¼ " extends past folded edge
(Photo 6). On unmarked side,
press open position 2 piece. - Continue trimming and adding
pieces in numerical order
until block is assembled. Trim
around block, leaving a ¼ "
seam allowance. Carefully
remove foundation paper.
1 2
4 5
3
6
BEST PRACTICES
- Use a tiny stitch length and a larger
needle so the foundation material
will easily tear away. - Try an Add-A-Quarter ruler
(addaquarter.com), shown in
photos 3 and 6, which fi ts snugly
against the folded edge of the
paper, making it easier to trim ¼ ". - Slip a piece of cardstock against
each marked line before folding
paper back for more accurate results. - Sew as straight as possible on the
marked lines. - Fine-point tweezers are great for
gently pulling out small paper bits.