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Free Foundation Paper Piecing Patterns

196 free FPP quilt blocks to recolor, print and sew. Every seam is straight, every piece is numbered in sewing order, and the foundations print with seam allowance at the size you pick.

Patterns
196 in 9 categories
Beginner-friendly
51
Pieces per block
6 to 143
Price
Free, no sign-up

196 patterns

Animals

Stars

Holidays

Nature and outdoors

Classic blocks

Geometric and 3D

Retro and geek

Home and everyday

3D letters and numbers

Make it yours: every pattern is a starting point

These patterns are free and open to change. Think of each one as a starting point, not a finished rule: remix it into your colors, your size, your idea.

  1. 1Open itEvery pattern opens in the free FPP tool, no account needed.
  2. 2Change anythingSwap fabrics, change the size, move or add seams. The sewing order and sections update on their own.
  3. 3Save it as yoursSave your version to a free account and share it. Other quilters can then remix yours, credited to you.

What is foundation paper piecing?

Foundation paper piecing (FPP) is a quilting method where you sew fabric onto a printed paper pattern, stitching right on the lines in numbered order, so sharp points and odd angles come out exactly where the pattern puts them.

How to sew a paper pieced block

  1. Print at 100%. Print the foundations at actual size and measure the 1-inch test square to check your printer did not scale the page.
  2. Cut fabric a little big. Cut each fabric piece at least 1/4 inch bigger on every side than its numbered space. Rough cuts are fine.
  3. Sew in number order. Place piece 1 on the unprinted side, lay piece 2 right sides together, and sew on the printed line from the printed side. Flip, press, trim the seam to 1/4 inch, and repeat for each number.
  4. Trim each section. Trim each finished section on its outer dashed line, which includes the 1/4-inch seam allowance.
  5. Join the sections. Sew the sections together in the order the pattern lists, pinning where seams meet, then tear the paper away.

Draw your own

Every pattern here is built from straight seams in the same free FPP pattern maker you can use yourself: drag lines across a block and it becomes a printable pattern. For pieced blocks on a grid, try the Pattern Designer, and for a pattern made from your own photo, see custom FPP patterns.

Questions

Are these foundation paper piecing patterns really free?

Yes. Every pattern here is free to open, recolor and print, with no account and no email sign-up.

Can I download a pattern as a PDF?

Yes. Each pattern opens in NiftyFifty's free FPP tool, which downloads a PDF with a 1-inch test square, a color key, an assembly map, the sewing order and every foundation drawn at exact size with 1/4-inch seam allowance.

How do I print an FPP pattern at a different size?

Open the pattern, choose a block size from 4 to 18 inches in the tool, then print. Foundations print at full size, and the 1-inch test square on every foundation page lets you check that your printer didn't scale the page.

Which FPP pattern is easiest for a beginner?

Start with a block that has few pieces and few sections. The easiest here are Sailboat (10 pieces, 1 section), Bow Tie (6 pieces, 2 sections) and Pinwheel (8 pieces, 2 sections).

Can I change a pattern before I print it?

Yes. Every pattern opens in the FPP tool with its seams in place. Change any fabric, move or add seams, and the piece numbers and sections update on their own.