FPP (Foundation Paper Piecing)

Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) is a technique in which fabric pieces are sewn onto a printed paper pattern in a numbered sequence. Stitching through both fabric and paper keeps every seam perfectly aligned, making it possible to achieve sharp points, tight curves, and intricate geometry that would be extremely difficult to cut and sew by hand. After all sections are assembled, the paper is torn away. FPP is commonly used for complex blocks like Mariner's Compass, Dresden Plate, and many modern geometric designs. It requires printing accurate templates and sewing in reverse — fabric goes on the unprinted side, stitching on the printed side.