Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP)
A precision piecing method where fabric is sewn directly onto a printed paper pattern, enabling very accurate points and angles.
Foundation paper piecing (FPP) uses a printed paper template as a guide for sewing fabric pieces in numbered order. Fabric is placed on the unprinted side of the paper, and seams are sewn on the printed lines through both paper and fabric. This method produces extremely accurate results even for complex blocks with many tiny pieces or unusual angles — making it popular for Mariner's Compass, pineapple blocks, and modern geometric designs. The paper is torn away after quilting is complete. FPP requires fabric pieces cut larger than the finished sections to account for positioning.
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Practice makes perfect.
NiftyFifty connects quilters from all 50 states through block swaps, bees, and quilt-alongs. Great place to put new techniques to work.