From Janet Wickell,
Your Guide to Quilting.
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Foundation piecing is a traditional method that's had a dramatic rebirth since the early 1990's. Miniature quilt enthusiasts were among the first to "rediscover" foundation piecing, since when it's done correctly blocks are perfect every time, no matter how small their patches are.

Quilters often call foundation piecing paper piecing, but don't confuse it with English paper piecing, a totally different technique. Flip and sew and sew and flip are two more terms you'll hear. Both describe the actions involved in sewing a foundation pieced block.

Intro to Foundation Piecing

When you foundation piece, you sew patches onto an exact replica--or template--of a quilt block or portion of a block. The foundation template can be drawn or printed on paper, fabric or another material. The only seam allowance on the template is the one around the outer perimeter of the unit.

Fabric is positioned on the reverse side of the foundation template, with edges overlapping drawn lines. Seams are sewn on the front, directly on the lines, and the overlapped edges of fabric become seam allowances. If you position fabric carefully, and sew on the lines, your blocks will be perfect every time.

It's more difficult to describe foundation piecing that to do it--you'll find that it's one of the easiest techniques you've ever tried. We'll get to some projects in a bit, but first let's talk about foundation piecing options.

Foundation Materials

Foundation templates can be permanent or temporary. Permanent foundations stay in the quilt forever. Temporary foundations are usually removed after the blocks are joined, but before the quilt is sandwiched with batting and backing.

Permanent vs. Temporary

• Permanent foundations add an extra layer that can make hand quilting difficult.

• Permanent foundations add bulk to seam allowances.

• Permanent foundations remain to stabilize patches, so you can use up bits and pieces of your stash without regard to grain placement.

• Temporary foundations are sewn with short stitches that help perforate the template for easier removal and keep seams stable when foundations are pulled away. Short stitches can be difficult to remove if you must rip out a seam to correct errors.

• You can use longer stitches on permanent foundations.

• It takes time to remove most types of temporary foundations, especially when patches are small.

Permanent Foundation Choices

Lightweight muslin and other cottons are traditional choices for permanent foundations. Woven fabric has a tendency to stretch during handling--and that can skew your blocks. Moisture enhances stretch, so use a dry iron to press during assembly.

It's easy to print on fabric when you back it with freezer paper.

Non-woven interfacing is another option. It's sheer, doesn't stretch, and template lines are visible from both sides to make fabric placement a cinch.

Temporary Foundation Materials

Smooth vellum can be used for temporary foundations and will feed through most laser printers. Blank newsprint is another choice, and pulls away easily after sewing.

Commercial foundations are also available. Many are made to pass easily through inkjet and laser printers.

• The Electric Quilt offers precut sheets of temporary foundation material made from a non-woven, rayon polyester blend.

• Collins' Wash Away Foundation Paper is said to dissolve in ten seconds when the finished quilt is placed in water.

• Carol Doak sells 100-sheet packs of foundation paper.

Other plain and pre-printed foundations are available at quilt shops and from mail order suppliers.

I use temporary foundations for blocks that will be made into a quilt, because I don't like a bulky extra layer. I use permanent foundations to make blocks that would look best with a stiffer appearance--such as pieces that will decorate clothing or accessories.

Making Foundation Templates

There are many ways to make templates, but the easiest way is to print them with your inkjet printer.

• You'll find lots of free patterns online.

• If you're using a book, make 100% photocopies or scan images--as long as it's for your own personal use. You might be instructed to add a 1/4" seam around each template.

• Quilting software programs allow you to design and print accurate templates quickly and easily.

Treat 100% cotton fabric with a product such as Bubble Jet Set before printing to make dyes permanent.

Foundation Piecing Tips

• Use 15-20 stitches per inch when piecing on temporary foundations. Go with the higher stitch count for minis with short seams to keep them from unravelling when foundations are removed.

• Keep stretch to a minimum by placing the fabric's straight grain along the outer perimeter of a block when using temporary foundations.

• Begin each project with a new needle. Needles must pierce multiple layers of fabric and paper, so they become dull more quickly.

• Read more foundation piecing tips.

Now it's time to get started on a foundation project.