Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) Basics: tutorial / mini-class

This tutorial / mini-class will demonstrate how easy foundation paper piecing (FPP) can be. We cover preparing your paper templates, sewing supplies, how to determine how big your fabric pieces should be, sewing tips, and more! There are a number of ways to approach FPP. Over the years, I've developed a process that works really well for me and my students.
Foundation paper piecing is an accurate and precise quilt piecing technique that enables quilters to piece complex designs easily. For this reason, many of the quilt patterns I design are constructed by foundation paper piecing. FPP does take a bit of patience and practice, but once you understand and remember the basics you'll be making beautiful blocks in no time!
For more quilting tutorials, tips, and behind the scenes, visit: blog.wholecirclestudio.com/
For foundation paper piecing patterns, visit: shop.wholecirclestudio.com/
Quilt patterns/projects show hanging on wall:
Sew Speedy: shop.wholecirclestudio.com/pr...
Dragonfly Dance: shop.wholecirclestudio.com/pr...
Typecast Alphabet Blocks: shop.wholecirclestudio.com/pr...
6 Foot Ruler: shop.wholecirclestudio.com/pr...
Citrus Slices: shop.wholecirclestudio.com/pr...

[@marymorton9117]

This FPP tutorial is BY FAR the best one I have seen. You are an amazing teacher!!! I was able to follow and understand every stage in the process. Videos by other quilters I respect had left me confused and frustrated. They often went too fast or missed explaining something. Thank you so much. You have saved my sanity and confidence!!!

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Hi Mary, Thanks so much for your kind words. I'm so happy you find this helpful! Happy piecing, Sheri

[@jenniferworley317]

Thank you so much. I just couldn't understand PP by reading instructions. Tour tutorial made it seem so clear.

[@eileenboyt1741]

I haven't done FPP for a while and I got myself really confused trying to make my first block and ended losing my seam allowance, tore the template and got really frustrated. This video is just superb, each step is explained well and is easy to understand. I'm ready to go give it another try. Thank you so much!

[@gregreese2274]

Thank you for the FPP tutorial! Watched it a few times then played it while I was working on a practice pattern. You made it look easier than other tutorials I’ve read and/or watched.

[@xg__garbled]

this is the most excellent fpp tutorial i have seen. the camera angles are perfect. so i can see everything you're doing clearly. thank you so much!!! 🌳🐿

[@WholeCircleStudio]

You're so welcome! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@francrouch9347]

First time viewer, old FPP sewist and you taught me a couple tricks!

[@lonnieh4992]

39:22 thank you so much for your detailed instructions! I am working on my first paper piece project and I couldn’t get through anything without referring back to your video! Thank you so much❤

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Hi Lonnie-So happy it hear it was helpful! Please consider subscribing to my newsletter for lots of other tutorials, tips, and things going on in the quilting world! Here is the link to signup: wholecirclestudio.com/signup

[@ladonnaaubert549]

Thanks so . I'd watched one other teacher's vid and it was very helpful, wanted to check out a couple more. You are literally walking me through making a quilt with this method. I'm making it for out Scoutmaster, who i retiring next month. I had the general idea, as I did the practice piece that I'd downloaded with the pattern I'm doing, but and not really a quilter and wanted as much coaching I could find. I'm enjoying your tutorial AND making the quilt.

[@WholeCircleStudio]

So glad it's helpful. Happy paper piecing!

[@angelacarberry6055]

Best best tutorial ive seen on this, i could not get my head around it but this video has been so helpful, thankyou ❤

[@joankiely3614]

Thank you, the best tutorial I have seen on foundation piecing! Cheers 😊🥰😘❤️💕😍

[@WholeCircleStudio]

HI Joan, You're welcome! I'm happy to hear it is helpful. Happy piecing, Sheri

[@djlane5213]

Is the dragonfly pattern available?

[@nancyruth2008]

Thanks you for such a clear tutorial.

[@sherryllgates8375]

This tutorial totally prepared me to do the paper piecing component of a quilt I have been working on. My project came out really well, and I am now a convert! I will be looking for projects that have paper piecing to really anchor this technique! Many thanks for such a fab tutoring!

[@WholeCircleStudio]

So happy it's helpful! If you haven't already, please hit the subscribe button so that you're alerted when I have a new tutorial available!

[@gailkosturos7238]

It’s nice to meet you! I’m just now visiting your website and I’m very impressed by the thorough way that you tackle this subject. I haven’t finished your tutorial yet but, I’ve already learned more from you than all the other people I’ve seen! I have to get back to finish the tutorial, but I’m so excited by your teaching style that I had to let you know! Thank you for taking the fear out of FPP.

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Hi Gail, Thanks so much for your feedback. I'm so happy to hear the tutorial is helpful. Be sure to keep me posted on your FPP projects. I'd love to see what you make! -Sheri

[@ryanwhitley8570]

Minute 13... Thank you for explaining how to make sure your fabric will be positioned and big enough to cover a section!!

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Glad it was helpful! Happy quilting, Sheri

[@user-bb8ix5nf3t]

Thank you! This was my first attempt at FPP and I couldn't have done it without your tutorial. You spoke clearly and at just the right pace for me to absorb the material. Your quilts are beautiful.

[@WholeCircleStudio]

You're welcome. I'm so glad I helpeed! Be sure to get access to my other free tutorials here: www.wholecirclestudio.com/freelibrary

[@lindamari1000]

Wow you're the best. I sure appreciate this.

[@WholeCircleStudio]

You're welcome! I'm glad this mini-class was helpful! Happy quilting, Sheri

[@margieholm2385]

Great tutorial! Thank you for the clear explanation!!!

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lnwmelon]

This is really helpful, especially when you demonstrate how to determine that your fabric will cover the section it needs to cover. I’ll be referring back to this video many times I’m sure.

[@sheryltingley875]

Thans so much. This is the best tutorial I have seen on FPP thus far and I have seen a lot.

[@Allsmilesgirl277]

Watching this in preparation for the greenhouse fpp sew-a-long! ❤

[@karenwarner1812]

I am a newbi and terrified of FPP-until now! I am a retired educator so I recognize good instruction when I see and hear it and you are one of the best. My question is about adding other sections to the block. I have a pattern that needs sewing together at the end. Do you have a tutorial for that ?

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Hi Karen, Glad it was helpful! I demonstrate how I join paper pieces in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2WTf6iapcRjnaM (there are some things specific to the block I'm demonstrating, but I think you'll get the general idea. Fast forward to about minute 7:30). Enjoy! And, if you enjoy and learn from these tutorials, please consider subscribing to my free newsletter, Three Things Thursday, to get studio updates, quilting tips and links to awesome things: wholecirclestudio.com/signup

[@lesliespooner6878]

Thank you for making this video! Very helpful!

[@WholeCircleStudio]

SO happy to hear it was helpful!

[@mmbrittingham]

Thanks for this thorough explanation. It makes me understand the process better. So cute the way you talk with your fingers !

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Hi Mona, I'm glad you found the tutorial helpful. LOL about my fingers... in videos where you see more of me, you'll see that I usually talk with my hands!

[@sheilaokelly6022]

Such a wonderful tutorial. Thank you.

[@olganone9723]

Such a useful video! Thank you!

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elizabethglazier1465]

Wonderful, very descriptive tutorial. i always wondered how to FPP. Thank you.

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Thanks Elizabeth. Glad it was helpful!

[@mimiwilliams1560]

Thank you for the great lesson.

[@marshabatson1757]

GREAT lesson! Thank you!

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Glad you liked it!

[@dbarstad2]

Awesome tutorial! I can’t wait to start my first FPP project :) thanks

[@WholeCircleStudio]

YAY! So glad to hear it was helpful. I'd love to see photos of your first FPP project when you're ready to share. Happy piecing, Sheri

[@suedarville3688]

oh my goodness- I've been quilting or years but not tried FPP before only EPP, your tutorial is so well presented but I still get the pieces in a mess/wrong way round etc!! Shall persevere!!

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Hi Sue. I"m so happy to hear that you're enjoying the tutorial. FPP does take a whole different part of your brain, but I have no doubt that with some practice you'll get it. Keep it up. I'd love to see what you make!

[@jackihamilton5319]

Great tutorial. All your tips were very helpful. You are a wonderful teacher.

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Thank you so much Jacki! Be sure to get access to my other free tutorials here: www.wholecirclestudio.com/freelibrary

[@debbypickett6389]

I am just trying my first paper piecing. Great video

[@WholeCircleStudio]

You're welcome. Enjoy!

[@Jane_Jacks]

Thanks for a clear explanation!

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@janwebster3749]

Excellent tutorial and very helpful thank you

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@annerichards6511]

Brilliant tutorial, thank you from Anne in the uk

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eileendover3938]

That was very helpful. Thanks.

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Hi Eileen. So glad to hear it! Be sure to get access to my other free tutorials here: www.wholecirclestudio.com/freelibrary

[@itkitstudio]

Awesome video!

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Thank you Kelly. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sueholcombe6139]

Hi Sheri, So glad I found your tutorial, you are a great teacher. I've been quilting for many years and have always wanted to do FPP, I'll be looking through your patterns. Are there any that you might suggest for a beginner? It is ironic I came across your video in my searching since I am in the middle of doing one if your quilt patterns, The Little Fishies, which I am really enjoying, your instructions are perfect.

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Hi Sue. Thanks for your kind words. I'm so glad you're giving FPP a try. I'd say the following foundation paper piecing patterns are definitely geared towards beginners: Love at First Sight (shop.wholecirclestudio.com/product/loveatfirstsightquilt), Deco Daybreak (shop.wholecirclestudio.com/product/deco-daybreak-quilt-pattern-pdf-download), and Sew Speedy) shop.wholecirclestudio.com/product/sew-speedy-mini-quilt-pattern-pdf-download There are also a few others that I offer that are for confident beginners (or easy intermediate). If you have any questions, give me an email-my email address is on the Little Fishies pattern. I hope you'll give it a try (and I'd love to see photos of your Little Fishies quilt). Happy quilting! Sheri

[@jeane.2722]

Thx

[@ul7987]

First of all, thanks for the great rundown and high level overview of getting started with FPP. Couple of quick questions: What size needle do you recommend and what about thread weight? I know you mention 50 weight but is it 50/2 or 50/3 on the plies? Does any of that matter? Cotton or polyester? For more intricate FPP, do you have any videos or tips on seam management to reduce bulk? I think you do an excellent job on teaching and really hope you more FPP videos for advanced topics.

[@WholeCircleStudio]

You're welcome! It's funny you ask about needles, thread weight, and bulk management. I'm working on a blog post and newsletter content that will be out in the next few weeks on this very topic! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to be the first to know when this content is available: www.wholecirclestudio.com/signup

[@ul7987]

@@WholeCircleStudio sure thing. I’m very new to sewing since I just started to pick this up with the wife recently but it’s been really fun. A couple of things I’ve observed are using 1/8 inch seam allowance for very tiny pieces that need to be pieced together. I’m currently using 80/12 for my needle and 50/3 polyester thread weight/ply for complex pieces. Grading seams also seem to be an interesting strategy but I haven’t been too daring on this yet, since most grading tutorials tend to be more focused on clothing versus quilt blocks. Look forward to your articles, Sheri and happy to learn along the way. Thanks again.

[@samanthagarst2870]

Great tutorial! I am a beginner for FPP, but this laid it out nicely. I'm excited make the Greenhouse Garden quilt! Just one question. Piece 4 looks like it is close to or smaller than the 1/4" seam allowance. When sewing on piece 5, did you sew through the previous seam allowance as well?

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Yup! If the lines are closer than 1/4" apart, it doesn't matter... Just stick to sewing on the lines!

[@tishawatson5812]

Brilliant. Can you tell me what you're using to iron on top of? Is that just a section of felt or wool?

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Hi Tisha! It's a wool pressing mat! If you're interested in learning more, check out my blog post all about them: blog.wholecirclestudio.com/?p=3561

[@lindawheeling9891]

Get tutorial! Where do I get that Add-a-Ruler?

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Thanks so much Linda. Most local quilt shops sell the Add-a-Ruler or you can find it on Amazon. Here is my affiliate link: amzn.to/3Xlz4wF

[@ceciliaschleicher278]

Newsprint is cheaper buying it 500 sheets on Amazon $12

[@WholeCircleStudio]

I totally agree... but my printer generally doesn't like it when I cut down big sheets. I found that the sheets on Amazon are generally accepted by most printers!

[@teriblouin4413]

How can you not waste fabric?

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Hi Teri, Unfortunately with foundation paper piecing, you will waste some fabric. It's just the nature of the technique. I do find with practice (and the tips I give in the video), I waste much less fabric. Happy sewing! Sheri

[@rajaal-taqi8122]

Too much chatter, very simple process made complicated... scissors, rulers ,folds almost like surgery. Yes you did confuse the whole process. Try to strive for less drama. Your instruction was very tricky along with your X-ray vision.

[@WholeCircleStudio]

Hi Raja, Foundation Paper Piecing can be tricky for some quilters and I've found through teaching in-person and online that (like anything in life) different ways of doing something resonate better with some individuals. If you have a way of FPP that works better for you, stick with it! Happy quilting and have a great week, Sheri

[@notesfromleisa-land]

She's teaching paper piecing--and there are many approaches--and you are teaching rudeness. The latter never in short supply.