TUTORIAL: Foundation Paper Piecing | 3and3quarters

Here's my down-to-earth tutorial demonstrating the basics of Foundation Paper Piecing.
This is the method I was taught and find the easiest to use.
However, there are plenty of other ways Foundation Paper Piecing can be done! These preference will (and do!) vary from quilter to quilter!
These are the basics tools you'll need to complete this block -
- Paper Pattern: You're more than welcome to use the pattern I drew up for this tutorial! goo.gl/i0Ug4w
- Cutting Mat and Ruler: Ensure your ruler has a marked 1/4" line in from the edge.
- 28mm Rotary Blade or similar
- Clover Tracing Wheel (with serrated edges) or similar
- Clover Seam (or Finger) Presser
- Paper Glue
- Quilter's pins
- Thread scissors
- Threaded Sewing Machine: I use a Brother Innovis 200QE
- Favourite fabrics
You can also find me here...
QUILTING BLOG | 3and3quarters.net
TWITTER | / 3and3quarters
INSTAGRAM | / 3and3quarters
PINTEREST | / boards
TUMBLR | / amandarolfe
EMAIL | [e-mail]
Thanks for watching!! xx
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[@FiEview]

This is the first paper piecing tutorial I've watched which ACTUALLY made sense. Thank you.

[@AmandaRolfe]

That's great! Thank you! :)

[@dariamartelli706]

I agree. I,ve never found such a good one. This one really shows HOW to do it when you have never done it before and have NO CLUE of how it works. Thanks, Amanda!

[@retrogal8888]

Amanda..you saved me today...tried watching other tutes...no joy...then I found you...thanks so much..I recommended you to my blog..all 123000 of quilting ladies!

[@fredabellefleur5418]

Hi Amanda, For my husband to say you can teach well, it is a big compliment. Thank you for your time and the best lesson I ever had.

[@AmandaRolfe]

Freda Bellefleur Oh wow! Thank you very, very much to both you and your husband for your encouraging words!! I'm so happy I was able to help you out! :)

[@ScraptasticPatchwork]

I know this is from a few years back but by far the best paper pieced tutorial! Thanks!

[@maryleeberberich7513]

Thank you! You have explained it better than anyone I've watched so far, I think I finally get it!

[@poocky100]

Awesome video. It was the first time I actually understood how paper piecing is done.

[@chainmefree11]

Of all of the paper piecing tutorials I ever watched, this is by far the best and easiest to follow. Thank you!

[@AmandaRolfe]

Thank you so much! :)

[@chrissys7332]

Agreed!

[@newbeequilter]

Oh Amanda - you say this is your naive attempt, but I thought it was SO well done - better than I've seen some "professionals" explain it. Using the serated tracing wheel will make it much more fun to fold accurately on the lines and tear off the paper!. I've told myself, "no more purchasing of quilting tools" for awhile - but that serated tracing wheel is going on my next Amazon order. I came to this video after watching (and downloading the pattern) of your wonky log cabin block. And now all your fun facial expressions at the end of this video put a particularly broad smile on my face! Thanks for brightening my day with these instructions as well as letting us enjoy your personality with all those expressions of joy. Thank you so much for all the time, editing , effort and cost you spent in giving this to us. Have a great day!

[@AmandaRolfe]

+newbeequilter Thank you so much for your lovely comment! You've made my day!! xx

[@kathymarick3365]

You have the best explanation of paper piecing for me to understand this far, thank you so much

[@icwilson]

Thank you for this video, Amanda. It's so clear and concise that I was able to bring it up on my iPad and do it step by step without any frustration.

[@debjones1234]

People are always going to be fussy, I thought you we're so sweet, Enjoyed and you made it easy to learn.

[@AmandaRolfe]

Debbie Grigar Thanks for your lovely comment :) I'm glad you enjoyed watching!

[@iaugustsson8909]

Wow! I've been quilting for years & the paper piecing technique always baffled me. Out of sheer frustration decided to stick with what I knew. Thank you Amanda for taking the fear out of paper piecing for me. I can't wait to make a few "mug rugs" for starters with this technique before attempting a larger project.

[@AmandaRolfe]

I Augustsson That's so wonderful to hear! It makes me really happy that I've been able to help you with this tricky technique! Have fun making!! :)

[@gobills1951]

Amanda,I watched several tutorials but your was by far the best. I found a table runner pattern, bought the material and then realized it involved paper piecing foundation. I am relatively new at quilting but decided to give it a try. Your tutorial is a great help and I now feel more confident. Thanks.

[@Sew_Learning]

Amanda, you have a talent for teaching! You've made foundation paper piecing so much easier to understand for this novice. Thank you!

[@donboezwinkle7355]

As a novice this was so helpful. Thank you for your clear and well done instructive tutorial. Can't wait to check out your blog.

[@veronicac4279]

Thank you for your tutorial! The quilt group that I belong to is going to be starting a foundation paper piecing quilt tonight. It seems like a scary quilt to start! But after watching your video I am certain it will be fun! You have made it much more understandable.

[@annphilbeck5174]

You are a great teacher. Full of grace and gentleness. Thanks so much!

[@AmandaRolfe]

Thank you so much! x

[@tklein9382]

Enjoyed my tea while learning how to paper piecing.

[@AmandaRolfe]

Tina Klein Yay! That's wonderful to know! Thanks so much for stopping by! :)

[@samanthasmall8795]

Honestly, it's like your videos read straight from my project to-do list! I was just planning my very first paper piecing project and I saw you posted this video! Thank you!! I'm much more confident in trying it now!

[@AmandaRolfe]

That's so awesome!! I love it when that happens! Have fun making!! :D

[@BimmerGirl]

I just started FPP and I like your method better than holding up to a window! Worth watching!

[@susieannei5641]

I've watched a LOT of videos hoping to understand piecing and they have been confusing at best. Yours finally not only made sense to me but the quality of your video with clear, close-up shots make me want to try it out as soon as I finish typing out this confusing, feeble attempt at thanking you for such a wonderful tutorial! Many thanks!!!!

[@AmandaRolfe]

That's so great to know! Thank you so much for your kind words! xx

[@debbyurban9184]

This is the best pp tutorial out there. I watched about 20 different tutorials and still didn’t understand how to pp. Watching this tutorial and doing it with her with the pattern provided I was able to do it. I have done about 5 (all different patterns) perfect pp blocks. I love this tutorial. Thank you for making it so easy.

[@louisenoble5945]

I actually understood this and feel a lot more confident now after watching soooo many videos that didn't make sense to me, thank you so much, utterly amazing. :)

[@mdonnett]

Hi Amanda! Just wanted to write you a little note to let you know I LOVE your videos! You have such a gentle way of walking through the steps, I feel like I could learn how to do anything as long as you made a tutorial of it! Thanks!!

[@AmandaRolfe]

***** Hi Melissa! Thank you so much for your lovely comment! Your kind words are very encouraging and have absolutely made my day! I'm so happy that you enjoy my videos and that you're able to learn something through them! Yay! :D

[@mommydonna1]

Thanks, Amanda...you really helped me to understand how to paper piece. You kept it simple. I appreciate you showing how you use your tracing wheel to make the lines easier to rip away at the end of the project. :)

[@pamelaallen6543]

You my dear are an excellent teacher. I have never gotten the hang of paper piecing until now.

[@julieholleran974]

I love this method of paper piecing where you trim the seam allowance first...thank you Julierose

[@Kasloflorists]

I am getting ready to attempt my first paper piecing project and have found this tuotorial most helpful.

[@AmandaRolfe]

Yay!! Best of luck with it! :)

[@pamketron]

Hi Amanda - This tutorial is awesome. The tracing wheel makes all the difference and gives you a guide on the back as well. I’ve never paper pieced before but can do this after your tutorial. You are an amazing teacher. I could learn to do anything as long as you did a tutorial on it. Hope you are enjoying sunny days! 🤗

[@michellem.2432]

You rock!! I've been sooo intimidated by any sort of paper piecing but this video makes it so easy to understand! Thank you!

[@AmandaRolfe]

Emmie M. Aww, thanks! I'm so happy that I've helped you out!! :D

[@tarajiminez915]

Thank you for this! I realize it's an old video you've made, none the less - you taught me two new, very valuable, techniques for my beginning paper piecing journey :)

[@dottiecate1366]

That was great! I watched more videos about paper piecing than I could count over the years. Yours really made it clearer than any of them ....honestly. Too bad it is midnight here in the USA. I want to start playing with fabric right now, but I would be up all night. Lol Saved your video and want to say Thank You. Opened up a new horizon for me. Dottie

[@marierobinson8474]

Never lose the gift of teaching, you are outstanding

[@AmandaRolfe]

Thank you so much! x

[@sandrabuckley3875]

Your video is the best I have seen. I have followed your instruction stopping & starting your video while I was putting together and have completed my project without any issues. Thanks for doing this video

[@AmandaRolfe]

+Sandra Buckley That's wonderful to know, thank you!! :)

[@lauragillard1579]

Thank you for a brilliant video. You certainly captured all the important stages. I needed a refresher and could not have found better than this.

[@AmandaRolfe]

Laura Gillard You're more than welcome! I'm so glad my little tutorial has helped you out! :)

[@knitfix_S]

Hi Amanda! I came across this older tutorial by coincidence today, after having been a constantly curious follower of your channel for about two years now. You know what? IT IS ALL YOUR FAULT!!! ;) You got me addicted to FPP! Not today though. It happened when I watched your video on the union jack and I am still so very in love with FPP. If it wasn't for you, I would probably never have found out that this wonderful technique even exists! So a big HUGE thank you for getting me hooked on FPP :D

[@janehyde9463]

Just learned to paper piece due to your video and i am loving it - my favourite technique so far 😃

[@christiedavis4166]

I have you mug pattern that I am about to start on and this will be my first paper piecing. I think your way of paper piecing is best that I have seen so far. thanks for the tutorials.

[@elliefox1419]

THE best paper piecing video. I have referred back to this so many times!! So good! Thank you😊

[@gaseussgirlcat6319]

Finally! Thank you for making paper piecing understandable

[@donnabilda2524]

Enjoyed your video on paper piecing. I am not brand new to paper piecing, but your technique seems a bit easier than what I've been doing. Very Nice --- and THANK YOU,

[@sewingstoryprojects6178]

One of my sewing goals this year is to learn how to foundation paper piece. I love your explanations and basically I love your channel and blog too! I have been watching for a while but havent commented until now...so Hello! and thanks for everything!!

[@AmandaRolfe]

+Cathy P Hello!! Thanks so much for your lovely comment! I'm so glad that you've been enjoying watching my videos. Best of luck with your sewing goals - FPP is so much fun once you get the basics under your belt! :)

[@tomw7402]

good job Amanda. enjoyed my tea while i watched. ive seen this done before but nerver with folding the paper and trimming to the seam allowances. I like it. keep it up

[@carlenehall2979]

Amanda this is the best paper piecing video I have found. I don't really care to do this in my quilting experience but we are doing something for quilt guild that has all types of quilting ideas, so here I am! Thank you so much! I especially like your idea of perforating the paper prior to starting.

[@jennifergarner655]

Great video! The music didn't bother me at all and your calming voice is a pleasure to listen to ;)

[@AmandaRolfe]

Jennifer Garner Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed watching! :)

[@annagray352]

You have no idea how much this video has helped me to understand the basics of paper piecing, so easy to understand you. I am now going to put into practice that which I have just learned from you, keep fingers crossed. I also intend to purchasse your book if I can get it here in England. Thank-You. Anna Gray, age 74

[@AmandaRolfe]

Anna Gray Wonderful! I'm so happy I've helped you out with this tricky technique! I currently haven't published any books - but hopefully I'll be given the opportunity sometime in the future! :)

[@cynthiasteele7313]

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!! Easy to follow, & love the tip on perforating the paper! Cannot wait to embark upon my first paper piecing project!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on this technique.

[@AmandaRolfe]

Thank you!! I hope your first attempt all goes well for you! :)

[@annekibble6113]

Hi Amanda, what a fantastically simple way of explaining foundation paper piecing. I was just about to start my first block and found your video. I am going to quilting classes at the moment but my tutor only teaches hand sewing. So I was very pleased to find your video. Well done! I have subscribed to your channel and I am looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@AmandaRolfe]

+Anne Kibble That's so wonderful! I'm so happy my little tutorial has helped you! :) PS. Welcome to my channel!

[@TheBritterica]

Thanks so much for your tutorial! I found a fabulous paper pieced train quilt pattern that I would like to make for my little boy. I thought that it might be too complicated but your video made everything so clear! Thanks again!

[@AmandaRolfe]

Brittany Cole You're more than welcome! That train pattern sounds awesome! I can only imagine how sweet it'll be once it's finished! :)

[@marypatten5617]

Best video for paper piecing out there. Awesome job girl!

[@AmandaRolfe]

+Mary Patten Wow! That's so kind of you to say, thank you!! :)

[@mollyhernandez7081]

Love your tutorials. Off topic: I LOVE your "like diamonds in the sky" quilt! That back fabric with the blue stripes for binding was amazing!

[@AmandaRolfe]

marshmollow 256 Thank you!!! That quilt is a favourite too :)

[@kristenolson5876]

Thanks for the wonderful tutorial, Amanda! I will be watching this again tonight when I give paper piecing a try for the first time... :)

[@AmandaRolfe]

***** You're more than welcome! Good luck with your first attempt! Be patient and remember that it's ok to make mistakes! :)

[@susanalopez3277]

Amanda, The technique of tracing the lines is fabulous, paper tears soooo easy Thank U very much

[@AmandaRolfe]

Susana Lopez It's pretty genius, huh!? I will always praise the day when I came across that little tip! :)

[@olegliebowitz7922]

You did a wonderful job! I'm going to make a wall hanging which requires paper piecing which I have never done before. Your tutorial was very clear and easy to understand. You have given me confidence to try this! Thanks.

[@AmandaRolfe]

Oleg Liebowitz Thank you for your lovely feedback! It's wonderful to hear that you're going to give paper piecing a try. It's lots of fun to do once you get into your groove! Good luck! :)

[@sharonjenkins7234]

I enjoyed your tutorial on foundation paper piecing. It was so easy to follow. Thanks

[@cazfromoz1]

Wow, I thought i knew how to do paper piecing - BUT now you've taught me things that will make it much easier! Great tutorial!!! Thanks for sharing. You ROCK! ;)

[@ElaineUnicorn]

love your tutorial. I am learning foundation paper piecing today. Your video was the fifth one I watched but it is the easiest to understand. Thank you so much!

[@AmandaRolfe]

Elaine McD Yay! Thank you! That's always great to know! :)

[@nancybonafede9399]

I love your tutorial. I love the way you took the time to explain everything. I will have to watch it again. P.S. I could listen to your voice all day.

[@63Kelsey]

I love paper piecing. I had never thought of using a tracing wheel to perforate the paper, Great use of a tool I've had for years, It was used with a coloured transfer paper to mark darts. and notches. Great idea.

[@AmandaRolfe]

Wendy D I love using my tracing wheel for paper-piecing! It saves so much time! :)

[@OnwardRose]

Amanda ...thank you so very much ...you rock girl ..you have taught this old gal a technique that I was so very confused over ...thank you for your hard work and i will be checking out your blog

[@AmandaRolfe]

+Onwardbe Yay!! That's great!! I'm so happy I've been able to help you out! :)

[@sandykelley8463]

I am a total newbie to this technique and the lesson was very clear and precise. Thank you for sharing.

[@sheilakeller2269]

YES! This helped me! It definitely has encouraged me to continue with paper-piecing!!!

[@AmandaRolfe]

+Sheila Keller Yay! That's so great!! Best of luck with your piecing! :)

[@harryburkett7754]

Gr8 tutorial! A friend gave me some clear tracing paper, which can be used in a copy machine if you feed each page separately to print your foundation pattern. I found that this helped immensely with my brain accepting the backwards nature of foundation paper piecing. I'm excited to try your perforating technique. Thanks!

[@Cherylquilts]

Best paper piecing tutorial I have seen! Thank you!!!

[@AmandaRolfe]

+Cherylquilts That's so lovely of you to say, thank you!! :)

[@fineyiesocd5380]

I've been paper piecing for a few months now, and I review your video before starting every project. Thank you so much for making such an informative video!!

[@ElaineB59]

Amanda, I know this is an old video but I just wanted to thank you for such an easy to follow tutorial. I made three wonky log cabin blocks using your pattern this afternoon, I've never tried paper piecing before and they turned out really well.

[@wendylawrence766]

omg love it , so happy you made this tutorial , i know what my niece is talking about now , can't wait to do it

[@AmandaRolfe]

+Wendy Lawrence No worries! I'm so glad it's been helpful for you! :)

[@peggydunlap6651]

Thanks so much for such an informative tutorial. After watching this, I might find the courage to try paper piecing.

[@lorigreen2192]

Thank you Amanda! I was supposed to have taken a foundation paper piecing class today but it was cancelled, so I turned to you tube. Yours was the only one I watched and it was so easy to understand. Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

[@AmandaRolfe]

Lori Green You're more than welcome!! I'm so happy my little tutorial was able to help you out! :)

[@Washiela]

Love your patient explanation - thank you taking your time with us who are new to paper piecing 💞

[@sarahcontento9516]

Thank you for the tip about the perforating wheel. I would have never thought about that as I've only ever done English paper piecing. 😊

[@harbourcolour]

Thank you so much! You definitely have a clear way of explaining this technique. I am a beginner at quilting and at paper-piecing, and your tutorial has helped me a lot.

[@trina2904]

I really enjoyed this tutorial, you showed from start to finish, most stop half way or skip steps. thank you now I can try out mine that I printed out.

[@AmandaRolfe]

+Trina Waskewitch Thank you! Best of luck with your piecing! :)

[@pamelahart3798]

Amanda, Thank you so much for your video. I have wanted to try paper piecing for a long time and had no idea were to begin. Your tutorial made it very easy for me to understand.. thanks again

[@AmandaRolfe]

Pamela Hart Thank you! That's so wonderful to hear! I'm glad I could help you out! Happy sewing! :)

[@quentinyiayia]

Thank you for your tutorial! I have wanted to try this method and bought a pattern that was way too intimidating for me, but watching your video step by step, I completed it! Thank you!! I have this added to my favorites!

[@AmandaRolfe]

Julie Patros YAY!! You're more than welcome! Well done for completing that tricky pattern! It's so great to hear!! I'm glad that I've been able to help you out! :)

[@1angelofthelight2]

Thank you for such an in depth explanation of this technique. I have tried to do it before without success but will follow this closely and try again.

[@AmandaRolfe]

+1angelofthelight2 You're more than welcome!! Best of luck with your next attempt!!

[@badhousekeeper]

Thanks so much for sharing. I'm currently doing some hand paper piecing. My next quilt will definitely be foundation paper piecing. Your instructions are priceless. Thank you.

[@AmandaRolfe]

Aaron I My pleasure! I'm glad I could help you out! I love hand paper piecing too! A wonderful little craft to keep the fingers busy when watching tv! :D

[@kimcourtright5909]

Love this tutorial. Very easy to follow along. I definitely feel I am ready to try this now. Great job,

[@lindagarfield9415]

What a brilliant tutorial, very well explained. Well done and thanks for making this look easy

[@beckystanley7901]

Thank you so much! I won a paper piecing kit for a mug rug and had no idea how to proceed. Their instructions weren't very clear. Your tutorial helped me a lot!! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

[@AmandaRolfe]

Becky Stanley YAY!! That's great! I hope you have fun piecing it together! Let me know how you go! :)

[@beckystanley7901]

Amanda Rolfe I finished it last night! If I could figure out how to send you a picture I would!!

[@AmandaRolfe]

Becky Stanley Wow, that's great! You got it done so quickly! :D Are you on Instagram or Twitter? You can tag me in the photo using @3and3quarters... Or you can share it in an email, my address is [e-mail] ... Would either of those options be good for you?

[@bobbieeads6302]

Love it!!! You were so easy to follow along with. I am in love with foundation paper piecing now. Thank you so much for your video.

[@dalsiahamilton2]

well you're the best ! love how you take time and patient to do this ,this is really down-to-heart, i will continue to watch you're videos.

[@1lumme]

Thank you so much. Best tutorial on foundation paper piecing for me as a beginner. I really understood it all. Very easy for me to follow. Yah!!

[@chartrese002]

Very nice and thorough tutorial! Enjoyed watching it and now I have to start my very first foundation paper piecing project! I fear it was a little advanced for me but I will probably come back and re-watch your tutorial t help me out. Thank you!

[@lindmargthomas]

Really fantastic Amanda. Very easy to follow. It is a long time since I have done FPP! Congratulations.

[@AmandaRolfe]

+Lindsay & Margie Thomas Thank you so much! I'm so glad you found it easy to follow along with! :)

[@cheryls4526]

you did great. it's me who has learned something and i learn by viewing. This was great. Now I have to find something to paper piece. Thank you.

[@catherineeddy9045]

Great job. I like the tracing wheel idea, also the glue. I tried that exact pattern before and it ended up in the garbage.I will do it again ,your way. Best video I saw on paper piecing. I found your channel a short time ago. I subscribed. Greetings from Eastern Canada.

[@AmandaRolfe]

+Catherine Eddy Thank you so much! Wishing you the best of luck with this version of PP! :)

[@michelleh7587]

Wow...very well done! This is the best tutorial that I have found. Thank you SO much 😊

[@mpedals]

ohhhhhh, that tracing wheel idea of yours is marvelous,,,,,,,thank you so much,,,,:))

[@AmandaRolfe]

Myste Pedals Thanks!! It definitely saves so much time and makes the whole process a lot more enjoyable! Thanks for popping by :)

[@jacquipayne7346]

I’m a newbie at this and LOVED your tutorial! Can’t wait to try it!

[@mireillelevesque7588]

Oh I just loved your tutorial. You explain it so nice and so plain. Thank you.

[@karencatalini8577]

Thank you soooo much. you gave me the key to unlock my understanding of this difficult paper piecing quilt I'm qorking on.

[@AmandaRolfe]

Karen Catalini You're more than welcome! I'm so happy I could help! :)

[@gretabeach9347]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Foundation Paper Piecing has always baffled me but you have been brilliant with this Video! Now even I can do it. I'm off to find my scraps. Thanks again!

[@carlacarlson8208]

Hi Amanda - Thank you for the wonderful information on paper piecing! You did a great job, which is very easy to understand.

[@AmandaRolfe]

+Carla Carlson You're more than welcome! I'm so glad you were able to follow along! :)

[@HomemakerHandGuide]

Oh how I love you for this video!! Thank you so much!! I have forever wanted to learn this, but after watching a few videos, get completely confused. Thank you for the way you showed and explained everything!! And I loved the music too :) Made my first foundation piece! Thx again :)

[@AmandaRolfe]

***** Yay!! That's so great to hear!! It's made my day knowing that I've been able to help you out! I hope you enjoy making plenty more FPP blocks! :D

[@salhgraham01]

Wonderful job! You explained each step so well, thank you.

[@theresaskira]

What a great job you did to explain how to do Foundation Paper Piecing. You made it easy for me to understand. Thank you.

[@janejordan4509]

Thanks, Amanda. I an very new to quilting. Your instructions and tips are clear and helpful. I plan to try the Union Jack block.

[@sparkleemojidotjpeg]

Thank you so much for a great video! This was so fun to watch and I love the fabric you used. Those little teapots are so cute!!

[@lindaellenwood7347]

Thank you very much. I've paper pieced before but I didn't know you can tell if your next piece is large enough by checking while the paper is still folded back. Very helpful!!!

[@AmandaRolfe]

+Linda Ellenwood It's a pleasure to be able to help you! :)