Instructions for Foundation Paper Piecing
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These instructions are designed to be used with the paper piecing patterns that I create. Some patterns use different numbering/lettering systems than I use, but the basics here can be used for patterns designed by others.
What’s Included In a Cucubo Crafts PDF Patterns:
Basic Instructions for using the pattern and paper piecing (what is written here)
Pattern specific piecing order instructions
Cutting Templates of all the shapes including a quarter inch seam allowance
Paper Piecing Templates for foundation paper piecing
A full color design image to show what the front of the project will look like
A black and white mirror image design image to show what the back will look like to make paper piecing easier
A calculated fabric usage chart using 43-inch-wide fabric to show how much you will need to purchase of each color/fabric in the design
Project Materials
100% cotton quilting Fabric as necessary for the project (see the fabric usage document for Cucubo Crafts patterns)
100% cotton thread to match fabric
80/12 needles (universal, quilting or microtex all work well), have spares if the project is large. paper dulls needles
Glue Stick (Elmer’s* Washable school glue sticks works well)
Rotary cutter* and self healing cutting mat*
Cutting
If using the cutting templates there are templates for each unique shape (some designs use multiple of the same shape, check the design). For larger pieces glue together the templates that have glue edge written to the corresponding number lining up the line and the guide marks. No shape needs to be cut precisely just put the template down and cut roughly around it you will trim as you sew.
Paper Piecing
The templates for paper piecing are in their own file and some need to glued together like the cutting templates were
Below are standard instructions for foundation paper piecing, if you have done this before then just print the templates and go for it by following the numbers. If you are new to this or want a reminder, all sewing is done with the printed, “right”, side of the fabric together this is done so the seams will be on the inside of the panel. To make it easier for you to get the paper off once done, use a larger needle in your machine and a smaller stitch (around 1.5) when you are sewing. I have provided a series of pictures to follow if the words get confusing (the pictures are from different projects, but they are the best for the steps shown). Feel free to contact me if you are confused, I will respond as quickly as I can.
Follow the numbers on the template for the order that you will piece items together. The large design pictures in their own files include all the names so you will know how to put the pieces together.
Starting with the piece A1 glue the piece of fabric to the back of the paper (not much glue is needed) over the correct pattern on the other side with the front of the fabric facing away from the paper. The easiest way to do this is to use a light source (I just use my table lamp) to see the fabric on the other side of the paper. Make sure your fabric is centered with at least a quarter of an inch on all sides of the lines (figure 1).
Flip the paper over so you can see the printed lines and sew all the way around the shape following just to the outside of the lines (figure 2).
Fold the paper back on the seams and use the add a quarter ruler to trim the edges of the fabric, so there is a quarter inch seam allowance on all edges (figure 3). It helps to put a piece of card stock or something similar on the inside to give a greater lip for the ruler.
Now take piece A2 and on the back side of the paper where the previous fabric is line up the edges face to face. Make sure that when folded over the whole printed shape gets covered completely. To help keep the fabric from moving when you sew put a small amount of glue along the seam allowance that will be sewed (pins can be used too, but glue is easier). (figure 4)
Sew the seam from the front side of the paper this time just to the inside of the previous stitch (this keeps the previous stitches from showing on the design) (figure 5).
Trim the edge again and open the seam, so the new fabric is face up on its design. Press the seam down with your finger and put some glue in the middle of the fabric shape to keep it in place. Then sew around the other edges (not the side you just sewed) from the front of the paper again.
Sew on the rest of the shapes for A. Then trim the edges to a quarter inch seam again the same way you did before. Now one shape is done
DO NOT TAKE OFF THE PAPER YET
Sew on the fabric for all the other shapes the same way that you did for the first one. Some pieces of paper will only have one piece of fabric on them and that is perfectly fine for paper piecing. Just sew all the way around the shape to attach the fabric to the paper and trim the seam allowance. (figure 6)
With the paper still attached sew the pieces all together. This is done easily by lining up the guide marks on the edges (figure 7) and sewing down the printed line like you did before.
The order for sewing your specific pattern pieces together is in the separate document labeled Sewing order.
Your block is now complete so use your fingers and tweezers to gently take all the paper off the back of the block (figures 8). It should come off pretty easily if you used a smaller stitch and larger needle, but if a little gets stuck it won’t matter it will either dissolve in the wash or not be noticeable when batting is added.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
The rest is up to you! Quilting style is unique to the person, but don’t hesitate asking my opinion is you can’t decide how to quilt your project, I would be happy to help. I love to see pictures, so feel free to send me the pictures of the finished product.
