Paper piecing is just what it sounds like – building beautiful designs using paper as a guide. Once you have the basic paper piecing technique down, try your hand at these paper piecing patterns.
If you love quilting, and are wanting to create quilts with complicated patchwork designs, you may want to give paper piecing a try.
Paper piecing, also referred to as foundation paper piecing, makes it easier to get your pieces precisely sewn together. And the best part is, you do not have to hassle with the perfect ¼” seams while you are sewing the pieces together.
What is Paper Piecing?
Paper piecing is a fun sewing technique that is a favourite among quilters. The process involves printing or drawing a quilt block pattern. Then directly sew the fabric pieces to the piece of paper.
When you sew right onto the paper template, you are helping to guarantee the blocks are perfectly laid out. This also helps each block line up perfectly with no mismatched joints.
Once you have completed sewing the fabric pieces onto the template and trimming the block, simply remove the paper.
What are the Benefits of Paper Piecing?
Quilt blocks can be complicated to sew. Laying them out perfecting and getting the ideal ¼” seam allowance can be extremely difficult. When you use paper piecing, you are removing all the guesswork.
Some of the many benefits of paper piecing include:
- It makes complex designs easy to sew
- You can buy designs or draw your own
- It is easier to sew small pieces
- The paper adds stability
- You will improve your accuracy
- Perfect seams and points
What Materials Do You Need for Paper Piecing?
Paper piecing is not much different from regular sewing. The items you will need to get started paper piecing are:
- Paper piecing pattern
- Fabric pieces
- Scissors or a rotary cutter
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Sewing pins
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Tweezers (optional)
- Glue stick (optional)
How to Paper Piece
- Gather all You Materials
Before you start, make sure you have gathered all your materials. You do not want to have to get up and down just because you forgot something. You should have everything you need in reach.
- Trim You Template
Cut out the paper piecing template leaving approximately an extra 1” on each side.
- Cut the Fabric
Cut your fabric pieces. You will want the pieces to be larger than each section they will be covering. Each piece must cover its section completely and have at least a ¼” seam allowance on all sides.
When learning how to paper piece, you may consider cutting each piece the same size as the template. This way, you are guaranteed each piece is big enough. If there are a lot of pieces, you may want to consider numbering each one.
- Start from the Centre
When paper piecing it is often necessary to start from the centre. Paper piecing templates are often numbered. These numbers will let you know the order each piece should be sewn on.
Begin by placing piece #1 over section #1. The wrong side of the fabric should be against the backside of the template.
- Position the Second Piece of Fabric
Take your second piece of fabric and place it underneath piece #1 with the right sides together. Position it, so it is completely covering section #2. Make sure the piece covers the section completely, with at least ¼” overlapping each side. Secure the fabric. A trick to making sure the fabric is positioned properly is to hold the pattern and fabric pieces up to a light source.
- Sew the First Two Pieces Together
You will want to use short stitches. This helps you get a tight seam, and it makes it easier to remove the paper. Stitch directly over the line located between sections #1 and #2. You will want to start the stitching a few stitches before the line and end it a few stitches after the line stops.
- Trim the Fabric
Fold the template back along the line you just stitched. Now measure ¼” out from the fold to create the seam. Trim the excess fabric off that section only. Then open the fabric and press the seam.
- Position the Third Piece of Fabric
Take the third piece of fabric and place it underneath piece #1 with the right sides together. Position it, so it is completely covering section #3. Make sure the piece covers the section completely, with at least ¼” overlapping each side. Secure the fabric.
- Stitch the Third Piece of Fabric
Stitch directly over the line located between sections #1 and #3. You will want to start the stitching a few stitches before the line and end it a few stitches after the line ends.
- Trim the Fabric
Fold the template back along the line you just stitched. Now measure ¼” out from the fold to create the seam. Trim the excess fabric off that section only. Then open the fabric and press the seam.
- Continue Attaching the Pieces
Repeat the steps until you have all the pieces attached in their proper positions.
- Trim the Quilt Block
Once you have all the pieces attached, use the scissors or rotary cutter to trim the block. Do not trim directly on the outside edge of the pattern. Instead, leave a ¼” seam allowance on each side. Most patterns will have this line marked, making it easy for you to cut the square perfectly.
- Remove the Paper Piecing Template
Now that you are done sewing the block and have it trimmed, remove the paper template. The template should tear off easily. If pieces of the paper get stuck under the stitches, use the tweezers to remove them.
- Block One is Done
You have completed your first block and are ready to start block #2.
The paper piecing technique might seem like magic when you look at the intricate patterns you can work with it. It would be extremely difficult, if at all possible, to create such patterns without the help of the paper templates used in the piecing method.
31 Paper Piecing Patterns
Here are some gorgeous paper piecing patterns for those interested to explore the possibilities pf this wonderful technique.
1. Butterfly Charm Block Paper Piecing Patterns by Lilly Ella
Say hello to Cricket, Gidget & Pepper, the Butterfly Charm Blocks! These little paper pieced blocks measure 5.5” after piecing and can be used as a 5” finished square or trimmed to 5” for a 4.5” finished square, making them perfect for mixing with 5” charms.
Get the Pattern here
2. Indian Summer Paper Piecing Quilt Pattern by Piece By Number Quilts
This paper piecing quilt pattern includes both left and right spinning versions for 6″ and 12″ (15.2cm and 30.5cm) finished size blocks.
Also included are assembly instructions, a coloring page, yardage estimates and information how to resize the blocks to suit whatever project you have in mind.
Get the Pattern by Piece By Number Quilts here
3. Heart Of A Lion Foundation Paper Piece Pattern by Pride And Joy Quilting
This Heart of a Lion Foundation Paper piece Pattern comes in four sizes: 15, 20, 30, and 50 in. This paper piecing quilt pattern consist of only 22 foundation paper pieces that’s great for beginners.
Get the Pattern by Pride And Joy Quilting here
4. Squirrel Paper Piece Quilt Pattern by Bubble Stitch
This cute little Squirrel would love to decorate some fall projects, baby quilts, country quilts, woodland style or folk style sewing projects. This versatile design can be used for quilts, wall hanging, bags, table mats and many others.
Get the Pattern by Bubble Stitch here
5. French Bulldog Paper Piecing Pattern by Kid Giddy
This French Bull Dog Foundation Paper Piecing Pattern provides pattern and instructions to sew your own French Bull Dog block that measures 10″ x 10″ finished.
The pattern includes pattern pieces for the French Bull Dog block as well as some brief foundation paper piecing pattern instructions/how to’s, as well as my foundation paper piecing tips and tricks.
You’ll be able to make at least 6 different versions just by changing the ears, as well as the fabrics below the head to make a body, bow, bowtie and collar! There is a bonus silhouette block in there too! So many options!
Get the Pattern by Kid Giddy here
6. Weather-Themed Foundation Paper Piecing Blocks by Gathered
These super-cute blocks each revolve around a different weather forecast, with sunny spells, heatwave and early frost to name a few!
Use these Foundation Paper Piecing templates to ensure your blocks are perfectly sewn whatever the weather. These wonderful weather-themed blocks are sure to add a quirky look to any quilt design.
Get the Pattern here
7. Scrap Flower Quilt Free Paper Piecing Pattern by On Williams Street
This little flower is designed as the perfect scrap buster. It uses up all your little scraps that aren’t really usable in other patterns. The block finishes at 7″ square. These little flowers are so quick and easy that they are addicting!
Get the Pattern here
8. Geometric Heart Paper Piecing Pattern by Sew What Alicia
Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it! Now is the time to get your sewing done if you plan to create anything fun for the day. Create a fun paper pieced geometric heart pattern that is perfect for adding a modern touch to your heart sewing!
Get the Pattern here
9. Mushroom Paper Piecing Pattern by Etive And Co
This pattern is for four mushroom foundation paper piecing patterns. The patterns are based on specific types of fungi (inkcap, porchini, magic and bolete) but you can be as inventive as you like with the colours you choose!
If you want more of this pattern, check out these crochet mushroom patterns here.
Get the Pattern by Etive And Co here
10. Tropical Leaf Paper Piecing Pattern by Full Bobbin Designs
This cheese plant, tropical leaf, foundation paper pieced quilt block could be used on its own or as a great addition to any quilting project. This pattern does contain some small pieces to handle but there are no difficult seams to match.
Get the Pattern by Full Bobbin Designs here
11. Red Herring Paper Pieced Block by Quiet Play
This is a herringbone style block but this one is done with paper piecing (also known as foundation piecing) to minimize wasted fabric, and also so you don’t have to worry about perfect cutting to get your blocks straight. And it’s ideal for charm squares. With all that, what’s not to love?
Get the Pattern here
12. Geometric Leaf Paper Piecing Pattern by Center Street Quilts
This Geometric Leaf Pattern is an intermediate FPP pattern that assumes a basic knowledge of paper piecing. The pattern is clearly labeled, has colored graphics, and full size pattern pieces with a 1/4″ seam allowance included.
It finishes as a 6″ x 6″ or 9″ x 9″ block and would be perfect to complete as a mini quilt, pillow cover, table runner, or quilt.
Get the Pattern by Center Street Quilts here
13. Unicorn Foundation Paper Piecing Pattern by Pitchers Boutique LLC
This is a large paper piecing, and can be used as a mini quilt, or a larger block in a quilt. Great for any unicorn, mythical creature, horse, animal, girly themed quilt; the ideas are endless with this fun colorful block.
If you want more unicorn designs, check out our Unicorn Crochet Patterns here.
Get the Pattern by Pitchers Boutique LLC here
14. Paper Piecing Hexagon Pattern by Tiny Toffee Designs
Sew up some tiny paper pieced treasures to give your hexagon projects a special touch. This pattern includes a mama chicken, baby chicken peeking out of its egg shell, a carrot, a seedling, a pig and an apple.
Just imagine all the possibilities – sew up a carrot patch, an apple orchard, a flock of sweet chicken, seedlings for all the plants you´d love to grow or a family of piggies!
Get the Pattern by Tiny Toffee Designs here
15. Cuddly Cactus Paper Piecing Pattern by Sugaridoo
Cactuses are everywhere. It is about time to create a quilt block so we can turn those happy green fellows into pillows, table runners and quilts.
Can you already see this block appearing in you quilting work? You can use all kinds of colored fabrics for the pots or even add a little hand stitched flower to it.
Get the Pattern by Sugaridoo here
16. Paper Pieced Pompom Tutorial by Blossom Heart Quilts
This bright and beautiful Pompom Paper Piecing Pattern shows you how to use paper piecing methods to create a quilt block pattern that resembles a pom pom or starburst.
Created out of bright and beautiful colors, this pattern can easily be created out of scraps of similar colors. If you want something extra bright, use some neon fabric for a modern and on-trend look.
Get the Pattern here
17. Christmas Tree Paper Piecing Pattern by Quilty Pie
This pattern is an adorable way to add some stylish holiday paper piecing cheer to your own. Make one or more to display as a wall hanging or combine it with other Christmas blocks to make full Yuletide piece.
Get the Pattern by Quilty Pie here
18. Bicycle Paper Piecing Pattern by Charise Creates
This darling little pieced bike evokes memories of carefree sunny days with a breeze fluttering through your hair. Finish the block off for a sweet mini quilt or incorporate it into a larger project.
Get the Pattern by Charise Creates here
19. Paper Pieced Feather Pattern by Blossom Heart Quilts
Completely on trend and whimsical, this paper piecing pattern shows you how to create a feather out of colorful fabric scraps that you could easily transform into a quilt block pattern or lovely table runner. No matter where you add this design, it is sure to add a stunning detail that you will adore.
Get the Pattern here
20. Flamingo Foundation Paper Piecing Pattern by Sew What Alicia
This paper piecing pattern is great for the flamingo lover! The intricate pattern can be printed and pieced in just a short time. This flamingo is a great scrap buster!
Get the Pattern here
21. Kitten Around Blocks Paper Piecing Pattern by Michael Ann Made
This happy group of kittens is the perfect addition to all your feline sewing projects! And with five different kitten blocks to pick from, you could put cats on everything!
These paper pieced patterns are quick to sew, and their simple blocked construction allows you to feature your favorite fabrics (cat themed or not!). Use just one at a time and add it to another quilted project like a mini quilt or tote bag, or piece all five together for a full kitten quilt!
Get the Pattern by Michael Ann Made here
22. Pencils Paper Piecing Pattern by Sugaridoo
Don’t you love a pretty set of colorful pencils? All new in their box, ready to make something awesome on a piece of paper.
You could use this block to make the coolest back for a creative friend. Or maybe you’d combine a few block into a mini quilt for your own crafty space in your house.
Get the Pattern by Sugaridoo here
23. Ice Cream Scoop Paper Piecing Pattern by Quilty Pie
We do love a bit of a sweet treat – and this is the best kind! All the fun, none of the calories! This yummy ice cream block finishes at 7” x 9”.
Get the Pattern by Quilty Pie here
24. Home Sweet Home Foundation Paper Piecing Pattern by Center Street Quilts
Show your home some love with the Home Sweet Home FPP Quilt Block Pattern. With four different size options, the finished blocks are perfect for adding to a pouch, tote bag, pincushion, pillow cover, table runner, or quilt.
Get the Pattern by Center Street Quilts here
25. Foundation Paper Pieced Carrots by Diary Of A Quilter
These Scrappy Carrots are a cute, fun, fast project. Even though they could be used for a summer or fall garden themed project, they also scream Easter! You can make three into a mini quilt or make more to incorporate into a table runner, bag, or zipper pouch. The sky’s the limit!
Get the Pattern here
26. Pineapple Block Paper Piecing Pattern by Gigi’s Thimble
Although this Pineapple Block may look complicated, you really are just sewing straight lines so it’s a great block to learn the technique of paper piecing with. And the fabulous part is, the Pineapple Block makes a beautiful secondary pattern when you sew the blocks together.
Get the Pattern here
27. Cups Stacking Paper Piecing Pattern by Bubble Stitch
Those stacked cups are a versatile design for many kind of project, table quilt, wall hanging, kitcheen projects, table mats or a cushion.
The pattern includes clearly labeled paper piecing pattern sections, clear color chart and comprehensive instructions to sew the block in a range of sizes with a size chart to reduce or enlarge the pattern from 10″ to 8″ or 12 “.
Get the Pattern by Bubble Stitch here
28. Alphabet Paper Piecing Pattern by From Blank Pages
This alphabet paper piecing pattern is a fantastic way to personalize a variety of projects! Add words or monograms to quilts, mug rugs, bags, pillows, banners, journal covers, pouches, and anything else you can think of!
Get the Pattern by From Blank Pages here
29. Christmas Delights Paper Piecing Pattern by Tiny Toffee Designs
Are you ready for the most wonderful time of the year? Get in the right spirit for Christmas by creating some of the seasons´ must-haves!
This pattern includes a Santa´s hat, 2 different letters to Santa, Christmas tree, stocking and present. These hexagons are most suitable for embroidery details if you feel like it!
Get the Pattern by Tiny Toffee Designs here
30. Scrappy Wreath Paper Piecing Pattern by Michael Ann Made
Put all those holiday fabric scraps to use, and quilt something cute! This Scrappy Wreath Mini is a foundation paper pieced pattern for a simple wreath block with endless possibilities! Add the included border measurements to make a festive wall hanging or cozy quilted pillow.
And who says you need to stick to winter? How about a spring wreath in pale pastels, or a warm gold wreath for fall? I’d say one for every season sounds about right!
Get the Pattern by Michael Ann Made here
31. Gabled House Paper Piecing Pattern
It’s a really fun way to get accurate pictures made from fabrics. Typically they might be used in intricate quilts, but you can use the finished ‘block’ or image for any purpose. How about as an interesting panel for a bag, or to make a cushion. This is a pattern to create a house block using paper piecing.
Materials needed:
- Printer
- Letter size paper
- Legal size paper (optional)
- Fabric scraps
- Basic sewing supplies
IF YOU ARE WANTING TO MAKE QUILTS WITH MORE COMPLICATED DESIGNS, GIVE PAPER PIECING A TRY.
Do you enjoy quilting, but have a hard time lining up seams? Are the pieces too hard to deal with? Try paper piecing. The crafting technique will help you create perfect seams and points. Paper piecing is easy to learn, and it gives you the ability to create complex designs and breathtaking quilts.
Which of these easy paper piecing patterns will you try? Share your makes with us on our Facebook Page. Need more projects to work on? Check out other quilting patterns and sewing patterns we have listed. We got you!
Everyone from beginners to veterans can try their hand at these lovely paper piecing patterns. Have fun!
