The wonky log cabin is a great modern twist on the more traditional log cabin block. We made a scrappy version with a fussy cut centre, using our foundation paper.

To start with please download our free wonky log cabin template and print it onto foundation paper. Make sure the scale on your printer settings is set to custom and 100%. Use the test square to check the size is correct.

Cut around the outside of the square, then fold along the lines between the numbered sections. This will make it easier when you have to fold the paper back later.

Our foundation paper is semi transparent to allow for fabric placement, so you can fussy cut the centre like we have. Using fabric glue apply the first piece of fabric to the back of the paper so it more than covers piece 1 (with at least 1/4 an inch of excess fabric on all sides).

Fold back the paper on the line between 1 and 2, trim any fabric that goes beyond the quarter an inch seam allowance.

Choose a piece of fabric that more than covers shape 2 and lie it on top of piece 1 right sides together, aligning the fabrics on the edge that covers the line between shapes 1 and 2.… Read More...

This kaleidoscope quilt block (click to download the pattern) is a 6.5 inch foundation pieced block. You can use our foundation paper to make piecing this block easy. I decided to make a scrappy version. If this is a new skill for you please read our beginners guide to foundation paper piecing before you start.

Firstly, please print our Kaleidoscope Quilt Block pattern, you will need to change the scale on your printer to custom – 100% to print to the correct size. There is a test square you can measure to ensure it has printed correctly.  Cut out the 4 squares and then fold alone the lines between the numbers. This will make it easier in later stages.

With your first square flip it over so the print side is facing down. Find a piece of fabric slightly larger than piece 1 (at least 1/4 an inch larger all around). Use a fabric glue stick to put glue over the piece marked as ‘1’ and then place the scrap wrong side down on top of the glue to stick it into place.

Flip it over and fold the fabric back along the line between pieces 1 and 2. Trim off any excess fabric ensuring you leave a quarter an inch seam allowance.… Read More...

The pineapple quilt block is great for scrap busting, or you can do each square a different colour or alternate light and dark colours for a striking effect. We opted for scrappy. If this is a new skill for you read our beginners guide to foundation paper piecing before you start using our free foundation pieced pineapple block. 

Start by printing the block onto our foundation paper, download the Pineapple quilt block template

Check your printer settings to make sure the scale is set to print at 100% to fill the sheet and print to the correct size. There is a 1 inch test square to allow you to check it has printed correctly. 

Cut around the edge of the outer square. Fold the paper along the lines, this will make it easier later in the process.

Our foundation paper is semi transparent which makes it really easy to place fabric so you can fussy cut. We decided to use a fussy cut centre for our block. Cut your first piece of fabric so it’s at least 1/4 an inch larger than the centre square (labelled 1).  Because I’m using small scraps I’m not cutting them down, if you are using other fabric you want to cut roughly to size to avoid fabric wastage.… Read More...

With paper piecing in the name of both it’s easy to get foundation paper piecing and English paper piecing confused, especially if you are new to quilting.  The abbreviations are also very similar too, FPP for foundation paper piecing and EPP for English Paper Piecing. They are in fact two very different techniques, one involving hand stitching and one involving machine piecing.

What is foundation paper piecing?

Foundation piecing is a method of quilting that allows you to use small scraps to sew detailed designs, or designs which require precision piecing by sewing through lines on paper which you then tear off afterwards. You can use free foundation patterns, purchased patterns or downloads from books and magazines which you either print directly onto the paper, trace onto the paper or draw on freehand. You sew along the lines to ensure precision, this allows you to create designs that would be very tricky using traditional piecing methods such as the Millennium Falcon cushion I made shown above (free pattern here).

We have written a beginner’s guide to foundation paper piecing plus we sell paper especially designed for foundation piecing too.

An English Paper Pieced Lion

What is English Paper Piecing?… Read More...

Free foundation paper piecing projects

We have been doing a lot of foundation paper piecing lately to test out our new foundation paper. Whilst doing so we found several free free patterns that we thought we would share. If you are new to foundation piecing we have a free tutorial with a beginner’s block here. 

Unicorn Harts

Unicorn Harts have several free foundation paper piecing (FPP) patterns in their shop, as well as paid ones. Many of them are cute animals. I recently made the penguin block and turned it into a cushion (shown above). 

Quiet Play 

Quiet Play are well known for their rainbow geometric foundation pieced patterns. But you can also find some brilliant free Star Wars patterns in their Payhip store too, these are next on my to make list! 

Lillyella

The chances are if you use Instagram you’ve probably seen Lillyella’s popular undercover maker mat, which is a brilliant free pattern. That project incorporates a paper pieced butterfly block. But on her blog you’ll also find the butterfly charm blocks shown above, foundation pieced humming birds and other free foundation pieced patterns too. Pop over to https://lillyella.com/tutorials/ to browse and download them. … Read More...