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There are many materials used to graft quilting templates on fabric. Many experienced quilters would easily recommend using templates made from clear acrylic plastic. It is durable and reusable. It appeals to a quilter’s pragmatic sense.
However that’s not the only option available. Before plastics became popular, quilters used paper foundation piecing. Paper is an old tool. It began more than 5 millennia ago. When long ago quilters needed to make templates, paper was readily available. Foundation piecing first became popular in England in the 18th or 19th century. Because of that association, this technique is sometimes known as English paper piecing.
In paper foundation piecing, a template was drawn on a piece of paper. The paper served as the foundation for the quilted item. It was laid on the top or under the fabrics and then the quilter sewed on the paper and through the fabric. Normally, one begins quilting from the center outwards. Once the fabrics have been sewn, the paper is simply ripped away.
Through this process, it is possible to make very crisp and detailed block designs. It is a lot easier than cutting a quilting template and then tracing it on a piece of fabric. It. It also allows smaller designs than normal. Intricate designs are best done through foundation piecing because it can be carefully controlled. Some of the most complex paper piecing designs takes up several sheets, which are then sewn together.
Paper foundation piecing uses shorter stitch lengths, about 12 stitches per inch or more. It makes it easier to rip the foundation paper off.
This piecing technique is very friendly for those who are beginning quilting. It’s easy to prepare without any additional fuss. If you only want to dabble and try quilting out, you won’t have to invest too much money on tougher materials. Nor will you waste too much effort tracing on fabric. It is a simple and direct experience.
It is also easier to find quilting templates on paper. There are many websites that offer templates that can be easily printed. Use those printed templates as your beginning in the art of quilting.
Paper foundation piecing is an old quilting technique that can help new quilters to explore and old quilters to make more intricate designs. It is an essential tool for any quilter to learn and master.
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