Foundation Paper Piecing for Beginners
What it is, why you’ll love it, and a FREE heart quilt block pattern 💕
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Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
If you’ve ever admired quilts with perfect points, sharp angles, or intricate details, chances are they were made using foundation paper piecing (FPP).
And here’s the good news…
It’s often easier and more accurate than traditional piecing.
If foundation paper piecing has ever felt intimidating, this beginner guide will show you how simple — and fun — it can be. Plus, I’m sharing a free heart FPP pattern so you can try it today.
What is Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP)?
Foundation Paper Piecing is a quilting technique where you sew fabric directly onto a printed paper template.
Instead of:
cutting lots of exact shapes
matching tricky seams
lining up tiny points
You simply:
place fabric
sew on the printed lines
flip and press
The paper acts like a guide, doing all the accuracy work for you.
Think of it like paint-by-number… but with fabric.
Why beginners love FPP
Foundation paper piecing is one of my favorite beginner quilting techniques because it gives you professional results fast.
Here’s why:
✨ Crisp, sharp points every time
✨ Super accurate seams
✨ Less time cutting pieces
✨ Sew first, trim later
✨ Perfect for fabric scraps
✨ Endless design options
Instead of cutting a million tiny pieces before sewing, you can get right to the machine faster and start stitching.
It’s especially great for:
detailed quilt blocks
small shapes
scraps
precision designs
Honestly… it feels like magic the first time you try it.
Download the FREE Beginner Heart FPP Pattern
The best way to learn foundation paper piecing is to jump in with a small, simple project.
So I created a free heart quilt block pattern just for you.
👉 Download the FREE Heart FPP Pattern PDF here!
Printing Instructions (Don’t Skip This!)
For accurate blocks, printing correctly is important.
✔️ Print at “Actual Size” or “100%”
✔️ Do NOT scale to fit
There’s a 1” test square included on the page to confirm it printed correctly.
Your pattern already includes:
a ¼” seam allowance
marked with the outer dashed line
So there’s nothing extra to calculate — just sew and trim!
My Favorite Foundation Paper Piecing Tips
Shorten your stitch length
Set your stitch length to 1.5mm.
This perforates the paper and makes tearing it away much easier later.
Follow the numbers
Sew pieces in numerical order on the template.
Join the sections
Once all pieces are sewn:
Attach Section A to Section B to create the heart shape.
That’s it — perfectly matched seams with zero stress.
Watch the Step-by-Step FPP Video Tutorial
If you’re a visual learner, I’ve got you covered.
🎥 Watch the full beginner foundation paper piecing tutorial here!
I walk you through:
placing fabric
trimming accurately
pressing
joining sections
and removing paper
My favorite FPP tool
✂️ Add-A-Quarter ruler: https://amzn.to/4r8K0w4
It makes trimming quick, easy, and precise.
What can you make with FPP blocks?
Once you learn foundation paper piecing, the possibilities are endless.
Try adding FPP blocks to:
quilts
mini quilts or wall hangings
zipper pouches
bags
apron pockets
pillows
quilted coats
home décor
It’s also a fantastic way to use scraps you already have.
Shop More Beginner FPP Patterns
If you love this heart block, I design lots of beginner-friendly foundation paper pieced patterns to help you practice and grow your skills.
My goal is to create projects that:
build confidence
teach new techniques
and still look beautiful and modern
🧵 Browse all sewing patterns here:
https://www.craftwithbethany.com/store
New designs are added regularly!
A little encouragement 💛
When I write quilt patterns, I love blending foundation paper piecing with traditional piecing so you get the best of both worlds — precision and flow.
If FPP once felt overwhelming, I hope this free project helps you feel brave enough to try.
Because once you learn foundation paper piecing, you open up a whole new world of quilting designs.
And I can’t wait to see what you make.
Happy sewing,
Bethany
