Great tutorial! Thanks for showing what you tried that didn’t work. I now see how you can avoid sewing through the paper so you don’t have to tear off all those little pieces and put stress on the seams.
I always use this method, found it about 5 years ago. having it ironed to your fabric it is very stable to stitch beside your fold. Love not having to tear away paper I use stitch length 190 or 200. I can usually get at least 6 blocks out of one pattern piece. Also I print the pattern and then trace it to the flat side of my freezer paper. Might give the card stock print a try! Also if I slightly warm the block with my iron before peeling it off it doesn’t stick. Sometimes if it’s too cool it will pull on the seams a bit and can pull them out of shape, not enough to wreck the block but sometimes concerning
You're so welcome! I will have another tutorial for Foundation Paper Piecing that will be released on Monday, August 14th. I have some tips that you may not have heard of, when using regular paper. Hope you'll check it out! Thanks for your comment!
Awesome teacher! I have a quilt that I began 30 years ago that I just barely began because I have so much trouble getting the seams to meet in nice points. This freezer paper piecing is going to work! Thank you so much.❤❤❤❤
Thank you for doing this video. I am attempting to understand the value of paper piecing, and you explain every aspect of it so very well. I very much appreciate all of your videos! Keep them coming!
Love this tutorial as you covered all the mistakes!! Thank you for doing the hard work of figuring out the best printing options. Saved us a lot of frustration!
Mary, great demo. I currently use newsprint which is inexpensive and tears easily, but do want to try this technique with vellum. Cautionary tale: While you didn't have issues with this with paper piecing, but some may (I did): When I use my iron on my laserjet-printed pieces, the ink fouled my iron plate. I always use a pressing mat. Others mileage may vary, but if this happens to you, use a pressing mat. I use teflon coated fiberglass sheets (inexpensive at Amazon) as pressing aid. I love paper piecing 3" finished economy blocks. There is something about the tiny intricacy of all of those perfect pieces. And edge stitch foot will ride along the edge. For any with a plexiglass sewing table, a night light place under neath the acrylic provides an instant lightbox. I use registration marks for the first corner to ensure centering. Thank you for showing precut pieces. Sometimes I see a tangle of fabric being applied and then cut down to size while trimming. Glue basting v pinning is an alternative adhesion technique which will allow perfect alignment and you can production produce (in my private sweatshop!) by setting opposite corners in one phase, and then sew them in another without sticking/pricking.
Using a zipper presser foot will allow good view of stitch line close to the folded paper.I like this technique for simple blocks it might get tricky with more complex patterns.
Thank you! I had just signed up for a free hour long class to do this which I am cancelling. This gives me all the information I need with the bonus of getting it through the printer successfully the first time. My first and only paper pieced quilt was beautiful, and I used tissue paper and self-drawn paper. Now I can do that one again and it will take considerably less time, at least 1/2 the time.
It can be quite daunting at first, but I really think that step-by-step instructions can make all the difference. Thank you so much for commenting and for giving it a try!
You made a comment about your iron possibly being too hot. What iron setting is best for using this method (and being able to reuse the template more than once)?
I have found that the freezer paper works REALLY well, the first time it is used on any block - comparable to using regular paper - although you can reuse the freezer paper but cannot reuse the regular paper since you tear it off. The "stickiness" is fresh and it makes it very easy to piece a block and remove the paper. As I re-use the paper, I find that if the pieces are really small I can get 2-3 more uses (max) of that paper before I need to use another piece (it gets too "linty" on the back from the fabric and doesn't stick well). If the "stickiness" wears off then the paper moves when I'm folding and pressing and that decreases the accuracy of the block. I have another tutorial where I just use the regular paper along with a couple of tools that, I think, holds an advantage over the freezer paper - especially with smaller pieces. Here's the link if you'd like to take a look: th-cam.com/video/HQiFkf-2Bt0/w-d-xo.html Let me know if that answers your question, Mary.
Interesting method, but it means having the iron on all the time. I am not sure that is a very sustainable way of doing it. I use ordinary paper, roll the seams with a roller and only get out the iron when I have a whole batch of blocks. But perhaps electricity is not as expensive in the US as it is in Europe at the moment.
I absolutely understand what you are saying. We have to conserve where we can and traditional foundation piecing (using regular paper instead of freezer paper) is definitely the way to go when conserving energy. Thank you for pointing that out.
I ALWAYS use an inkjet printer and just use the freezer paper, NEVER a laser, I made the mistake of using a laser, the paper went missing inside the printer and I had to take the printer apart. The paper was wrapped around one of the rollers totally fused to itself making a solid tube. I had to take the roller out and use a very sharp knife to cut the fused paper off. It was like a pvc pipe it was so solid. Took me several hours to get it out and the printer back together, so NEVER AGAIN will I use a laser printer 🤣🤣🤣
I feel like it's pretty easy to sew right next to the fold (with Freezer Paper Foundation Piecing) - the fold is a bit easier to follow than a line and it seems to give me a pretty good sewing guideline. I don't find that it affects the precision of my block.
That seemed like a whole lot of mucking about and extra expense to save a few sheets of paper. For the block you showed I would not FPP it I would just cut the pieces and do my quarter inch seam. Thanks for showing me before I went out to buy freezer paper.
Hi Marilyn - actually this video was created to simply show the basic principles when it comes to FREEZER PAPER foundation piecing (the good, the bad, and the ugly). I have had many, many requests to offer a demo on freezer paper foundation piecing from quilters who have heard of it, but wanted more info as to the step-by-step process of using freezer paper when piecing a block. Yes, there are many alternate ways to create this simple square in a square block, as you stated. But the purpose of this tutorial wasn't to make a square in a square block, but rather I selected this block because it was very easy for me to piece in just a few steps and then use as a demo in a video. There are many ways to foundation piece more detailed blocks using freezer paper, but it was my intention to offer a basic "what is it?" tutorial first and then in subsequent videos go into more detail as to how you can use these steps that I demonstrated to create blocks that may be difficult to assemble using traditional template piecing or even basic foundation paper piecing. So...I hope you'll keep an open mind when it comes to this technique...there may be a block that catches your eye. Thanks for watching!
I absolutely agree - it's really not for everyone. FPP is my "go to" as well. I had many people ask me to demo Freezer Paper Piecing, so I did. Thanks for watching.
![Freezer Paper Piecing [FPP] Tutorial: A Better, Cheaper Alternative? 🤔](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/P6dD4BBk1Nw/mqdefault.jpg)
![Freezer Paper Piecing [FPP] Tutorial: A Better, Cheaper Alternative? 🤔](/img/tr.png)
Great tutorial! Thanks for showing what you tried that didn’t work. I now see how you can avoid sewing through the paper so you don’t have to tear off all those little pieces and put stress on the seams.
You're so welcome! Thanks for watching!
This is actually my favorite method of paper piecing.
Thanks for watching! I agree - it's a good method!
I always use this method, found it about 5 years ago. having it ironed to your fabric it is very stable to stitch beside your fold. Love not having to tear away paper I use stitch length 190 or 200. I can usually get at least 6 blocks out of one pattern piece. Also I print the pattern and then trace it to the flat side of my freezer paper. Might give the card stock print a try!
Also if I slightly warm the block with my iron before peeling it off it doesn’t stick. Sometimes if it’s too cool it will pull on the seams a bit and can pull them out of shape, not enough to wreck the block but sometimes concerning
Thank you! Great advice!
I've always used newsprint for paper piecing, but now that I have watched I may have to give the freezer paper a try. Thanks for the demo.
You're so welcome! I will have another tutorial for Foundation Paper Piecing that will be released on Monday, August 14th. I have some tips that you may not have heard of, when using regular paper. Hope you'll check it out! Thanks for your comment!
Thanks for your video. You made it easy to understand the process
Glad it was helpful! It's my "go-to" method when it comes to foundation piecing! Thanks for watching!
Awesome teacher! I have a quilt that I began 30 years ago that I just barely began because I have so much trouble getting the seams to meet in nice points. This freezer paper piecing is going to work! Thank you so much.❤❤❤❤
You're so welcome! I really think the key is the tracing wheel! Let me know if you have any questions!
Thank you for doing this video. I am attempting to understand the value of paper piecing, and you explain every aspect of it so very well. I very much appreciate all of your videos! Keep them coming!
You're so very welcome! Thank you for your kind words and for watching!
Thank you Mary.
You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!
Fabulous. Thanks so much!
You're so welcome! I hope you give it a try! Thanks for watching!
Love this tutorial as you covered all the mistakes!! Thank you for doing the hard work of figuring out the best printing options. Saved us a lot of frustration!
You're so welcome! Glad it was helpful - thanks so much for watching!
This was a great how to video thank you .
You're so welcome! Thanks for watching!
Mary, great demo. I currently use newsprint which is inexpensive and tears easily, but do want to try this technique with vellum. Cautionary tale: While you didn't have issues with this with paper piecing, but some may (I did): When I use my iron on my laserjet-printed pieces, the ink fouled my iron plate. I always use a pressing mat. Others mileage may vary, but if this happens to you, use a pressing mat. I use teflon coated fiberglass sheets (inexpensive at Amazon) as pressing aid. I love paper piecing 3" finished economy blocks. There is something about the tiny intricacy of all of those perfect pieces.
And edge stitch foot will ride along the edge. For any with a plexiglass sewing table, a night light place under neath the acrylic provides an instant lightbox. I use registration marks for the first corner to ensure centering. Thank you for showing precut pieces. Sometimes I see a tangle of fabric being applied and then cut down to size while trimming.
Glue basting v pinning is an alternative adhesion technique which will allow perfect alignment and you can production produce (in my private sweatshop!) by setting opposite corners in one phase, and then sew them in another without sticking/pricking.
GREAT ideas Leisa!!! Thank you - I will make sure to give those suggestions a try. Thank you so much for watching and especially for your input!
Using a zipper presser foot will allow good view of stitch line close to the folded paper.I like this technique for simple blocks it might get tricky with more complex patterns.
Great tip! Thank you for sharing! I will try that. And thanks for watching!
Thank you! I had just signed up for a free hour long class to do this which I am cancelling. This gives me all the information I need with the bonus of getting it through the printer successfully the first time.
My first and only paper pieced quilt was beautiful, and I used tissue paper and self-drawn paper. Now I can do that one again and it will take considerably less time, at least 1/2 the time.
I'm so glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching, Ann, and good luck!
Thank you Mary. I think i finally understand fpp. Hugs
It can be quite daunting at first, but I really think that step-by-step instructions can make all the difference. Thank you so much for commenting and for giving it a try!
Looking forward to more videos. I am just starting my first paper piecing quilt. Keep up the good wonk❤
Thank you so much and thank you for watching! We'll be having a TH-cam LIVE at 1pmCT 3-6 if you'd like to join me!
Great tip on using card stock and glue stick when using a laser printer, worked great. First paper piecing project started.
I'm so glad!!! Have fun with it - I love foundation piecing! Thanks for watching!
Made my own light box, [lamp inside empty wine carton, plexiglass over top, turn on lamp] darken lines of pattern and trace onto freezer paper.
Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching!
Very good video… Thank You!!!🤗❤️
Thank you so much!
I print on regular printer paper and glue that print out to the freezer paper.
Interesting thought.
Do you use your normal stitch length with this method?
I use a “quilting stitch length” usually 1.8-1.9.
You made a comment about your iron possibly being too hot. What iron setting is best for using this method (and being able to reuse the template more than once)?
I try to keep it at a wool setting.
Good video. Do you use a dry iron or steam iron. Please and thank you.
I always use a dry iron with a pressing solution. Never steam. (Personal preference.)
Ink jet printer works beautifully.
Thank you!
Is there an advantage to using freezer paper over regular paper that you stitch and tear? Thank you
I have found that the freezer paper works REALLY well, the first time it is used on any block - comparable to using regular paper - although you can reuse the freezer paper but cannot reuse the regular paper since you tear it off. The "stickiness" is fresh and it makes it very easy to piece a block and remove the paper. As I re-use the paper, I find that if the pieces are really small I can get 2-3 more uses (max) of that paper before I need to use another piece (it gets too "linty" on the back from the fabric and doesn't stick well). If the "stickiness" wears off then the paper moves when I'm folding and pressing and that decreases the accuracy of the block. I have another tutorial where I just use the regular paper along with a couple of tools that, I think, holds an advantage over the freezer paper - especially with smaller pieces. Here's the link if you'd like to take a look: th-cam.com/video/HQiFkf-2Bt0/w-d-xo.html Let me know if that answers your question, Mary.
@@joyfulandmerryquilting thank you for your prompt response. I will watch the other video you suggested.
@marylousteinbauer7585 Absolutely - hope that helps! Thanks so much for watching!
My printer thanks you for your printers trials and tribulations!
I absolutely agree! Thanks for watching!
Interesting method, but it means having the iron on all the time. I am not sure that is a very sustainable way of doing it. I use ordinary paper, roll the seams with a roller and only get out the iron when I have a whole batch of blocks. But perhaps electricity is not as expensive in the US as it is in Europe at the moment.
I absolutely understand what you are saying. We have to conserve where we can and traditional foundation piecing (using regular paper instead of freezer paper) is definitely the way to go when conserving energy. Thank you for pointing that out.
I put my freezer paper through my inkjet printer all the time and it doesn't have any problem
Mine wasn't an inkjet - it was a laser printer. The paper works fine with an inkjet...but the laser printer was too hot.
I ALWAYS use an inkjet printer and just use the freezer paper, NEVER a laser, I made the mistake of using a laser, the paper went missing inside the printer and I had to take the printer apart. The paper was wrapped around one of the rollers totally fused to itself making a solid tube. I had to take the roller out and use a very sharp knife to cut the fused paper off. It was like a pvc pipe it was so solid. Took me several hours to get it out and the printer back together, so NEVER AGAIN will I use a laser printer 🤣🤣🤣
I feel your pain...I know EXACTLY what you're saying! Thanks for sharing! :-)
I've never really understood the sewing next to the line, seems more difficult and easier to lose your precision.
I feel like it's pretty easy to sew right next to the fold (with Freezer Paper Foundation Piecing) - the fold is a bit easier to follow than a line and it seems to give me a pretty good sewing guideline. I don't find that it affects the precision of my block.
Your thought, gives me an idea. I will test the stitch-in-the-ditch presser foot to see if it makes a difference.
That seemed like a whole lot of mucking about and extra expense to save a few sheets of paper. For the block you showed I would not FPP it I would just cut the pieces and do my quarter inch seam. Thanks for showing me before I went out to buy freezer paper.
Hi Marilyn - actually this video was created to simply show the basic principles when it comes to FREEZER PAPER foundation piecing (the good, the bad, and the ugly). I have had many, many requests to offer a demo on freezer paper foundation piecing from quilters who have heard of it, but wanted more info as to the step-by-step process of using freezer paper when piecing a block. Yes, there are many alternate ways to create this simple square in a square block, as you stated. But the purpose of this tutorial wasn't to make a square in a square block, but rather I selected this block because it was very easy for me to piece in just a few steps and then use as a demo in a video. There are many ways to foundation piece more detailed blocks using freezer paper, but it was my intention to offer a basic "what is it?" tutorial first and then in subsequent videos go into more detail as to how you can use these steps that I demonstrated to create blocks that may be difficult to assemble using traditional template piecing or even basic foundation paper piecing. So...I hope you'll keep an open mind when it comes to this technique...there may be a block that catches your eye. Thanks for watching!
No thanks. I'll stick with regular paper piecing.
I absolutely agree - it's really not for everyone. FPP is my "go to" as well. I had many people ask me to demo Freezer Paper Piecing, so I did. Thanks for watching.