Freezer Paper Foundation Piecing

I love the accuracy you can get with foundation paper piecing, but I really dislike removing the paper at the end! When I heard about a method using Freezer paper that doesn't involve sewing through the paper I thought I would give it a try. I decided to practice using a Dear Jane Block and I love it! I thought it would be a good idea to do a little tutorial so you can try it too.

First you need to trace your block pattern onto the dull side of a piece of freezer paper; number the sections and cut them apart; score lightly on the lines between numbered sections (take care not to rip the paper)

Fold back the line between sections 1 & 2 and iron the glossy side of the FP pattern to the wrong side of your chosen fabric for piece 1, the piece should be at least 1/4" or more all round

Using the FP as a guide, trim the seam allowance to 1/4" away from the fold

Line up your number 2 fabric right sides together and stitch carefully along the edge of the fold. DO NOT stitch through the paper! Extend your stitching by about 1/4" each end beyond the fold.

Press the FP back in place from the back and front to press the seam; fold back number 3

Trim seam allowance to 1/4" as before

Keep adding and trimming pieces in order until you have completed the section, you can see here how I have extended my stitching beyond the marked areas - don't worry if it looks messy!

Using the FP as a guide, trim all seam allowances to 1/4" - leave the FP in place

Use the FP to help line up seams and piece the sections into rows and then into a block, you can remove the paper when the block is complete - and re-use it if you wish :)