I enjoy the accuracy I achieve with foundation piecing but I don’t like drawing all the copies a pattern can require. I have experimented with several different methods of reproducing the required patterns and I would like to share one of these techniques.
I use baking paper. Using the original pattern as my guide I cut the required number of pieces for the particular design I am working on and staple the layers together.
Layered paper stapled together
I remove the thread from the machine and change to a larger needle than I would use for piecing. A leather needle is ideal and I store it in a labeled package to ensure it is only used for paper foundation templates.
Remove thread from machine
Then, using the original pattern on top I sew along the outer lines and the sewing lines.
Sew through original pattern on stitching lines
I number each pattern piece exactly like the original and I am ready to begin paper piecing. The threadless needle makes perforations in the baking paper.
Numbered foundations ready to use
Paper piece as normal using these perforations as your sewing lines.
I find the baking paper is easier to remove after stitching than some of the heavier papers.
I am using Ester Aliu’s 12 Days of Christmas Mystery BOM pattern for my example. You can find this pattern at http://www.estheraliu.com/
