Preparing to Foundation Piece

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Contents:

• Parts of Foundation Pattern
• Foundations are Backwards
• Printing Blocks in Foundation Factory
• Papers for Foundation Piecing
• Muslin Foundations
• Iron-on Transfer Papers
• Preparing Foundations for Sewing
• Materials and Supplies
• Cutting Fabric for Foundation Piecing

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Parts of a Foundation Pattern

A Foundation Pattern

A Foundation Block is a line drawing of the block with numbers and a seam allowance. The Foundation Factory prints these line drawings.

• The lines indicate where you sew.
• The numbers tell you which patch to sew first, second, and so on.
• The seam allowance surrounds the block so that you can sew blocks together, just like any other quilt block. The seam allowance is always 1/4" from the block.

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  Foundation Blocks are Backwards

  Back (printed) side of the block.

  Front (non- printed) side of block . (As printed on translucent paper)

  When you look at the printed side of the Foundation Block, you are actually looking at the back of the block. The non-printed side, the side that you will add the fabric to, is the front of the block. You add the fabric onto the front side of the block.

  The finished block is a mirror image of the foundation pattern. For example, the boat pointing to the lright in the pattern will be pointing to the left in the finished block. This is why the finished blocks in the Foundation Factory are mirror images of the pattern.

  Question: How can I get my block to face the same direction as the finished block?

  That's easy, just press the horizontal flip button when you print the blocks. This button will flip the patterns horizontally.

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  Printing Blocks in Foundation Factory

  
  To print a block from the Foundation Factory, use the block browser to find the block you want. The blocks are divided into directories by the type of blocks. For example, all house blocks are in the House Directory, Log Cabin blocks are in the Log Cabin directory, and so on.

  Once you have selected a block for printing, the Foundation Factory will show you the foundation pattern and a sample of the completed block. To print the block, select the finished size of the block (ignore the seam allowance), and the number of copies you want. You can also choose the following options such as flipping the block.

  Press the print button and the foundation patterns will automatically print.

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  Papers for Foundation Piecing

  
  Any paper will do nicely for foundation piecing, provided you can tear it easily and don't mind throwing it away. Paper foundations are one-time use only; you cannot re-use them.

  Papers that work include typing paper, (the thinner the better,) or ordinary xerox paper . You can also use tracing paper. Tracing paper has the advantage of transparency, but thinner tracing papers may wrinkle or curl when run through a laser printer. I have personally had good results with running tracing paper through ink-jet printers.

  Ideally, you will want a paper that is cheap, can be easily torn, will not fall apart in your printer ,and not curl when it is ironed. Newsprint and xerox paper are good options.

  Muslin Foundations

  
  Many quilters like muslin foundations because muslin adds an extra layer of fabric and stability to the foundation. However, muslin foundations cannot be removed. Muslin is a good alternative to paper foundations for items such as clothing, wall hangings, or any other project that needs added stability. Muslin is not recommened if you intend to quilt the project.

  Printing muslin foundations can be tricky. If you wish to try this technique, try ironing the muslin to a sheet of freezer paper to stiffen the fabric. Next, cut off any loose threads and run it through your printer. Please be aware that some ink-jet printer inks are not water proof and may run if the fabric gets wet.

  Canon Corp. sells packages of paper-backed fabrics ready to print. You can find them at any computer or office supply store.

  Iron-On Transfer Papers

  
  Another option for printing on muslin is to use iron-on transfer paper. Epson Corp. has iron-on transfer paper for computer printers. Again, check computer and office supply stores. To print a block on iron-on transfer paper, select the Mirror for Iron-On option in Foundation Factory. This option prints the block and numbers "backwards."

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  How to prepare the Foundation Pattern for Sewing

  
  To use your foundation patterns, simply off the excess paper by cutting along the dotted line. (The dotted line is the seam allowance. Do not cut along the solid line which indicates the edge of the block. Don't laugh, I've done it! If you plan to sew more than one block, then cut out as many blocks as you will need for your project. Once the excess paper is removed, you are ready to use the foundation pattern.

  Tip: If you don't like the dotted seam allowance line, select the Dashed Line option in Foundation Factory.

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  Materials and Supplies

  
  You will not need any special supplies to foundation piece. You can use the same supplies that you use for conventional sewing. Here's what you'll need.

• Sewing Machine
• Iron and Ironing Board
• Scissors or rotary cutter, plastic ruler and mat (for trimming excess fabric from the block.)
• Pins
• Fabric
• Scissors for cutting excess paper
• Seam Ripper (mistakes happen!)
• Desk Lamp, Light Box, or other source of strong light

  Question: Why do I need a good light?

  A good light source is a must because you will need to hold up the foundation block to the light to check the fabric placement.

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  Cutting Fabric for Foundation Piecing

  
  Cutting fabric for your foundation block is easy because you do not need to cut templates. All you have to do is make sure that the fabric patch is at least 1/2" larger than the area on the pattern.
  
  Fabric placed on the block, as seen from the printed side.
  Note that the fabric is larger than the pattern area.

  If you are just learning to foundation piece, you should cut out larger pieces of fabric. You can always cut away any excess fabric later. It's easier to cut off excess fabric than to have to rip out a seam. because the fabric patch didn't cover the pattern.

  To find the right size for a particular patch, measure the widest area of the pattern on the foundation block and add approx. 1/2 inch to the measurement. For example. If pattern area is 1" at it's widest point, cut out a fabric patch 1 1/2 inches wide.

  How not to Waste a Lot of Fabric

  Cutting out squares, while quick, can result in excess fabric which you'll only have to trim it away later. You can save on fabric by cutting out shapes approximating the pattern. For example, cut a triangle of fabric to cover a triangle shape in the pattern.

  If you don't mind wasting some fabric, then just cut squares. Of course, you can always save the leftovers for later projects!

  For blocks such as Log Cabins or Pineapples, cutting strips of fabric will be the most efficient way to use your fabric. Just make sure that you add at least 1/2 inch to the width of the fabric stripes to cover the seam allowances.

  Question: How can I make sure my fabric patch will cover the pattern area?

  Nothing is more frustrating than to sew on a patch, and discover that it's to small to cover the pattern area. So, before you sew on the patch, place the fabric on the wrong side of the block where you want it placed. Hold up the block with the fabric to the light and see if the fabric covers the pattern area. If it isn't at least 1/4" larger than the pattern area, cut another fabric patch.

  
  Hold up a fabric piece to the light to check for placement and size.

  Using Fabric Scraps

  Because you don't have to cut precise templates, foundation piecing offers an excellent opportunity to use your fabric scraps. In fact, you can use any odd-shaped scraps you have, provided that they are larger than the pattern area.

  Most foundation blocks are small, usually between 2" and 6", so you can and use your tinniest scraps. Of course, for larger blocks, you will need to cut out larger pieces of fabric.

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  Now you are ready to sew!

  You have learned how foundations work and how to print and prepare your foundations for sewing. You've also got your work area set up and your supplies ready. You've even cut your fabric...

  Now, you're ready at last to sew your first foundation block. Click here to go to the tutorial and learn the secrets of foundation sewing!

  
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